What useful things can I do with bluetooth?

[Guest Dan Diplo]

OK, I realise this will seem like a silly question to some people, but bare with me... This is my first phone with bluetooth. I also have a Samsung NC10 netbook, running Win XP, that also has bluetooth. So my basic question is - is there anything useful I can do with this connectivity? Given both devices are also on the same wi-fi network, is their any advantage of bluetooth over this for transferring files etc? Are there any apps I might want to check out?

I realise this is a very general question, and "usefulness" is subjective, but was really wondering what other people use it for? Thanks!

[Guest Phoenix Silver]

with bluetooth you can have bluetooth hands free headset

you can share contacts

you can tether your phone

and so on

no advantage to transfert files bluetooth is very slow

i don't use bluetooth except for the headset

i suppose you can use it in car with the radio

all can be do via wifi

you can tether the blade with wifi or vice versa

[Guest Grain]

Wifi is much faster than Bluetooth so using Bluetooth for file transfer does not make much sense if you have Wifi. It's a bit simpler though since Bluetooth has some standardized protocols for file transfer and some other things such as audio streaming (i.e., attaching a headset to the phone) which are not possible using Wifi, at least not without additional software.

Another benefit of Bluetooth is that is draws much less power than Wifi. For example, using Bluetooth instead of Wifi for internet connectivity in-house would be interesting. I don't know any software that allows this though. The other way around (using a bluetooth connection between phone and a PC for giving the PC internet access via the phone) is more common it seems.

[Guest Phoenix Silver]

with blueman in linux (you have to install bluez too)

you can tether your pc with bluetooth

[Guest NorthRiding]

OK, I realise this will seem like a silly question to some people, but bare with me... This is my first phone with bluetooth. I also have a Samsung NC10 netbook, running Win XP, that also has bluetooth. So my basic question is - is there anything useful I can do with this connectivity? Given both devices are also on the same wi-fi network, is their any advantage of bluetooth over this for transferring files etc? Are there any apps I might want to check out?

I realise this is a very general question, and "usefulness" is subjective, but was really wondering what other people use it for? Thanks!

I use Bluetooth (BT) quite a lot. It has to be "paired" with another device which is normally very easy and requires an exchange of a 4 figure pin (good security?)

It automatically connects my mobile phone (normally in my pocket) onto my Ford Audio which is built in to the car so I just jump in and drive off. If I get an incoming call I can answer it on the built-in hands-free effortlessly without touching the phone (normally in my pocket). I can also dial by voice direct to my phone from the Ford Audio system without touching the phone. I can access the Address Book from my car "system". Excellent.

I also use it to transfer files and pictures to and from my laptop to my mobile phone which it does quickly and efficiently. Some homephone systems have Bluetooth so transfer of contacts to and from mobiles by Bluetooth is possible.

I used to use it to transfer contacts etc to other mobiles but am having trouble transferring contacts correctly from Android to non-android and vice versa. They transfer but the format is incorrect. I suspect this is because they are Google contacts?? (Another story/thread/forum).

I have a handsfree earpiece which also connects by Bluetooth.

Until I had this latest Android problem with transferring contacts (which is ongoing and features in another thread/forum) I have had absolutely no problem with it and find it very, very useful.

[Guest Dan Diplo]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, guys. Sounds like Bluetooth might be useful for connecting to accessories and stuff, but not so useful for pairing with my laptop. I'll have a play, anyway... ;)