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UsingBluetooth Headset with your PC |
by:
Nathan Smith |
If you use your computer for Voice over IP (VoIP) applications, chances are that at some time you’ve experienced frustration withcords associated with traditional PC headsets. Imagine being able to roam throughout your home whilst talking to people aroundworld usingPC headset unencumbered byconstraints of wires. Whether you useheadset for PC to Phone conversations, instant messaging, gaming or video-conferencing,Bluetooth solution may be justticket for your wireless cravings.
Bluetooth
For those of you not familiar withterm, Bluetooth refers towireless protocol (or set of rules) designed for short range electronic applications (usually less than threezero feet in distance). Althoughtechnology has been around for several years, Bluetooth support for PC users has been limited due to hardware manufacturers focusing onmore traditional eightzerotwo.oneone wireless network protocols (wifi). In reality, Bluetooth and wifi achieve different purposes and each has its pros and cons.
Cellular Telephone Bluetooth Headsets
The cellular telephone community has long embraced Bluetooth technology, developing and refining numerous wireless devices. One ofmore popular Bluetooth applications for cellular telephones has been cordless headsets which enable users to leave their telephone in their bag or pocket while still being able to make and receive calls. Bluetooth headsets are generally very lightweight, worn over one ear and achieve talk times from one-four hours before needingrecharge.
Bluetooth PC Headset?
So if cellular telephone users have warmly embraced Bluetooth headsets, why notPC community? Attime of writing, this author knows of no PC hardware manufacturer who has designedBluetooth Headset primarily for use withPC. However, there is nothing to preventPC user from usingcellular phone Bluetooth Headset with their PC. Keep in mind though, these headsets were originally envisioned for cellular phone use and may needbit of ‘tweaking’ before they’ll perform as well as ‘corded’ headsets on your computer.
USB Bluetooth Adapter
Unless you ownrelatively expensive notebook PC, odds are that your computer doesn’t natively supportBluetooth protocol. If this iscase, you’ll need‘Adapter’ or ‘Dongle’ in order to make your computer ‘Bluetooth enabled’. Bluetooth adapters are generally very small (a few inches long) and insert intovacant USB port on your computer. When purchasingadapter it’s critical that you buy one that supports‘headset protocol’. The headset protocol is merelyset of rules which enables your Bluetooth adapter to communicate with and make use of Bluetooth headsets in its vicinity. If your adapter does not supportheadset protocol, no amount of ‘tweaking’ will get your headset working with your PC. Adapters generally run between $twozero - $eightzero USD and can be purchased at most PC retailers.
BuyingBluetooth Headset
Bluetooth headsets for cellular phones are generally very expensive when compared with conventional ‘corded’ PC headsets. Depending on where you buy your headset, you could spend anywhere from $twozero to $twozerozero+ USD. If you’re looking forrelatively inexpensive headset that’ll simply enable you to make wireless VoIP calls using your PC, I recommend looking on Ebay. Although prices vary considerably on Ebay between merchants for similar products, overall they are considerably less expensive than purchasingsame headset fromtelephone store. A word of caution about Ebay though; ensure that you readfine print associated with shipping costs. Some Ebay merchants advertise Bluetooth Headsets for $five USD howeverreal cost quickly rises to $threefive+ when you account for their often exorbitant shipping charges.
‘Pairing’Headset with your PC
Once your computer is ‘Bluetooth enabled’ and you’ve obtainedBluetooth headset, you’ll need to ‘pair’headset with your computer in order to use it for VoIP applications. This is usually justmatter of setting your headset in ‘discovery mode’ and allowing your PC to ‘search’ or ‘discover’ Bluetooth devices. The steps needed to enable discovery mode on your headset and adapter will vary between devices and should be clearly explained indocumentation accompanying your devices.
Adjusting your Audio Settings
Depending on your hardware and operating system, you may need to make adjustments to your audio settings afterheadset is ‘paired’ with your PC. InWindows operating system, this will involve accessing ‘Audio Properties’ through‘Control Panel’ and settingaudio and voice devices to your newly paired Bluetooth headset. Again, adjusting these settings should be covered indocumentation accompanying both your headset and Bluetooth adapter.
Once you’re up and running, you’ll wonder why you didn’t adopt this wireless headset solution sooner. The freedom to wander away from your computer whilst maintaining voice over Internet conversations is something you’ll come to appreciate and love.
Aboutauthor:
Nathan isowner of netphonedirectory.com which deals specifically with PC to Phone and PC to PC VoIP. The site includescomprehensive directory of PC to Phone service providers as well as information on VoIP and what you need to make inexpensive long-distance telephone calls using your computer
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