Belkin USB to Infrared Smartbeam Infrared adapter

Advantages: Tiny, LED, Protective Cap
Disadvantages: Annoying features installed

...After I purchased my new phone (Nokia 6230i) I needed to be able to transfer info between my phone and my PC, so I headed out to my local comet and picked this up for £10.99. This tiny Adapter (better known as a Dongle) has a USB socket under a protective cap which plugs into any PC or Laptop. It is USB 2.0, but also supports USB 1.1 on older PC's and has a range of 10meters. Bluetooth is a way of communicating wirelessly, like infra-red or radio waves and is very easy to use, the only problem is it is slightly slower than using data cables or infra-red. In the package you get the dongle and a CD with drivers (un-needed on XP as it will be automatically installed when plugged in) When the Dongle is plugged in and Bluetooth is on, a small Blue LED lights up on the dongle, which is very helpful. You can turn bluetooth on or off using... Read review

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Advantages: Does the job
Disadvantages: None

..., or send MP3's, ring tones, games or pictures from your computer to your phone. Bluetooth is much faster than infra-red, and the range is sufficient to move around the room whilst you are using it. I found the software that Belkin provided uneccessary and inferior to the drivers already included with Windows XP. You should find that the windows Bluetooth icon appears in the system tray when you connect the device, and basic functionality is provided from here. Most mobile phones are provided with a software CD that include the necessary software for transferring files, songs and pictures to and from your phone. If you've lost it, this software is often available to download from the manufacturer's website. These often allow additional functionality: for example, the Nokia software allows you to backup all of your contacts to your PC... Read review

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Advantages: Its wireless
Disadvantages: Its slow, USB becomes faulty easy, software is useless

...This adapter is ok. I have used it and it has worked however it could be quicker and the software that comes with it is dreadful. It really does overcomplicate things. I also have to say that i think my adapters USB became faulty. For some reason it kept disconnecting and reconnecting like I dont know what. However for what it is it is very good value. Personally I would go for the netgear 108mbps as you will find the speed and reliability a lot quicker and better. I have had no problems with this and the software is very easy to use and set up. Belkin customer support are very helpful thought....but should I really of had to ring them??? Its up to you to decide I suppose.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful