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The software offered was version 6.3.5.430 supporting Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Extended Data Rate).I followed the links to the Broadcom website, downloaded and installed the software. But, having done so, I am very pleased with the product. I bought this because I have used the Targus brand before. However, I needed something to work with Windows 7 on my Dell desktop and I heard about more than a few success stories with this product, although it does not say so as part of the Amazon's product description. I did not appreciate the extra steps I had to take to get it to work, and the time I wasted. Then, I then ran the installation manually using the Vista version BTW 6.0.1.6300 that came on the disk. I immediately came up with a link to Windows 7 Compatibility Center which recommended WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software for Windows 7, Vista or XP for computers with a "Broadcom-enabled embedded or USB plug-in Bluetooth wireless adapter" (which is what this Targus product hardware actually is).
So, for the chance I took, it was a success.Installation wasn't as easy I would have liked. This is what I wanted to use the Bluetooth Adapter for in the first place.
I first installed the software using "autoplay." It never completely installed. In minutes I was listening to my A2DP stereo headset and was able to pair my Nokia Smartphone to my desktop, synchronize it, etc.
I also liked the tiny size. This version installed completely.
Hopefully, some of you may be able to capitalize on these efforts, load & install the above software the first time--not have any headaches with this--but just enjoy using it. Knowing this, I too a chance.The Adapter came with its own software disk.
This also failed to install completely.I searched online for a Windows 7 driver.
Not a good move. Couldn't get it to work afterwards. Bought this from Office Depot. When I came back to my computer, I saw a very bent adapter. I'm now gonna buy a microadapter that doesn't stick out so far. It worked fine with my wireless Bluetooth mouse. While I was charging my laptop, I forgot the adapter was in and set the computer down on its side.
In the end, this adapter did what I bought it for. This time, my Mac instantly recognized the adapter, allowing me to easily and quickly transfer files from my Mac to my phone with no problems. So I rebooted the computer, then plugged the adapter in again.
The package clearly states it is both PC and Mac compatible, but the instruction booklet inside the package said absolutely nothing about using it with a Mac. A dialog box popped up stating that the adapter was looking for a Bluetooth-compatible mouse (which I don't have). I bought this Bluetooth adapter to transfer small music files (OK, ringtones) from my PowerMac G4 to my Nokia 6085 phone.
After about two minutes of that nonsense, I unplugged the adapter.and the mouse still didn't work. Time will tell if it holds up through the 1 year warranty and beyond. The mini-CD containing the driver inside the package also made no mention of a Mac.
So, I just plugged the darn thing into a USB port--and my mouse stopped working.
It's got a cool little LED4. It is not even SORT of plug-n-play - there's not a lot of software to load, but you have to load software from a CD. It's tiny2.
Best Buy will take it as a returnBad things about this Bluetooth Adapter1. So although I can say more good things about the product than bad, I think that the items under "bad" are a bit more important. It makes me wax nostolgic about our family's original computer: which had a whopping 4 Megahertz (i.e., the adapter is REALLY slow)2.
Good things about this Bluetooth Adapter:1. It techincally works6. I suppose if you're only transferring tiny files through the Bluetooth adapter it will work just fine.otherwise look for something else.
It's got a cap to protect the USB end3. It's kind of shiny5.
I hear sound for only a few seconds at a time before it cuts out for large gaps. One caveat on the software, however. Hopefully, the package is right and I'll be able to stream music from my laptop. It's definitely not plug n' play, but it is intuitive to some extent.The weird thing is, the packaging (at least for the product I bought at Best Buy) says that it is Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, and that it supports the A2DP stereo profile, but I can't find anything on the Targus website or in the included documentation to support this claim.
I was expecting this to be a major hassle, given all the bad reviews of BT dongles out there, but I was able to link up and share files between my sony ericsson w810i and my Dell Inspiron 6000 within ten minutes of opening the box. This thing is okay for data, but if you want to use it to broadcast to stereo headphones, beware.If I could change my rating, I'd change it to a 3. This is the main reason I bought the dongle, so if it doesn't work, back to the store it goes.**Edit**Well, I received my headphones, and it turns out that it does support A2DP, but the connection with the headphones stinks. So far, no problems at all (and none of the problems I've heard of from reviews of the Kensington device).
As far as I can tell from the extremely fast data transfer rate, however, the claim on the packaging seems to be true.I will be receiving my bluetooth stereo headphones in a few days. Back to the store it goes. This thing works very well in my PC environment, and doesn't saddle you with any useless or unnecessary "cute" applications. I can see where it would be confusing to those who are not at least reasonably computer savvy, with some experience in BT jargon, too.
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