Customer Reviews

KENSINGTON 33348 Bluetooth USB 2.0 Adapter

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I already had a Kensington Bluetooth 1.2 adapter K33085, and I used it on my Windows XP computer to communicate with my Dell Axim X30 PDA, Nokia 6230 phone, and Motorola HS820 phone headset.

I figured I would upgrade to Bluetooth 2.0 to enable future devices with higher speeds and more capabilities (e.g., stereo headset), so I bought this adapter 33348.

It seems to work fine transferring files with the PDA and the phone, but my main thing was really the headset (for Skype), and I couldn't get it to work.

I installed the software as instructed (tried on 3 separate XP computers), and paired with the headset. It said it was paired, and it noticed when I would connect or disconnect the headset, but when they were paired, there was no sound. I tried manually switching the default audio device to Bluetooth Audio (didn't have to do that on the K33085), but it still didn't work.

I also tried my friend's HS820 and H700 headsets, with the same results.

I contacted Tech Support from both Kensington and Motorola. I never got an answer from Motorola (after 5 days), and the answer from Kensington, while prompt, was not terribly helpful. After I described the problem in detail, and asked for detailed advice, the response basically amounted to "Try installing from scratch again, and if it doesn't work, here's where you can apply for a refund."

So I returned the 33348 adapter to Amazon, and I'm back to using the old K33085 adapter. Hope I manage to find a Bluetooth 2.0 adapter compatible with my headset soon.

I bought this at Comp USA for the same price as on Amazon. This product seems very solid. The installation went very smoothly. My Palm connected right away which is better than the nightmares I have had in the past trying to get bluetooth to work.

5 Stars!

Update:

A process used by this device frequently runs and takes a lot of CPU time. It becomes apparent when my mouse is very slow. I am going to check for software updates. I still like it, but the CPU problem is inconvenient.

A really good product. The software installs easily and works well. I've paired my phone, my wife's phone, and my Motorola H500 headset without a problem. Distance is good as I can go anywhere in my house without losing connection. It's great because I can simply unplug it, I hear 2 dings and my USB is free for whatever else I may need to plug in. I can plug it in as needed without a reboot and I've not had a single issue with it yet. My only dissapointment is that it feels a bit flimsy, almost as if you could squeeze it and it would split open. It also should have some sort of cap for further protection and possibly a case or something to keep it from getting lost. It's still a winner in my book and I'm quite pleased with it.

As of March 21, no Vista drivers available. It worked fine on the same machine I was running XP on, but when I upgraded to Vista, no go. Their Website gives no hint that they'll ever support it. I find this inexcusable for a simple piece of hardware, especially since Vista in various iterations has been available for testing for almost a year. Boo to you, Kensington.

I am happy with the purchase. It worked the first time I tried it. I use it with my cellphone and pc to back up my phone database. It works as advertised.

This product is ok. However it does not work with Windows Vista and I couldn't find a driver that would work with Vista

I had no problems installing this device and it paired with my Nokia phone so that I can sync my contacts and calendar.
Unfortunately, the Bluetooth service is a processor hog even when idle. Even if you stop the device, services.exe runs at over 10% of CPU, which has an impact on running games. Therefore, I need to manually stop the service before playing a computer game.

This bluetooth adapter works like it was sent from heaven. its range is further than most other adapters, and this is 2.0, the newest bluetooth, so it transfers data REALLY FAST! this is a great buy, and if you want bluetooth, go with this one.

It came in very simple packaging, with a very clear manual, and near idiot-proof installation software. In less than 15 minutes, my Dell Dimension 3000 was Bluetooth-enabled, and less than 10 minutes after that, I'd performed my first Bluetooth Hotsync with my Palm Treo 650. Unfortunately, I can't yet get it to see my Cardo Scala 500 headset, which I'd really love to use with Skype. But I know that a given Bluetooth device may possibly not pair with every other Bluetooth device, but I'm operating in hope that product support from either Kensington or Scala can help still. Otherwise, it's a fantastic little adapter and well worth the purchase price.

I purchased this adapter for the purpose of transfering pictures from my Motorola RAZR phone to my computer. Having previously owned a cheap generic unit I cannot recommend enough the importance of purchasing a name brand adapter; the generic units have very bad software. While this product from Kinsngton is not plug and play, once installed, it does provide acceptably intuitive and easy-to-use file transfer software. I have not used it with a voice headset so I cannot speak to it's abilities for such use.