Customer Reviews

Motorola Bluetooth PC USB Adapter

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have a Motorola v551 phone and bought it assuming that it came with Motorola Phone Tools CD. As the previous reviewer mentioned, that product description is incorrect. 'What's in the Box' says that "Motorola Phone Tools CD" is in the box. But it is not included, instead you get basic Bluetooth Widcomm BT software and driver. It gives you the ability to transfer files between a PC and the phone, and other basic bluetooth services. Basically, you can transfer picture and video from the phone to your PC, and can transfer an mp3 file to the phone to use as a ring tone, or use your phone as a GPRS modem for accessing Internet from the PC when away from your office (I got a speed of 135.5 Kbps in Monterey, CA). I thought that was pretty cool to be able to access Internet from the laptop via my cell phone's bluetooth link.

I almost thought of returning and getting a cheaper make since it didn't have Phone Tool CD as was mentioned in the product description, but have kept it since I don't think I am going to do any thing more with the adapter other than occasionaly changing ring tones. I use public domain mp3 editing tool to create ring tones, and Adobe Photoshop to edit graphics for themes. At this point, I don't really care about MPT much as it includes functionality very similar to widcomm software (+ built in editor for audio, photo and mp3 files) and a nicer user interface which could be useful if you aren't a computer person. You can download MPT from bvrp software, if you want.

There are cheaper BT adapters available, (...) Moreover, I don't want problem with third party devices that may not have been tested with Motorola phone or MPT tools. Look wise, it is indeed a very cute looking little adapter.

Software installation and configuration is straight forward, though you may have to fiddle a few times to get thing working properly (like make sure discovery "on" feature is set on your pc, and also your phone's bluetooth interface is on etc.). From opening the package to making a connection w/ the phone (v551) takes about 20 minutes or so. I recommend its purchase.

I'm updating this review to add that I just received my Amazon/Motorola rebate for this item (6/05). Also, Amazon appears to have corrected the incorrect product description described below.

A warning: product description 'What's in the Box' says that "Motorola Phone Tools CD" is in the box. Not so. The included CD is the driver software for USB device (WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software 1.4.2). To get the Phone Tools CD, you'd have to order the more expensive Bluetooth USB adapter w/ Phone Tools CD. This item is perfect for people who already own Phone Tools and are looking to change connectivity from cable to using the bluetooth network capability associated with most of the 'higher end' current Motorola phone models.

Software installation and configuration is a snap. From opening the package to making a connection w/ the phone (v505) took less than 10 minutes.

There are many 3rd party bluetooth usb adapters that cost significantly less. The current rebate combined w/ the guaranteed 100% compatibility w/ Motorola phone/products compelled me to purchase this one. So far, so good, and I'm satisfied with the choice.

I bought this for use with a Motorola v551 cell phone. This was a good deal because at the time the product description said it included the Mobile PhoneTools Software - it does NOT. The CD is for the WIDCOMM bluetooth driver only.

Rebate: Even though this says there is a $20.00 rebate the UPC on the box is not on the rebate form! So I don't know yet whether or not there is one. If there is not, this is not worth $49.00. I will return it and just get a generic adapter or buy the package that REALLY has the Mobile PhoneTools Software in it.

Note: If you want to use this with Windows XP Pro SP2 be aware that the installation guide that says in BIG RED print how to install is wrong - at least for SP2. Here's the deal. Their proceedure works up until the point Microsoft included a signed bluetooth driver in SP2. At that point the signed driver will always be picked over the unsigned WIDCOMM driver. Easy to get around, ONCE YOU KNOW. Just let MS install their driver, then go to Device Manager, select the bluetooth device and update driver. Don't do any searches but instead just point to the WIDCOMM driver.

Next Issue: When you finally get Mobile PhoneTools Software, either start at v1.23 then download the 2.16 (US) Upgrade and then use LiveUpdate to get to 3.19e. The 3.11 version does not appear to support LiveUpdate AND has a problem interacting (in that it doesn't) with OutLook 2003.

All said and done, I like the cute little adapter. It is a Motorola so, as others have mentioned, compatibility with Motorola phones should not be an issue. I really feel like marking this down lower just due to the very poor software installation documentation and problems - but what the heck, they're no worse than the rest of the pathetic industry.

The best way to transfer files such as (Music files) from your pc to your phone.

P.S. USB wire is stressful, go Wireless