Sony USB Bluetooth Adapter for XP Model Notebooks (PCGABA1/A)

by Sony

Product Details

• Item Weight: 0.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00009QPQL
• Item model number: PCGABA1/A
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,946 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 19, 2003

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smallest BT Adapter on the market manages to work well, too!, December 6, 2003

By 

Tony M. Phan (Iowa, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony USB Bluetooth Adapter for XP Model Notebooks (PCGABA1/A) (Personal Computers)

I purchased one of these for use with my Sony TR2 laptop, which curiously had its internal Bluetooth removed for the American market. In any case, I wanted to use it with my Sony Ericsson T616 Phone and Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, nothing fancy.

I'm glad to say that software installation was a breeze, and the included BlueSpace NE software makes adding Bluetooth devices a snap. You launch the application, then press discover, which brings up a list of Bluetooth peripherals within range. You are then prompted to add the device and enter a PIN number. Much easier than the previous hassles I've been through with Bluetooth technology.

The hardware itself is tiny, easily the smallest USB Bluetooth adapter I've ever seen or used, and far better than Microsoft's monstrosity that comes with the keyboard and mouse. The end of the adapter glows a cool blue when plugged in as well. The mini carrying case comes with a lanyard hole so you won't lose the thing, I actually have mine attached to my keychain.

Initially I had a problem getting Outlook to sync with the T616 phone through XTND Connect, which is provided with the phone. This caused some hair-pulling, but was resolved by going to Phone Monitor Options under the control panel and turning on COM Port 4. Then activate the Serial Port service in BlueSpace NE and you're good to go.

As an interesting side note, this adapter works perfectly with my 667 MHz Apple PowerBook G4 in addition to the VAIO! Although it's a bit more expensive than other USB Bluetooth adapters, the cool design and ease of use make it worth the bit of extra cash. Definitely recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So easy to use and very convenient, April 20, 2005

By 

Bader S. Alreziza (Irvine,CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony USB Bluetooth Adapter for XP Model Notebooks (PCGABA1/A) (Personal Computers)

Simply insert the adapter into your USB connector and you are ready to use the wireless Bluetooth functions.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars does not work with iPaq, May 29, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Sony USB Bluetooth Adapter for XP Model Notebooks (PCGABA1/A) (Personal Computers)

This adapter may work fine with other Sony products, but it does not work with PDAs other than Sony Clie. I tried every listed and imaginable option on both ends (my Vaio notebook and iPaq 2215), they "saw" each other, but could not transfer files -- not with Bluespace, not with integrated WinXP functions, and not with the ipaq software. Nada. Sony tech support was no help. I went on-line to research this problem, and MANY complaints of the same type were available -- that Sony Bluetooth does not play nice with its neighbors. Seems this is the way Sony competes in the marketplace. Fortunately, I can return this control-freak BT adapter, and get one more diversity-friendly. But many who have an integrated Sony BT in their Vaios apparently are forced to buy external BT adapters, as they are unable to use the Sony internal with their non-Sony PDAs.
Not very friendly, Sony. This is a lousy way to compete. I got my Vaio TR1 because it was an awesome little laptop. If I had liked one of the Clies, I would have purchased it. However, I preferred the iPaqs, for many reasons. Don't bully the consumer! Let us choose based upon our needs and how your products meet them.