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I have a G4 running on Panther but it doesn't have BlueTooth and I want to use a wireless mouse for it. Should I have BlueTooth installed or just use the the bluetooth adapter. I just didn't to use one of my two USB ports to the adapter.

are you sure yr powerbook doesnt have a bluetooth capability already? for example the newest powerbook 12inch screen does have bluetooth.
if you do have an older powerbook, then you would need to use one of yr usb ports for the bluetooth adapter.
but, bluetooth is worth it. apple's wireless mouse is wonderful.

If you don't have bluetooth built in, then you'll have to go with the adapter. I don't know how much it costs to actually upgrade your computer to blue tooth ready, but I'm pretty sure it will be a lot more than just buying the USB bluetooth adapter.

The bluetooth mouse is absolutely great, and I'm going to be buying a matching bluetooth keyboard in the near future.

IF the only you want bluetooth for is wireless mouse/keyboard, then it might just be cheaper to go w/ a wireless mouse and keyboard package or one or the other. There are some nice travel mice out there that have a small wireless USB dongle. They aren't bluetooth, but it will surely get the job done. The whole point of having bluetooth installed in your device is so you don't have to worry about remembering dongles/adapters and to not have anything sticking out of your laptop. I don't use a wireless mouse w/ mine, i use the BlueTooth to check my mail on the go via my BT enabled cell phone...

May God Be With You.
-Matt

I'm fairly certain that built-in Bluetooth is a "get-it-only-when-you-first-order it" item. It's probably possible for a good technician to do it aftermarket, but probably fairly expensive.

A Belkin or D-Link Bluetooth adapter will work great. It's worth the investment because wireless keyboards and mice are fabulous -- very fun and convenient to use. And if you own a BT PDA or phone it's an absolute godsend.

Go this route. I don't think you can have BT installed after you've received your PB. I use the D-Link adaptor and it works great with my phone.

It's cool to plug the USB adapter into a USB hub, right? It doesn't have to go right in the computer...?

That way I can just toss it on the same hub as my printer and mouse is connected to, so when I grab the powerbook, I don't need bluetooth along for the ride poking out the back...

Also, will *any* bluetooth adapters work? There's one I found that's only $23, as opposed to the $35 or so I've seen elsewhere. Is there any chance it won't work, or do bluetooth dongles all interface the same with the mac? I know apple is pushign the dlink adapter, but I don't know if that's just a branding thing or if there's a functional reason for it.

Answers appreciated,
W

That's correct. I plug my D-Link DBT-120 directly into the USB ports on my Apple Keyboard, which is a type of hub.

Well ... they are supposed to work, although I think Apple only official supports the D-Link and its own built-in hardware at this point. Of course, with standards like Bluetooth it's all meant to be, well, standard, so everthing Bluetooth works with everything else that's Bluetooth.

I believe any of the various USB Bluetooth adapters will work, although some may need Mac OS X drivers.

You can use virtually any BT adaptor with your PB. I bought a generic Class 1 adaptor for less than $20, and it works great. It's a Class 1 adaptor, i.e. supposedly having a much longer range. Brands like Billionton or similar will work. No drivers needed.

Even the Microsloth Bluetooth adapter works. The one that comes with there BT mouse and Keyboard.

Every Powerbook that can have internal BT has internal BT. It's not an option--it's standard on every aluminum PB. It was never an option for older PBs.

For the iBooks, PMs, and iMacs it's BTO only--it can't be added later other than via a USB adapter.

That's cool! I wonder if the rechargeable BT mouse from Logitech's base, which acts as a BT hub under Windows, would work with a Mac....