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cmoney · Jul 24, 2004, 03:39 PM

Just got the Airport Express and it's gonna do the party shuffle for a party tonight.

I checked out Salling Clicker and it works awesome from my Tungsten T! Displays the album art and even the next songs in the playlist, the time elapsed and remaining, etc. All very cool stuff, especially when combined with Party Shuffle and Airport Express. Except it works over Bluetooth, which means the range is pretty much limited to 10' or basically within sight of my G5! Kinda useless!

So, is there anyway to extend the range of Bluetooth? My speakers and Airport Express are just about 35' and one floor down from my G5. This setup is probably better than what Apple will come out with if one is in the works.

Barring that, are there any programs that work as nicely as Salling Clicker, except maybe over WiFi (and I guess a PocketPC since WiFi availability is pretty limited on the Palm)? I've got a PowerBook except I'd rather not leave that out during a party!

TailsToo · Jul 24, 2004, 11:19 PM

maybe run a long usb extention cable?

I think I've read that some USB dongles have a better range than others.

cmoney · Jul 26, 2004, 10:49 PM

Anyone know if the Linksys USB Bluetooth adapter will work with a Mac? It's a Class 1 BT adapter with a range of 100m. Or does anyone know of a Class 1 adapter that will work?

f1000 · Jul 26, 2004, 10:55 PM

Get a cheap iBook.

f1000 · Jul 26, 2004, 10:56 PM

Better yet, get a CHEAP PC laptop with a WiFi card and run iTunes on it.

gomariners · Jul 26, 2004, 11:59 PM

Originally posted by TailsToo:
maybe run a long usb extention cable?

I think I've read that some USB dongles have a better range than others.

If you stuck a USB dongle into your airport express (remember it does have a USB hub) then the range could be only 30' and it'd be very useful.

cmoney · Jul 27, 2004, 01:30 AM

the usb port is only for usb printers. would be cool if it worked though.

if i used a laptop as a remote, there'd be no reason to have an airport express. the laptop could stream the music itself.

f1000 · Jul 27, 2004, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by cmoney:
if i used a laptop as a remote, there'd be no reason to have an airport express. the laptop could stream the music itself.

With an AirPort Express, you don't need to keep your laptop tethered to the stereo.

Wiskedjak · Jul 27, 2004, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by cmoney:
Anyone know if the Linksys USB Bluetooth adapter will work with a Mac? It's a Class 1 BT adapter with a range of 100m. Or does anyone know of a Class 1 adapter that will work?

Belkin has a 100m BT adapter that works on the Mac.

azdude · Jul 27, 2004, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by Wiskedjak:
Belkin has a 100m BT adapter that works on the Mac.

Perhaps, but the Tungsten T is not a 100m device

cmoney · Aug 2, 2004, 02:40 AM

Bringing this back from the dead.

Cause I got an IOGear Class 1 BT adapter last night and it's got a much longer range than the D-Link model. Not getting what Class 1 devices are "supposed" to get (100 meters, as expected since the Palm isn't a Class 1 device) but still much closer to what a Class 2 device should get (10 meters). Before with the D-Link, I had to be in the room to even pair the Palm with the Mac. Now I can connect from 2 rooms over.

Anyway, I just bought Salling Clicker because it's now working fine as a remote for iTunes and Airport Express!

Not perfect but totally cool. Can't wait for the next party to show it off!