How IT Works
Before using a Bluetooth connection, you must “pair” two Bluetooth-enabled devices. Depending on the devices being used, the pairing process can be as simple as powering them both on and searching for a connection, or may be a more secure process involving the exchange of pass codes between the two. Once set up, the devices can remember each other and automatically reconnect when in range.

Wireless Mice And Keyboards
Apple has been offering Bluetooth built into its computers for some time now, and its wireless keyboard and mouse are must-have accessories for Mac users, if not for the freedom and flexibility, then at least for the Apple aesthetic. Windows users will usually find Bluetooth built into only the more expensive laptops; however, you can easily and affordably add Bluetooth to your Windows computer with a USB dongle.

While eliminating the cable on your keyboard may be mostly a reduction in clutter, wire-free mice are a real pleasure, especially when working in mouse-intensive applications like Photoshop. You may not even be conscious of how many times your mouse’s cord interferes with free movement, but when you lose the cord, you immediately notice that the need to pick up and reposition your mouse is reduced dramatically, as you’re no longer tethered by the cord’s length.

For pen tablet aficionados, Wacom now offers a Bluetooth Graphire tablet. Here’s another device that benefits from the technology, as you can hold or position the tablet comfortably, without restriction, in whatever way best suits your preferences and workspace.

There’s one downside to all of this freedom—batteries. Mice and keyboards are usually powered by the computer, via the cord, so Bluetooth necessitates onboard power. Wacom’s tablet, as well as some mice and keyboard combos, feature built-in rechargeable batteries. For those that don’t, we recommend buying rechargeable batteries to save cost over time.

Bluetooth Printing
Wireless printing not only cuts cords, it makes it easy to share printers with multiple computers. Several Canon printers, including the PIXMA MP800 all-in-one, the PIXMA iP90 portable inkjet and the Selphy DS810 4x6-inch printer offer Bluetooth printing capability with an optional adapter.

Select Hewlett-Packard printers are also Bluetooth-ready, or use HP’s bt1300 Bluetooth wireless printer adapter to make any USB printer compatible.

Beyond The Digital Darkroom
In addition to wireless applications for digital photography and computing, Bluetooth can be found in devices such as mobile phones and headsets, PDAs, music players and headphones, GPS accessories and even automobiles.

BMW, Acura and other automakers now offer Bluetooth integrated into the car’s entertainment and communication system, allowing you to pair your mobile phone with the car to make and receive calls over the car’s audio system. When you’re on the phone, the music is interrupted and resumes after the call is complete. It’s not only convenient, but safer for those on the road with you.

Motorola offers a variety of cool Bluetooth products, from phones to headsets. One out-of-the-box item is its RAZRWIRE Bluetooth sunglasses, designed in partnership with Oakley, which integrate a wireless headset for use with your mobile phone into the frame of some stylish Oakley shades.

What to do with those images on your mobile phone? Nokia’s SU-2 Image Viewer connects to your TV or video projector and downloads images wirelessly from your phone for viewing on the big screen. And when on the road, the Nokia LD-1W Wireless GPS receiver delivers tracking information to your phone as a convenient and low-cost alternative to more sophisticated in-car navigation systems. Palm users can also take advantage of GPS positioning via the Palm GPS Navigator.

Bluetooth is just getting started—especially when you consider the many new products available now and in the works, and the broader adoption of the technology in industries as diverse as computing, communications, entertainment and even automotive. So when you’re shopping for a new computer, mobile phone or PDA, consider getting one that’s ready for the Bluetooth-enabled future.