Unifying by Logitech

[Zephik]

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/64/15765103222665.jpg (http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/logitechs-usb-unifying-receiver-one-dongle-to-serve-multiple-i/)
Its about time! I've been wanting this FOREVER. Its doing for wireless what bluetooth did for... well bluetooth devices. Now if only we could buy the dongle separately. Click the image for more information!

Edit: Okay, so buying the dongle separately would be rather pointless as it only connects compatible devices. Lame. But still a nice start.

[Zephik]

What are the pro's and con's with bluetooth and wireless technology? I'm trying to decide which is better/which to go with.

[Collinstheclown]

Wait, what makes this different from blue tooth? From what I recall you can use multiple decives on a single blue tooth dongle.


Unlike its predecessor, IrDA, which requires a separate adapter for each device, Bluetooth allows multiple devices to communicate with a computer over a single adapter.

You can get tiny dongles as well...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833242001
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833139019
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156257
etc..

Seems like a gimick to me.




-CollinstheClown

[Zephik]

Wait, what makes this different from blue tooth? From what I recall you can use multiple decives on a single blue tooth dongle.


-CollinstheClown

Yea thats why I asked whats the difference, if any, between bluetooth and wireless 2.4Ghz. Isn't one better than the other? I can't remember...

I can see this becoming the new standard for wireless technology. But they'll have to make all new devices compatible for it to happen...

You know... isn't this why bluetooth was created? :think:

[Collinstheclown]

At the range most people have between the PC and mouse/KB, range doesn't really matter that much. I have a Logitech MX1000, but I could easily use a wired mouse. I just happen to really like the contour of this mouse. :)

Wireless USB (http://www.usb.org/developers/wusb/) is around the corner anyway, I really don't see this being put into anything other then Logitech devices.




-CollinstheClown

[Zephik]

What about power consumption? The new Logitech Keyboards that use Unifying are supposed to last up to three years on a pair of AA's.

Edit: I did some research, here's what I found...

Bluetooth operates at 720kbps, WiFi at 11mbps. So its not nearly as fast as WiFi. But, Bluetooth consumes less power than WiFi and uses a smaller chip which even costs less than WiFi chips. However, Bluetooth has a range of less than 30ft while WiFi has a range of up to 200ft. No wonder why we use both techs! But it does seem like we should be using bluetooth for keyboards and mice and stuff.

I think thats talking more about networking, but it might still be relevant? Is the wireless used for internet basically the same as the wireless used in product connectivity?

Anyways, it seems like they both have their strong points. WiFi for speed and distance, bluetooth for lower power consumption and cost effectiveness. Basically, bluetooth for things like keyboards and mice and WiFi for everything else.

Hmmm...