Re: [NTLK] New to Newts. Wifi, Palm syncing, and other question

On Oct 10, 2006, at 4:53 PM, Steve Trotter wrote:

> But what advantage does bluetooth offer? Can't I do with Ethernet on
> wifi what I can do on bluetooth?
> Isn't bluetooth one method of wireless connecting? 802.11 another?

Yes. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that's more akin
to a "wireless USB" than "wireless ethernet". It can be used to
exchange data with other Bluetooth devices, and you can establish an
internet connection over it by using a Bluetooth connection as a
serial port.

The chief advantage Bluetooth has over 802.11, as far as the Newton
is concerned, is a greatly reduced battery drain. 802.11 requires an
order of magnitude more power than Bluetooth, due to its greater
range and higher speed. You can actually use Bluetooth on the Newton
for quite a while without the battery meter plunging to 20%.

Although 802.11 is faster than Bluetooth, we're talking about Newtons
here, and the additional speed of 802.11 is probably going to be more
than the Newton can effectively make use of.

Last but not least, Bluetooth cards tend to protrude less out of the
side of the Newton than 802.11 cards.

However, on the other hand, you'll never find an open, public
Bluetooth hotspot. :)

Both are fairly tricky to set up on the Newton side, so that's a
draw. :)

Steven
http://panic.com/
http://stevenf.com/

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