Bluetooth (short range, radio frequency communication standard for wireless connectivity) has quickly become a standard for device connectivity. By using a Bluetooth compatible device, you can wirelessly connect to a wide range of other devices including mobile phones, headphones, speakers, modems, access points, GPS, PDA, keyboards, laptop and desktop computers, etc. New Bluetooth compatible devices are constantly being introduced. Of course in order to make use of all this wireless capability, your main device, in this case a PocketPC, needs to have Bluetooth ability.

Many of the latest mid-to-high end PocketPC have Bluetooth built-in. If you have a PocketPC that does not have Bluetooth built-in, you can add it by using a CompactFlash Bluetooth adapter. In the case of the Compaq iPAQ (H3600-H3900 series), you would need to add a CompactFlash or PC Card Sleeve and a Bluetooth adapter. TDK Systems offers a sleek and elegant alternative.

The TDK bluePAQ is a slim sleeve, reminiscent of the Silver Slider, that slips on the iPAQ and gives you Bluetooth 1.1 capability without losing the use of a CompactFlash type 1 or 2 slot. The bluePAQ is slim, lightweight, and is even silver colored to match your iPAQ.

The bluePAQ features fast performance, an integrated blue light to indicate the Bluetooth in operation, one CompactFlash slot, and very easy installation. The bluePAQ has a great built-in, smart wizard software installation. All required software is contained in the bluePAQ ROM and automatically installs to the iPAQ when the sleeve is first attached. The ROM can be updated by downloading a new version from the TDK web site and running the updater while the iPAQ is connected to your PC. Bluetooth can be used with ActiveSync, but do not use Bluetooth communication to update the ROM.

A Bluetooth icon will be available in the lower right corner of your screen to help you make connections, setting changes, and start Bluetooth ActiveSync. The setting options will allow you to pair your iPAQ with other Bluetooth devices. Occasionally you may find that the iPAQ loses connection to the Bluetooth. This may happen after turning the iPAQ off and on. If this happens, simply remove and reinsert the sleeve. In some rare instances, you may have to warm-reset the iPAQ. Pairing, Modem, and LAN Access Wizards are part of the Bluetooth settings. They really help simplify the process of setting up the device communications.

The sleeve uses very little power (standby 7mA, peak 54mA) and only weights 53g. The antenna is integrated into the case with a 10 meter range and the bluePAQ uses an Ericsson chipset.

The bluePAQ is slim, light-weight, easy to use, and provides Bluetooth and CompactFlash capability. It is the most elegant way to add Bluetooth to the Compaq iPAQ H3600-H3900 series PocketPC.

Harvey Lee
--Technology Editor

Pros
Easy to use
Light weight
Comfortable

Cons
Expensive
Occasional resets

Rating: 7 out of 10 Stars.

Buy the TDK bluePAQ Sleeve

Product: TDK bluePAQ Sleeve
Manufacturer: TDK Systems
Web Site: www.tdksystems.com
Category: PocketPC / Hardware
Price: $179.95
Supported Devices: Compaq iPAQ H3600, H3700, and H3800 Series PocketPC H3900 series support has been added to the latest software release Pocket PC 2000 or 2002