"Bluetooth" refers to Harold Blatand, the 10th-Century Danish king who unified the Danes and Norwegians. Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. The key features of Bluetooth technology are robustness, low power, and low cost. A wireless connection lets neighboring Bluetooth-enabled devices talk to each other. This can be your cell to your headset, your computer, car, or stereo head phones. Want to Know If Your Device Supports Bluetooth? Aren't sure if your device supports Bluetooth? Look on the device for this icon (~). If you can't find it or if you want more information on exactly what Bluetooth functionality is supported, look at the user guide for that device. Look in the specifications on new equipment to see if it is included. What You Can Do with Bluetooth Bluetooth allows you to do lots of cool things without connecting a lot of cables and wires. Here are some of the things you can do that Bluetooth makes easier: Talk on the phone using a headset. Connect your mobile devices with your computer to synchronize contact and calendar information. Back-up Data on your phone in case it is lost or replaced. Transfer business cards from one mobile device to another. Listen to music on headphones. Print from your computer or mobile device to your printer. Copy pictures from your camera to your mobile devices. And, there's more! Every month manufacturers release new Bluetooth-enabled devices that range from music players to cars. Bluetooth has become the standard for short-range wireless communications. Bluetooth Connections Bluetooth is a short-range, secure wireless technology that replaces wire connections between digital devices while being secure. Bluetooth devices can communicate with other Bluetooth devices. There are three types of Bluetooth devices, based on communications range: Class 1: Bluetooth devices can communicate when within 100 meters or about 300 feet. Class 2: Bluetooth devices can communicate when within 10 meters or about 30 feet. Class 3: Bluetooth devices can communicate when within 1 meter or about 3 feet. Most mobile devices are Class 2 giving them a range of about 10 meters or 30 feet. How Bluetooth Devices Talk to Each Other Bluetooth devices communicate with one another by forming an informal network called PAN (personal area network) sometimes called a pico net. This network includes a master device (like a phone or a laptop) and up to seven client devices (like headsets and printers). They connect to each other with a secret handshake with the master being in control. You may find a problem with the operation of bluetooth is you have a wireless computer network although in most cases modern technology allows them to co-exist. They both use the 2.4 GHz radio signals. Some areas may be secured with cell phone jammers and they may cause problems with the bluetooth also. Your microwave can cause problems, when it is on, as it is in the same radio range. When purchasing bluetooth equipment be sure it is compatible with your equipment. Most of today's bluetooth equipment will work with other brands. Example a Motorola bluetooth headset being used on a Nokia cell phone. There are different fashion styles and designs. Main thing is that it is comfortable for long term usage and is functional. There are different styles from over the ear, on ear, in ear, beside the ones like the sunglasses and stereo headsets for listening to MP3's from your phone or other portable device. The in car devices are great when traveling. Many cars come equiped with the bluetooth today. Connecting your Bluetooth device Check your equipment manual for instructions on finding and pairing with a bluetooth device. They will provide a secure connection between the devices. If it asks for the code for the device and you have none try 0000 (4 zeros) as this is the code for many headsets. Where to purchase You can purchase the bluetooth headsets and other devices from you wireless carrier but most of them have high prices. With some shopping you can find discounted prices many up to 80% below the wireless carrier price. Check some of the stores in the box on right side of the page, and also in Shopping with Jo.