I had to move my UPS serial connector to COM2 so that the adapter would set in my remaining USB port on the back. It wouldn’t fit in my recessed front USB ports. The only problem I found with this adapter concerned its width. If you wish to use Windows Internet Connection Sharing, make sure that you enable it for the adapter that actually connects to the Internet, NOT the Bluetooth connection.

The system tray BT icon (and BT Places icon) changes from white center to green when networked. The Bluetooth network connection works like any other network connection, using the same services like TCP/IP, etc. Setting up a network between your PDA and PC or Mac can be tricky, but help may be found here on PDABuyersGuide, and also at Whizoo and Jon’s Guides. The installation creates a virtual Bluetooth network connection under Network Places. You can then pair with them as trusted devices so that they are readily available. If you have a Bluetooth PDA, printer, mouse, keyboard, or other peripheral, searching for all devices in range will reveal these if they are powered up and set to be discoverable. Once installed, you’ll have a new desktop location like Network Places called Bluetooth Places. I was able to HotSync my T3 via BT immediately after installing the GBU-201 and setting up my T3 and PC HotSync for the BT connection. If you desire, updated drivers can be found from IBM here. It installed on my WinXP Pro SP1 box in a jiffy. Just follow the steps in order, and you’ll be Bluetoothing in just a few minutes. The GBU201 adapter comes with a driver CD (PC and Mac compatible) and a fold-out installation instruction sheet. The setup has built-in security, encryption, and authentication to protect your data, requiring a pass code at each connection if the connecting devices aren’t paired by the user. Cambridge Silicon Radio makes the Class 2 radio chipset in the GBU-201, which will also communicate freely with Class 1 and Class 3 devices. It works fine in USB 2.0 ports that sport backward compatibility. The IOGEAR GBU201 meets the usual USB 1.1 and Bluetooth 1.1 standards, and transfers data at a theoretical 723 kbps. In addition to the Class 2 GBU201 Bluetooth to USB adapter with about a 66 foot (20 meter) range, IOGEAR makes a Class 1 GBU301 adapter with a 330 foot (100 meter) range. Retailing at $39.95, you can find it for much less at many Internet retailers. IOGEAR sells a number of quality IO components, including USB 2.0 and Firewire cards, as well as Bluetooth PCMCIA and USB adapters.

Iogear bluetooth software instructions