Princeton's itty bitty USB Bluetooth 2.0+EDR module

Remember that crazy small, RF receiver used with Logitech's VX Nano? Meet the Bluetooth 2.0+EDR equiv, the Princeton's PTM-UBT3S which measures just 19-mm (0.75-inches) long. So yeah, it's small, in fact, it's claimed to be the smallest available in Japan when it ships in September. Whether or not it's the world's smallest is irrelevant as it's surely suitable for full-time laptop or handheld bunging without concern for sheering it off. Yours for ¥2,480 or $21 beans.

[Via Impress]

[Marko @ Aug 24th 2007 5:39AM]

I think those little clips at the end are a very poor design, as these will act as a hook for the little thing to get caught whilst you're pulling your laptop from a bag somewhere!

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Aug 24th 2007 5:55AM]

I think just like the logitech version, you are supposed to leave it plugged in your laptop at all times. It's flat so it will be flush with the exterior(no protrusions).

[Randy @ Aug 24th 2007 10:03AM]

@ I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY

No, Both this and the Logitech Stick out slightly. All of the pics I've seen so far seem to illustrate that.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Aug 24th 2007 5:53AM]

The lack of an apparent antenna suggests this tiny thing will have very limited range/throughput.

The LINKSYS USBBT100 with it's modest antenna has been reported to have a nice range of a few hundred feet.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1142447011386&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124143

[Randy @ Aug 24th 2007 9:58AM]

But the Linksys USBBT100 it's only BT 1.1? No thanks. I picked up the Belkin F8T012-1 which has pretty good range. I'm using the Windows XP BT stack and it works great.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Aug 24th 2007 10:03AM]

Bluetooth 1.1 provides plenty of bandwidth for using the Wii-mote to control your computer or home theater pc. But for larger data transfers, then you should consider something else.

[Mark @ Aug 24th 2007 10:20AM]

So what is BT 2.0 good for? And what common devices use it?

[Randy @ Aug 24th 2007 3:38PM]

@ Mark

Data Speed. 721 kbit/s for BT 1.1 vs. 3.0 Mbit/s w/ BT 2.0+EDR. As for which devices use it? Afaik, the Belkin version that I have, and some smartphones (like the Blackjack, which I also have.)

[Vinay @ Aug 24th 2007 7:12AM]

Newton Peripherals' MoGo.

http://www.ixbt.com/news/digimage/bcat/new_mogo/2.jpg


This is the smallest one I've ever seen.

[Sos Oganessian @ Aug 24th 2007 7:26AM]

Too bad the MoGo has been coming out for almost 9 months now. its vaporware as far as I can tell.

Lets hope Princeton does not follow in the MoGo's footsteps.

Also, does anyone know of a US retailer of Princeton's products, I would really like to have one of these.

[foxdude0486 @ Aug 24th 2007 7:59AM]

I love the extra small form factor for it. Though I would prefer it integrated with the laptop, like my non 2.0 bluetooth..

[Grey Acumen @ Aug 24th 2007 8:04AM]

So is there any way to order this directly?

I seriously like this. If I could, I'd pay the shipping and handling just to grab it now.

[Hunt @ Aug 24th 2007 10:00AM]

Do want!

[Deoki @ Aug 24th 2007 12:22PM]

Engadget and Gizmodo need moar 4chan!

Well then, this picolo bluetooth dongle is just what I was searching for, since my laptop has the stupid button to activate bt, but its just a decoy! Damn you ACER and your stupid design team!!! -3 interwebs foh j00!!!

[Eric @ Aug 24th 2007 12:15PM]

This is what I've been waiting for, but now I'm buying a new computer with Bluetooth built in...

Really, how much of a market is left for this, anyway?

[Perplexer @ Aug 25th 2007 4:47PM]

This looks like a perfect match for the Asus EEE.

[Irfan Ahmed @ Aug 24th 2007 7:21PM]

This product is out, but under another name. I got a Cirago one: www.cirago.com.

Looks like a similar design. Maybe princeton copied it?

[IsLNdbOi @ Sep 3rd 2007 7:54AM]

I can't find that Cirago one anywhere either. I do like the Mogo Dapter though. Looks nicer.

[Tony @ Sep 14th 2007 9:59PM]

For those looking for this product you can find it @ http://www.chiefpick.com/BTA_3210_p/bt-bta-3210.htm
It isn't Princeton but it functions perfectly; I am very happy with mine.

[Owen @ Sep 22nd 2007 11:10PM]

I too ordered the Cirago branded version rom Chiefpick and am happy with it. Unfortunately, the plastic insert portion separated from the metal shell when I was removing it from my usb port. It still functions fine (I just wrapped it in a little piece of scotch tape to make sure it doesn't happen again). I ordered a second one (also made by Cirago) from xPcGear.com (http://www.xpcgear.com/bta3210.html) to give to a friend and it is identical. Works very well and is tiny, but the build quality may be mediocre.

[IsLNdbOi @ Sep 22nd 2007 6:22AM]

Newegg has it now as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833242001

[R-R @ Sep 23rd 2007 2:35PM]

Does anyone know if the cirago version work with Linux?

[Brett @ Oct 8th 2007 1:17AM]

the Princeton PTM-UBT3S is here:

http://conics.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=218

[Josep @ Jun 1st 2008 4:45PM]

Yo lo he comprado y no venia dentro el CD y lo compre en boulanger(Bonaire,Aldaya) como lo puedo instalar???

[logan @ Jul 2nd 2008 8:07PM]

we have another design of smallest usb bluetooth dongle adaptor,
look at this pls:
http://www.gadgetscn.com/English/En_ProductShow.asp?ArticleID=136

[LostinTranslation @ Jul 27th 2008 9:30PM]

Does someone have had problems while trying to use the Princeton one with a BT 2.0 Type 2 Sony headset? Any idea about it is welcome?