Logitec's Bluetooth 2.1+EDR adapter offers 300 foot range and 5x more battery life

We know what you're thinking: Jeebus, not another Bluetooth adapter Engadget, slow news day? But if you check that snark for a moment, you'll notice that this ¥2,280 (about $22) Logitec adapter is a Bluetooth 2.1+EDR + Class 1 device. That means an operating range up to 300 feet and all the goodies that come from 2.1. In other words, easier pairing and up to 5x longer battery life for like-speced Bluetooth keyboards and mice. It also supports 15 different Bluetooth profiles (9 on Macs) including your favorites for stereo audio and handsfree devices. Now that Bluetooth 2.1 is beginning to trickle out into retail, you won't be buying 2.0 gear anymore will you?

[Via Impress]

[kyle allen @ Apr 4th 2008 4:14AM]

i still use wires

[sk8rpro @ Apr 4th 2008 4:15AM]

300 Feet?! Is that a typo? You mean 30, right? Or are my dreams of better Bluetooth actually coming true?

[King Mustard @ Apr 4th 2008 4:16AM]

Is this available in the UK? Or another 2.1 adapter?

[CL @ Apr 4th 2008 4:17AM]

once again, i have to look at my mouse to realize this is not "logitech"

[CL @ Apr 4th 2008 4:21AM]

@sk8rpro
"300 Feet?! Is that a typo? You mean 30, right? Or are my dreams of better Bluetooth actually coming true?"

if i remember right, class 1 bluetooth devices can go up to 100meters.

[L.Rawlins @ Apr 4th 2008 4:36AM]

Theoretically then, whilst the technology is still a line of sight one (or a paper thin walls one!) the more powerful transmission itself should pass the broadcast through thicker objects without interference?

Any thoughts?

[xValentine @ Apr 4th 2008 4:58AM]

They should have come up with a different brand name.

Logitec =/= Logitech.

[W3G @ Apr 5th 2008 7:53AM]

Wow. Bluetooth technology keeps getting better and better. 300 feet! What's next? 500 feet??? =)
-W3g

[Pc_Madness @ Apr 4th 2008 5:24AM]

Whats the deal with that? How are they allowed to call themselves Logitec?

[bratkun @ Apr 4th 2008 5:28AM]

Its actually 100 meters if Im not mistaken

[Drew @ Apr 4th 2008 5:32AM]

To everyone saying 100 meters... you realize 100m = about 328 feet ;)

[Hinhale @ Apr 4th 2008 5:39AM]

So, uhm, if I were to pair up this thing with my Dinovo Edge keyboard, would I get the benefits from 2.1 bluetooth? If the theoretical 5x improved battery life were to hold true I'd get away with charging my keyboard like 2-3 times a year.

[mike @ Apr 4th 2008 5:44AM]

but in japan, logitech is logicool. it seems they got that name first here

[tk @ Apr 4th 2008 5:49AM]

Finally. As far as I'm aware this is the first 2.1 bluetooth dongle to hit streets. Lame considering the technology's been around since last summer. Just hope it hits state side soon. P.S. Cell phone companies want to take note?

[Kelmon @ Apr 4th 2008 6:02AM]

Well, I've had this in my laptop now for quite a while but the fundamental problem still remains: I've not found any good Bluetooth devices to use with it. Specifically, a portable Bluetooth mouse. I currently have a Logitech Revolution VX and would want something similar in size, shape, functionality and doesn't need either Bluetooth dongle like this adaptor or some sort of charging station (the VX got my vote originally because it runs off a normal AA battery). Any suggestions?

[Tim @ Apr 4th 2008 6:22AM]

So this dongle has the ~100m range but the interconnected peripheral must need the same technology for the return path, surely?

What manufacturers, such as Parrot's and their Bluetoth speakers, offering with 2.1 interfaces at this time?

[Randy @ Apr 4th 2008 7:27AM]

You would need a device that supports Bluetooth 2.1 to take full advantage of enhanced pairing and powersaving features.

@Tim the class determines the devices range. To be able speak at 100m you would need another class 1 device. However, you can certainly use a class 2 (10 meters) or class 3 (1 meter) device but you have be much closer.

[mac-pandh @ Apr 4th 2008 7:36AM]

Class A are 300 feet yes. Motorola has one as well, however it is probably not that cheap and is only Profile 2.0 i think.

regards,
pmac
www.myhtpics.com

[Chip @ Apr 4th 2008 8:27AM]

Have you tried Microsoft's Notebook Bluetooth mouse? Absolutely LOVE mine. You have to wade your way through oodles of proprietary dongle notebook mice to find it at your local retailer. Why does anyone buy those goofy proprietary dongle mice? The dong is always huge. It may interfere with other 2.4Mhz devices (like Bluetooth, Wifi, your cordless phone) and it can only do one thing.

PEOPLE! REVOLT AGAINST PROPRIETARY DONGLES!

[Ant32bit @ Apr 4th 2008 8:38AM]

My guess is that this company is why Logitech is called Logicool in Japan.

[tom @ Apr 4th 2008 8:40AM]

ya, when i first saw the post, thought a "h" is missing behind. LOL

[Mark @ Apr 4th 2008 8:52AM]

these guys make great mice!

[Ghen @ Apr 4th 2008 8:52AM]

But is there a profile for my wii remote / classic controller / guitar hero guitar? Sucks having to pair them every time like a brand new connection.

[BTomazic @ Apr 4th 2008 9:30AM]

I'm extremely glad you mentioned that. Had you not I never would have noticed the lack of "h" and would have continued thinking it was a company I've actually heard of.

[mattbarrah @ Apr 4th 2008 9:34AM]

Thats one long range dongle!

[Nietzche @ Apr 4th 2008 9:34AM]

Quite obvious that it's intentional, no?

[Andy S. @ Apr 4th 2008 2:16PM]

"The dong is always huge."

Please put that on a shirt. You will make a million dollars.

[johnw @ Apr 4th 2008 10:51AM]

Class 1 means it can TRANSMIT 300 feet. The reception range (device to host) is still dependent on the Bluetooth class in your keyboard, headset, etc. so unless it's also class 1 you'll be limited to about 30 feet. None of this really matters, though, because Logitec is a blatant copyright infringement so you'll never see one.

[uhgotnegum @ Apr 4th 2008 10:55AM]

Question:

Does anyone know if this is possible? Ok, now I'll provide detail.

I am fairly competent when it comes to computers (may be relevant to answer)...I have a the Sony Ericson, "Stereo Bluetooth™ Headset HBH-DS970" for my phone, and I hoped that it would allow me to connect to my computer as bluetooth speakers. I have been unsuccessful in finding a way to do this.

This has relevance, b/c I wonder if this logitech adapter would allow it to work?

Thanks for the tech support

[Patrick Conner @ Apr 4th 2008 11:03AM]

OK help if you dont mind... I am not to sure why you would want to use this or what it would be for if someone might explain a few options it would be great.. Another big big question is..

I have a laptop (new dell)and I use a Verizon Wireless PC Card in it so that I can get on the net no matter where I am.. Well I want to be able to find a way to use that on my iphone (say like a wireless) is there anything I can put into the laptop to broadcast a small signal so that I can use my iphone on wifi and not have to use it on the EDGE when I am close to my laptop..

Can anyone help with this..

email me and let me know or just tell me here..
[e-mail]

[Jeebus @ Apr 4th 2008 11:05AM]

Not another Bluetooth adapter Engadget, slow news day?

[Heffer @ Apr 4th 2008 12:42PM]

LOL, I did the same thing.

[c. thomas @ Apr 4th 2008 4:31PM]

Wowzer

[AL @ Apr 5th 2008 12:36AM]

When is PAN not a PAN? When the range is 100m!

The link shows both spellings, with and without the "h". Confusing.

[Gene @ Apr 5th 2008 1:37AM]

回2楼的，是罗技的，不过罗技在日本没有注册到logitech。。。

[Warren @ Jun 3rd 2008 12:02AM]

I want to find this bluetooth adaptor, but unable to search it in the Internet. Can someone provide me a useful link to buy the product?