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Posted By: jchuzi Bluetooth adapter recommendation? - 02/24/10 10:32 PM
I am considering getting an Apple Magic Mouse, having been very impressed when I tried it at an Apple store. Unfortunately, my computer is not equipped with Bluetooth and will require an adapter. OWC has these adapters for sale. Does anyone have experience with one of them, or can recommend an alternative?
Posted By: _Mike_ Re: Bluetooth adapter recommendation? - 02/25/10 02:40 PM
From that list I only know the D-Link DBT-120, which I'm using myself on two Macs.
Altough an older model, I do recommend it:
While it does need the "Bluetooth Firmware Update 1.2.1 (PPC)" from Apple (no Intel version) to activate all functions, once that's done it just works.
What sets it apart from some others I've seen is that it does work from the moment it is powered, when no BT drivers are loaded yet.
This can come in handy when one has mouse and/or keyboard attached and wants to do an Option-boot.
Btw., in those cases (no BT driver active) the old 120 just pretends to be yet another normal usb hub with other peripherals connected to it. (That way, it even works, when I sometimes boot OS9 on my MDD...)
Posted By: jchuzi Re: Bluetooth adapter recommendation? - 02/25/10 02:43 PM
Thanks for the input. I like the Mighty Mouse but the scroll wheel's tendency to become clogged is a definite minus. On the other hand, having to change batteries in the Magic Mouse is also a minus. Apple recently replaced my Mighty Mouse and the new one is working fine so I'll probably wait a bit before springing for anything different. Besides, my better half is very fond of the Mighty Mouse and, in the interests of domestic harmony, I might be better served by keeping it around.
Posted By: Virtual1 Re: Bluetooth adapter recommendation? - 02/25/10 04:08 PM
I have no specific experience with any bluetooth adapters, but there are a variety to pick from. I suggest finding one of them that's got a very short profile extension from the USB port so it won't be prone to getting snapped off and maybe can be left in place when stowed in the bag. (if laptop, you did not say)

Read user reviews and pay attention to anything sleep related, such as failure to go to sleep, failure to wake, and failure to re-pair after wake or restart. Those are your most likely issues.
Posted By: jchuzi Re: Bluetooth adapter recommendation? - 02/25/10 04:16 PM
Thanks, V1. The computer (and my only one) is a Mac Pro so the size of the adaptor is not an issue. I'll check out the reviews, as you suggest.
Posted By: MacManiac Re: Bluetooth adapter recommendation? - 02/26/10 05:23 AM
Jon,

FWIW, I still have an old D-Link DBT-120 with the firmware update applied that I used to use with my Pismo.....it's yours for the asking if you'd like.
Posted By: jchuzi Re: Bluetooth adapter recommendation? - 02/26/10 11:19 AM
Done. I emailed my physical address to you just a few minutes ago. Thank you so much for your generous offer. cool
Posted By: MacManiac Re: Bluetooth adapter recommendation? - 02/26/10 03:49 PM
Should go into the mail this afternoon....enjoy. It's been in the bottom of my old computer bag now for over three years.
Posted By: jchuzi Re: Bluetooth adapter recommendation? - 03/02/10 12:59 PM
I received the adapter yesterday, plugged it in and set my preferences. For the first time, the Bluetooth preference pane showed up in System Preferences and System Profiler, also for the first time, shows info about Bluetooth. I don't have the Magic Mouse yet (and I don't know when I'll buy one) but I have no doubt that it will work just fine.

To V1: No problems occur with sleeping or waking.

To MacManiac: A big THANK YOU.
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