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Socket Bluetooth Connection Kit
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By Jørgen Sundgot, Thursday 28 November 2002  
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Bluetooth is all the rage nowadays, but what if your handheld doesn't have it built-in? For Pocket PC owners with a CF slot, Jørgen Sundgot likes Socket's Bluetooth Connection Kit.
Although integrated Bluetooth is becoming increasingly commonplace in the world of handhelds, not that many models have it yet - and older models most likely don't. Pocket PCs were forerunners in this field with Compaq's H3870 series sporting integrated Bluetooth, followed by the H3970 and now HP iPAQ H5400 series, as well as the Fujitsu-Siemens Pocket LOOX - and from the Palm OS camp, the Palm Tungsten T. If you're not a member of this exclusive club, though, expansion is your way out - and this particular review takes a closer look at the Bluetooth Connection Kit from Socket Communications.
 | The Socket Bluetooth software conveniently caches previously discovered devices, shortening the amount of time it takes to connect to these
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Features
Whilst it's not the tiniest of Bluetooth expansion cards (alternatives in SD card format are growing increasingly common), Socket's card has the advantage of working with the most Pocket PCs since CompactFlash slots long have been the preferred I/O capable expansion standard for such devices. Since it's a Type I CompactFlash card, it also works in the now-deceased HP Jornada 540 and 560 lines, and there are thankfully no extruding parts as the card fits into a CF slot in its entirety.
In terms of Bluetooth-specific functionality, the card enables users to make serial port, dial-up, fax and LAN connections, as well as print documents (requires use of 3rd party printing software). Unfortunately, two of the most common uses of Bluetooth: exchanging files and business cards - common in most Bluetooth implementations - is not possible, drawing down the impression of an otherwise well rounded feature set.
Software
After installing the driver for the Bluetooth card on the Pocket PC, a small Bluetooth icon will appear in the lower right corner of the Today screen, serving not only as the interface to the card but also as an indicator as to whether the Bluetooth card is switched on (Blue) or off (Grey). By tapping the indicator, a menu comes up which provides users with quick access to turn the transmitter of the card on or off, set up a dial-up connection with a Bluetooth mobile phone, perform a Bluetooth ActiveSync, connect to a Bluetooth LAN access point and check the software version of the currently installed drivers. An Advanced Features menu is also available, providing access to settings for the card itself, as well as discovering, bonding and conducting tasks with other Bluetooth devices.
Setting up a connection with a Bluetooth-equipped mobile phone is simple and straight forward; once the step-by-step wizard has been carried out, a new choice will appear in the drop-down menu in the Connection Manager, allowing users to choose 'Bluetooth Phone' and treat the connection as if it was any other modem. Similarly, performing a Bluetooth ActiveSync and LAN access is simple - just select the choice from the menu, and up pops a list with potential servers to connect to.
 | Services available from other Bluetooth devices are presented in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner
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On the topic of discovering other devices, this is also a straight forward process, accessed through the aforementioned menu. Previously discovered devices are cached, providing quick access when needed, and bonded devices are clearly marked. From here, it's also possible to set up favorite devices for all functions to be performed, such as a favorite for Bluetooth ActiveSync, a favorite phone for Dial-up connections and soforth - a big time saver, and all presented in an intuitive interface, just like when checking what services are available from a discovered device.
Other features worthy of mentioning is the ability to decide whether the card should be Discoverable (switching this off saves consideable battery power), Connectable and potentially use Authentication and Encryption. COM ports assigned to Bluetooth functions can be released should other expansion cards be in need of them, and Socket also includes a Dialer application of its own which lets users make outbound calls through Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones from the Pocket Contacts database in the Pocket PC. Ideally, this should have been integrated with the Pocket Contacts application itself, but at least the functionality is present.
Performance
During testing, we experienced a few problems with performing Bluetooth ActiveSync operations, as the connection would suddenly drop mid-sync despite being in extremely close proximity. We also had similar experiences with connecting to the Bluetooth LAN access point, proving mildly frustrating at times. Our frequent use of the card also showed an impact on battery life, best described as 'medium'.
Availability
Socket's Bluetooth Connection Kit for Windows CE is available from Socket's website for $159 USD, and a version which includes a PCMCIA adapter to allow use with a laptop is also available.
Conclusion
Despite the time-outs experienced during testing and the lack of being able to conduct file and business card exchanges, Socket's Bluetooth Connection Kit provides an adequate feature set and an intuitive interface which should satisfy Bluetooth novices as well as more experienced users. The lack of integration with the Contacts application is slightly disappointing, but not uncommon - and potential buyers should keep in mind that the bundled printing software is trialware. Otherwise, the card comes recommended.
- What's positive: Adequate feature set, intuitive software
- What's negative: Lacks support for file and business card exchange
Overall: 
Conclusion
Despite the time-outs experienced during testing and the lack of being able to conduct file and business card exchanges, Socket's Bluetooth Connection Kit provides an adequate feature set and an intuitive interface which should satisfy Bluetooth novices as well as more experienced users. The lack of integration with the Contacts application is slightly disappointing, but not uncommon - and potential buyers should keep in mind that the bundled printing software is trialware. Otherwise, the card comes recommended.
What's positive:
Adequate feature set, intuitive software
What's negative:
Lacks support for file and business card exchange
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