The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    M1530 + Skype + Bluetooth = Little Problem

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by SmoothOperator_r, Aug 27, 2008.

  1. SmoothOperator_r

    SmoothOperator_r Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I have several bluetooth items connected to my M1530, and they all work flawlessly with great range ( Logitech DiNovo Edge keyboard, Microsoft Notebook Mouse 5000, Plantronics Pulsar 590E Headset).

    Now the problem lays with my headset. When I listen to music (itunes/WMP) I get great range through the Plantronics headphones anywhere in my room. BUT, when I'm using Skype, the audio/mic quality is terrible unless I'm within a few feet of my computer, meaning my bluetooth signal strength drops somehow. Can anyone explain why? I'm normally 5-9ft away from my notebook as it's connected to my 46" LCD screen in my entertainment unit. I'd like to be able to sit on my couch and use skype with my bluetooth headset!!

    Any help with this issue would be greatly appreciated as this is driving me crazy! Thank you!!
     
  2. fonduekid

    fonduekid JSUTAONHTERBIRCKINTEHWLAL

    Reputations:
    1,407
    Messages:
    3,396
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    http://forum.skype.com/lofiversion/index.php/t88600.html

    Have you checked this out???

    Also may be this >> http://www.andornot.com/about/developerblog/2007/11/vista-skype-and-bluetooth-headset.aspx
     
  3. SmoothOperator_r

    SmoothOperator_r Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Thanks for the quick reply Fonduekid...but I think you misinterpreted my post. I've already connected my headset via bluetooth, and it already works with skype! I'll try and clarify...

    Plantronics headset + Music = AMAZING range...perfect crystal clear audio quality from 20 ft away.

    Plantronics headset + Skype = TERRIBLE range...audio/mic quality is only good when I'm very close to laptop.

    Now why would the range be great with mp3's but terrible when using Skype? The possible range for either should be equal.
     
  4. fonduekid

    fonduekid JSUTAONHTERBIRCKINTEHWLAL

    Reputations:
    1,407
    Messages:
    3,396
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    Ah ok, sorry I got it a bit wrong... *was probably bit sleepy then* :p

    But.. wasn't one of those link' also having suggestions for a good reception / range with the Skype thing???? :confused: :confused: Anyway let me check againg :)
     
  5. sahaskatta

    sahaskatta Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    195
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I recently was reviewing some bluetooth headsets on Skatter Tech and had the same problem. Here's what I concluded. If you are using a lot of WiFi and Bluetooth bandwidth at the same time then you being to have lots of problems. Both the internet connection and bluetooth both begin to slow down a lot. However it will work fine if you use an ethernet connection for Skype and a bluetooth headset. Give that a shot, I am sure it will work.

    It sounds weird, but it is a problem Dell is aware of. It doesn't have anything to do with Skype. The bluetooth chip is just poorly implemented into the M1530.
     
  6. SmoothOperator_r

    SmoothOperator_r Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Just gave your suggestion a shot, and there is a dramatic increase in audio quality. It's still not as clear as if I were standing closer to the computer, but much, MUCH better. THANK YOU!!
    On this same topic...is there a way to disable the M1530's internal wifi, but keep bluetooth active?
    It's actually connected via ethernet, but whenver the computer reboots it resorts to both ethernet AND wireless connections.
     
  7. sahaskatta

    sahaskatta Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    195
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Glad it worked, but the main issue is the fact that the Bluetooth implementation into the XPS M1530 has been poorly designed. To deal with WiFi turning on, you can just disable WiFi by going to Network Connections, right-click on the WiFi card and press disable. Of course you'll need to go enable it if you ever want to use WiFi.
     
  8. rflcptr

    rflcptr Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    49
    Messages:
    232
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Late post, but...you can easily configure what the wireless switch does via the M1530's BIOS. (BT+WIFI+CELL, BT+WIFI,BT+CELL,WIFI+CELL,WIFI ONLY, CELL ONLY, BT ONLY).