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    Bluetooth vs. Bluetooth w/ UWB

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by allfiredup, Jan 27, 2009.

  1. allfiredup

    allfiredup Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have a Dell Latitude E6400 that I bought from the Dell Outlet. It had every option I wanted except it had the standard Dell 1397-G wireless card and it didn't have the integrated Bluetooth module.

    Thankfully, upgrading the wireless card to the Intel 5300AGN took less than five minutes and works flawlessly. I have also installed Bluetooth in my previous Dell Studio 15, so I know it's a very simple upgrade. The only available option was the Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth module.

    For the Latitude E6400/E6500, Dell offers the following two choices-

    Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth module
    Dell Wireless 410 Bluetooth module w/ UWB

    I know that UWB stands for ultra-wide band, but what does that mean in practical terms. If I choose UWB, what do I get out of it...what can I use it for?

    Thanks in advance for any info, I do appreciate it!
     
    allfiredup, Jan 27, 2009
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  2. Nankuru

    Nankuru Notebook Evangelist

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    As you appear to know UWB can transfer more data in a period of time; bluetooth is about as slow as you can get. I haven't noticed any devices that use it, but the big plus is that it will be able to transfer video. One of the aims is to put a laptop near a TV and play a DVD, though I don't know how well the technology works. There was a thread about BT webcams a while ago; it would be great for that.

    A lot of devices are pushing the limits of BT, so even the performance of things like mice could improve ie: Gaming mice.

    There were problems with high power consumption, but they may have been ironed out by now.

    Whether it's worth it may depend on the cost of the card, but it's one ofr the future at the moment.
     
    Nankuru, Jan 27, 2009
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