Bluetooth Adapter Review

All of the Bluetooth devices listed below were tested for use with BlueShoop. Primary testing was done on Windows 7. Please note that the prices listed are approximate and are subject to change. HawkeSoft, LLC has no association with any of the brands or vendors listed below. These devices may or may not work with other Bluetooth products and software. All brand names are trademarks of their respective companies.

IOGEAR Bluetooth USB Micro Adapter

Recommended (Best Value)
Range: ~10 meters/32 feet, Class 2 device.
Size: Very small device. Once plugged into the machine its small size makes it un-necessary to remove.
Price (June 2011): $10-$20 from reputable online vendors.
Comments: This device was tested on Windows 7. It passed testing with BlueShoop. This device is the best value for compatible main-brand Bluetooth adapters.

Kensington Bluetooth USB Micro Adapter

Recommended (Most Tested)
Range: ~10 meters/32 feet, Class 2 device.
Size: Very small device. Once plugged into the machine its small size makes it un-necessary to remove.
Price (June 2011): $14-$25 from reputable online vendors.
Comments: This device was tested on Windows XP SP2, Vista, and 7. It passed testing with BlueShoop. This device was the most heavily tested with BlueShoop.

Belkin Mini Bluetooth Adapter

Recommended
Range: ~10 meters/32 feet, Class 2 device.
Size: Very small device. Once plugged into the machine its small size makes it un-necessary to remove.
Price (June 2011): $15-$24 from reputable online vendors.
Comments: This device was tested on Windows 7. It passed testing with BlueShoop.

Cirago Micro Bluetooth USB Adapter

Recommended
Range: ~100 meters/320 feet, Class 1 device.
Size: Small device. Slightly longer than the very small devices. It still fits well into laptops and netbooks.
Price (June 2011): $25-$35 from reputable online vendors.
Comments: This device was tested on Windows 7. It passed testing with BlueShoop.

ULTRA Micro Bluetooth USB Adapter

Recommended
Range: ~10 meters/32 feet, Class 2 device.
Size: Small device. Slightly wider than the very small devices. It still fits well into laptops and netbooks.
Price (June 2011): $10-$20 from reputable online vendors.
Comments: This device was tested on Windows 7. It passed testing with BlueShoop. This device looks very similar to the generic Bluetooth USB adapters. The ULTRA devices have a flashing red light, the generic devices do not.

Generic Bluetooth USB Adapter

Not Compatible
Range: ~100 meters/320 feet, Class 1 device.
Size: Small device. Slightly wider than the very small devices. It still fits well into laptops and netbooks.
Price (June 2011): $2-$5 from reputable online vendors.
Comments: This device was tested on Windows 7. It had inconsistent performance and failed over 75% of the test cases. Sometimes generic Bluetooth devices will be produced with the same MAC address. This will not allow BlueShoop to function.