Macs All-in-One for Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Chapter VIII.3. Connecting to Bluetooth Wireless Devices and Networks

In This Chapter

• Identifying Bluetooth capabilities

• Configuring Bluetooth

• Pairing devices

• Sharing through Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the name of a wireless technology standard designed primarily for connecting devices within a short distance of one another rather than through networks where one computer is in one room and another computer is in a room on another floor of the building — or on the other side of the globe.

Because of its short-range nature, Bluetooth is handy for connecting computers for short periods and for transferring small files, unlike faster wired or wireless (Wi-Fi) networks that connect computers on a more permanent basis.

Many handheld devices, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), have built-in Bluetooth capabilities, which makes it easy to wirelessly sync calendars and address books between a handheld device and a computer (as explained in Book II, Chapter 3).

Common Bluetooth-enabled peripherals you can use with your Mac, such as wireless keyboards and mice, and headsets for chatting with iChat or using Internet phone services like Skype, can also connect to your Mac by using your Mac's built-in Bluetooth feature.

Note

Bluetooth can connect devices up to 30 feet (10 meters) away, although any obstacles, such as walls, can limit the range of a Bluetooth device.

Identifying Bluetooth Capabilities

All new and recent Macs have Bluetooth capabilities. If you have a Mac that's more ...