BELKIN BLUETOOTH ACCESS POINT

The Belkin Bluetooth Access Point (£84 ex. VAT) is the first low-cost solution that adds Bluetooth services to your network that we have seen. With a Bluetooth module connected to your network it will be possible to use your laptop, mobile phone or Bluetooth-enabled PDA to access the Internet, send and receive email or printer services.

The Belkin AP measures 203 x 130 x 40mm and weighs 275g. On the rear of the unit are two USB ports and a LAN connection. Belkin suggest that the access point has a usable range of up to 100 metres, this proved overly optimistic but in open plan offices with little or no interference somewhere approaching 50 metres is possible while maintaining a strong signal strength.

Setting up a USB printer for use with up to eight Bluetooth enabled Windows laptops requires each device to have the Server Utility installed onto it. In order to make the device affordable and easy to set up, Belkin has excluded high-end security from the access point. However, this is a trade off that works well for the home-user or small business who will not necessarily have any data that needs to be protected. Furthermore, any potential hackers will need to be within range. However, if security is a concern, it is possible to set up a password using the Administration tools to limit user access.

Any laptop users wishing to use the access point in order to connect to the printer using Bluetooth as opposed to the fixed connection will need to set the printer up in localised, rather than network, settings. Overall, we found the Belkin Bluetooth Access point to be a usable addition in any office where mobile access is a priority.

RATING: 7

PRICE: £84/£99 (EX/INC. VAT)
REQUIREMENTS: WINDOWS 98/2000/XP POCKET PC 2002/2003
CONTACT: 01604 678300 WWW.BELKIN.CO.UK