Hack29.Choose and Configure a Bluetooth Headset


Hack 29. Choose and Configure a Bluetooth Headset

A guide to choosing and setting up a Bluetooth headset for your PC, Mac, or Pocket PC, with a minimum of fuss.

Works with: all versions of Skype.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows for ad hoc connection of all sorts of electronic gadgets. Configuring Bluetooth devices is comparatively easy, but the range is limited to about 32 feet (about 10 meters) or less, though some more-modern Bluetooth devices boast ranges substantially greater than 32 feet. The benefits of Bluetooth are that it provides hands-free operation of gadgets, together with some limited mobility, combined with a standardized wireless technology that simplifies device setup and configuration.

One very popular such gadget is the Bluetooth headset, shown in Figure 3-9. Bluetooth headsets normally clip over one ear so that a microphone boom points to your mouth. As always, anything that has to do with your ear can be a real problem if you wear glasses or a hearing aid of some sort. Even if you can get the thing to hang on your ear without a problem, there's the issue of comfort, as presumably you'll wear the headset for prolonged periods. Battery life may also be an issue if you make frequent or long calls, or both; so, always check the manufacturer's specifications before buying (talk time is rarely less than 3 hours and may be as much as 10 hours, and standby time can sometimes be 100 hours or more). Bluetooth headsets start at $30 and the more advanced models can cost well more than $100. The more advanced models have more than pick up and hang up as features, but these are unlikely to work with Skype unless the device comes bundled with software to properly interface to Skype (through the Skype Application Programming Interface, or API).

Figure 3-9. Bluetooth headsets


Many of the more-modern computers are already Bluetooth enabled, which is also true of handheld devices running Pocket PC. However, if you want to use a Bluetooth headset but your computer or handheld is not Bluetooth enabled, you will first have to invest in a Bluetooth dongle (which plugs into a USB port on your computer) or a Bluetooth card for your handheld. Once your computer or handheld is Bluetooth ready, you typically follow this procedure to make Skype work with a Bluetooth headset:

  1. Launch the Bluetooth configuration utility that came with your computer or handheld device, or the utility that came with your Bluetooth dongle or card. Set your Bluetooth device to discover other Bluetooth devices that are in range.

  2. Put your Bluetooth headset into "pairing mode." If your computer or handheld detects your headset, you will be requested to enter a 'passkey," which is a numeric key used to identify your headset and should be provided by the headset user guide. If you can't easily find the proper passkey, entering "0000" is always worth a try!

  3. Once your headset and computer or handheld are "paired" put your headset in normal operating mode.

  4. Explicitly configure Skype to use the headset as your sound-in and sound-out device for Skype (Skype Tools Options… Sound Devices on Windows, Skype Tools Options… Hand/Headsets on Linux, or Skype Preferences… Audio on Mac OS X).

  5. Try a test call to echo123. If you want to practice picking up calls using your headset, send the chat message "callme" to echo123 and the echo service will call you back.

  6. If you're having problems making your headset work, try obtaining help from the manufacturer. Failing that, you can go to the Skype web site (http://www.skype.com/) and take advantage of its troubleshooting resources and community forums. However, before doing that, it's always worth checking that your Bluetooth headset isn't switched off or in low battery mode, and a repeat of the "pairing" process often fixes things.

Once your Bluetooth headset is working with Skype, it's always a good idea to do a test call and explore the limits of your mobility without losing signal. After a minute or two of walking around your office or home, you'll have a pretty good idea of where you can and cannot make and receive Skype calls using your headset.

3.6.1. See Also

  • A Bluetooth-specific thread for Windows XP (SP2) on the Skype forums, at http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=10822&highlight=800.




Skype Hacks
Skype Hacks: Tips & Tools for Cheap, Fun, Innovative Phone Service
ISBN: 0596101899
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 168

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