Bluetooth
technology has opened a world of opportunities in wireless
communications and data transfer. Bluetooth technology is now a
standard feature on mobile phones and
PDAs.
Wireless headsets
for mobile phones and wireless modem connection for PDAs is only
the beginning of the Bluetooth promise to revolutionize wireless
technology though. One of the exciting opportunities that Bluetooth
technology provides is Bluetooth wireless printing following the
development of Bluetooth printers.
Bluetooth printing allows you to wirelessly send data from your
computer, your PDA or even your mobile phone directly to your
printer. Bluetooth printing is a technology that allows your
Bluetooth-enabled computer, PDA or mobile phone to communicate
wirelessly with a Bluetooth-enabled printer.
This is good news
for many computer users. Some people like Bluetooth printing just
because of the wire clutter that it saves. In this way Bluetooth
printing serves the same function as wireless trackballs and
keyboards.
Bluetooth printers
are also very useful for mobile computer users who may travel
frequently or work in several different offices or even from a
vehicle. Mobile computer users find that Bluetooth printers
simplify printing since they can print from anywhere near the
Bluetooth printer without needing to actually plug in. Many newer
digital cameras now have Bluetooth technology included as well
allowing photos to be sent wirelessly from the Bluetooth-enabled
camera to the Bluetooth-enabled photo printer.
Bluetooth printers are available from most office or technology
supply stores. Bluetooth printers can also be ordered online from
many of your favorite technology or office equipment vendors.
Hewlett-Packard, Ricoh, Canon, Lexmark and Brother all make
Bluetooth printers. All printer manufacturers will probably include
Bluetooth support in their printers in the near future as the
technology continues to become standard on more consumer electronic
devices.
What about consumers who just purchased a new printer without
Bluetooth technology enabled? The good news with Bluetooth printing
is that there are several Bluetooth printer adapters available that
add Bluetooth support to your standard computer printer.
Bluetooth printers are designed to be as close to plug and play
operation as possible. Setting up a Bluetooth printer should be
quite simple. Instructions on setting up the printer should be
included with the printer by the manufacturer.
Usually the
printer driver must be installed before the Bluetooth is
configured. After installing the printer driver to the computer the
Bluetooth wireless printing is configured. These steps actually
vary somewhat depending on your operating system and on which
Bluetooth utility you have installed on your computer.
Bluetooth printers do not cost any more than any other printer.
Since Bluetooth technology is becoming so popular and standard many
printer manufacturers are beginning to include Bluetooth support in
newer printer models. This option will be detailed under the
connectivity section in the product label.
Bluetooth printers will simplify printing for many people, whether
the printer is installed in the office or is a mobile printer.
Bluetooth printing will probably become standard in the near future
as more people realize the benefits of wireless
printing.
Most newer
laptops, many newer desktops, many digital cameras, and nearly all
PDAs include built-in Bluetooth support. The ubiquitous nature of
Bluetooth technology will certainly