Using a Bluetooth Headset with your PC

If you use your computer for Voice over IP (VoIP) applications,
chances are that at some time you’ve experienced frustration
with the cords associated with traditional PC headsets. Imagine
being able to roam throughout your home whilst talking to people
around the world using a PC headset unencumbered by the
constraints of wires. Whether you use a headset for PC to Phone
conversations, instant messaging, gaming or video-conferencing,
a Bluetooth solution may be just the ticket for your wireless
cravings.

Bluetooth

For those of you not familiar with the term, Bluetooth refers to
a wireless protocol (or set of rules) designed for short range
electronic applications (usually less than 30 feet in distance).
Although the technology has been around for several years,
Bluetooth support for PC users has been limited due to hardware
manufacturers focusing on the more traditional 802.11 wireless
network protocols (wifi). In reality, Bluetooth and wifi achieve
different purposes and each has its pros and cons.

Cellular Telephone Bluetooth Headsets

The cellular telephone community has long embraced Bluetooth
technology, developing and refining numerous wireless devices.
One of the more popular Bluetooth applications for cellular
telephones has been cordless headsets which enable users to
leave their telephone in their bag or pocket while still being
able to make and receive calls. Bluetooth headsets are generally
very lightweight, worn over one ear and achieve talk times from
1-4 hours before needing a recharge.

Bluetooth PC Headset?

So if cellular telephone users have warmly embraced Bluetooth
headsets, why not the PC community? At the time of writing, this
author knows of no PC hardware manufacturer who has designed a
Bluetooth Headset primarily for use with a PC. However, there is
nothing to prevent a PC user from using a cellular phone
Bluetooth Headset with their PC. Keep in mind though, these
headsets were originally envisioned for cellular phone use and
may need a bit of ‘tweaking’ before they’ll perform as well as
‘corded’ headsets on your computer.

USB Bluetooth Adapter

Unless you own a relatively expensive notebook PC, odds are that
your computer doesn’t natively support the Bluetooth protocol.
If this is the case, you’ll need an ‘Adapter’ or ‘Dongle’ in
order to make your computer ‘Bluetooth enabled’. Bluetooth
adapters are generally very small (a few inches long) and insert
into a vacant USB port on your computer. When purchasing an
adapter it’s critical that you buy one that supports the
‘headset protocol’. The headset protocol is merely a set of
rules which enables your Bluetooth adapter to communicate with
and make use of Bluetooth headsets in its vicinity. If your
adapter does not support the headset protocol, no amount of
‘tweaking’ will get your headset working with your PC. Adapters
generally run between $20 - $80 USD and can be purchased at most
PC retailers.

Buying a Bluetooth Headset

Bluetooth headsets for cellular phones are generally very
expensive when compared with conventional ‘corded’ PC headsets.
Depending on where you buy your headset, you could spend
anywhere from $20 to $200+ USD. If you’re looking for a
relatively inexpensive headset that’ll simply enable you to make
wireless VoIP calls using your PC, I recommend looking on Ebay.
Although prices vary considerably on Ebay between merchants for
similar products, overall they are considerably less expensive
than purchasing the same headset from a telephone store. A word
of caution about Ebay though; ensure that you read the fine
print associated with shipping costs. Some Ebay merchants
advertise Bluetooth Headsets for $5 USD however the real cost
quickly rises to $35+ when you account for their often
exorbitant shipping charges.

Pairing’ the Headset with your PC

Once your computer is ‘Bluetooth enabled’ and you’ve obtained a
Bluetooth headset, you’ll need to ‘pair’ the headset with your
computer in order to use it for VoIP applications. This is
usually just a matter of setting your headset in ‘discovery
mode’ and allowing your PC to ‘search’ or ‘discover’ Bluetooth
devices. The steps needed to enable discovery mode on your
headset and adapter will vary between devices and should be
clearly explained in the documentation accompanying your
devices.

Adjusting your Audio Settings

Depending on your hardware and operating system, you may need to
make adjustments to your audio settings after the headset is
‘paired’ with your PC. In the Windows operating system, this
will involve accessing ‘Audio Properties’ through the ‘Control
Panel’ and setting the audio and voice devices to your newly
paired Bluetooth headset. Again, adjusting these settings should
be covered in the documentation accompanying both your headset
and Bluetooth adapter.

Once you’re up and running, you’ll wonder why you didn’t adopt
this wireless headset solution sooner. The freedom to wander
away from your computer whilst maintaining voice over Internet
conversations is something you’ll come to appreciate and love.

About the author:
Nathan is the owner of http://www.netphonedirectory.com which deals specifically with PC to Phone and PC to PC VoIP. The site includes a comprehensive directory of PC to Phone
service providers as well as information on VoIP and what you
need to make inexpensive long-distance telephone calls using
your computer