As Bluetooth technology becomes more popular, the uses for this technology have increased over the years. Today, there are many ways that people use Bluetooth in their everyday lives to help stay connected to the office, create a safer environment when driving, and as a way to create a more organized work environment.

In order to take advantage of Bluetooth, you must purchase devices that have Bluetooth capabilities. Common devices include:

" Cell phones
" PDA's
" iPods
" Printers
" Digital cameras

With Bluetooth, you will be able to download information from one to device to another, share information, and reduce the amount of space needed for equipment in your office.

BLUETOOTH IN THE OFFICE

In addition to creating a wireless environment in the office, other uses for Bluetooth include:

" Synchronization of devices - Bluetooth allows you to synchronize PDA's and cell phones to your desktop so you can know which appointments you need to keep and other information when out of the office

" File transfer - with file transfer options, you can send information stored on one computer in the office to another, transfer information from your cell phone or PDA, camera, or other device that has Bluetooth capabilities

" Wireless equipment - create a wireless environment with mice, keyboards, headsets, printers, and other office equipment that has Bluetooth capabilities

Using Bluetooth can help employees stay in contact when out of the office, help improve organization, and allow departments to share information with other departments without having to print it off or sending it through the Intranet.




BLUETOOTH AT HOME

An increasing number of people are now taking advantage of Bluetooth technology at home as well. Many people have home offices which they use on the weekends or when working from home. Devices that can be found in a home office include:

" Remote controls
" Wireless keyboards, mice, and headsets
" Wireless devices for cell phones such as hands-free rear view mirror devices
" GPS receivers with Bluetooth technology for downloading maps from home computers

Another way people are using Bluetooth technology is by creating hands-free environments that allow them to use their cell phones safely without having the distraction of dialing or holding the phone while driving.

ORGANIZING YOUR OFFICE

If your home office is small, consider buying Bluetooth devices to save room. Not only will you save space by reducing the wires needed, you can also use equipment only when you need it and put it away afterwards.

Another way to stay organized is to keep printers and other equipment on shelves instead of on your desk. You won't need to rewire your office, simply hang some shelves that are strong enough to hold a printer, camera equipment, and other devices.

Since Bluetooth works on a short frequency (about 30ft.), you should make sure that all equipment is placed in an open space. Furniture, doors, and other objects can sometimes block the frequency. You may need to move equipment around in the space until finding the right spots.

Once you have created a home office that uses Bluetooth, you can always add additional equipment later on.