Wireless USB and Bluetooth technology

Q. I recently read a story about wireless USB; specifically, two separate groups are creating competing versions. It sounds like VHS Beta wars - can you explain it works? How does it differ from Bluetooth?

A. Wireless USB products won't be hitting shelves for a while yet. But I, for one, look forward to their arrival.

The ideas behind wireless USB and Bluetooth are similar. They are both wireless standards designed to connect gadgets to one another.

Let's start with Bluetooth, which has been available for some time. Bluetooth keyboards and mice are available for your computer. But Bluetooth is mostly used with cell phones and wireless headsets.

Bluetooth must be built in to a gadget for it to communicate with other gadgets. However, you can buy Bluetooth adapters for your computer. Also, some printers will accept after-market Bluetooth adapters.

There are a couple different versions of Bluetooth. They will work from a distance of 10 to 100 meters. They operate on a fairly narrow radio spectrum, so they can't transmit much data. Bluetooth can connect up to eight gadgets.

Additionally, Bluetooth gadgets must be paired. They won't communicate with each other until you make adjustments to their settings. Some people experience difficulty with this.

Wireless USB has a hub into which you plug the USB cables for your printer, camera and other peripherals. Then, you plug an adapter into your laptop or computer. It will communicate with the hub and transmit data back and forth. No pairing is required.

The key benefit to wireless USB is that it will work with all your current peripherals. And you will only need to buy the one hub and adapter. But expect to pay a pretty penny. From what I've seen, prices will be in the $100 range.

Aside from the hub, there are a few other key differences from Bluetooth. First, you can connect up to 127 different gadgets! Also, it operates on the ultra-wideband radio frequency. This means it will be capable of transmitting more data; it will even handle video.

The range of wireless USB is 10 to 50 meters. But, as distance increases, its ability to transmit large packets of data decreases. For example, to get the highest transmission rate of 480 mbps, the hub must be no more than three meters from the adapter.

There are two competing wireless USB standards. In addition, two standards are being developed for Bluetooth. Personally, I'll wait until all this is shaken out.

Speaking of Bluetooth, if your Palm Pilot has it, you need to take some precautions.  Viruses that target the Palm operating system have been around for about five years. The good news is these viruses have not become widespread. In fact, very few handhelds have been infected.

However, there are still real security issues with these devices. You would be wise to protect yours. Precautions are similar to those for the Pocket PC.

First, keep the anti-virus software on your computer current. If you open an e-mail carrying a virus, it probably won't affect your handheld. However, when you synch your handheld, it might infect your computer.

It is also a good idea to install anti-virus software on the handheld. Handango sells anti-virus software for the Palm operating system. Prices range from free to about $10.

Also, if you have networking features like Bluetooth, take extra precautions. With Palm, Bluetooth automatically prompts for authorization before accepting data. However, to be safe, turn Bluetooth off when you're not using it. This has the added benefit of preserving power.

On the Application Launcher, tap Bluetooth. Tap the Off button next to Bluetooth. If you purchased a Bluetooth expansion card, consult the documentation for instructions.

Likewise, turn off the infrared port when you're not using it. This is used to beam data between devices.

Click the Application Launcher. Tap Preferences. Find the Auto-Off options. The location will vary depending on your model. If you have a Tungsten or Zire series, select Power under the General heading. Otherwise, choose General from the pull-down menu at the top right corner. Then tap the Beam Receive menu and select Off.

Remember, though, your biggest security threat is loss of the device. Handhelds are easy to lose, and many people store sensitive information on them.

Encrypt your credit card information and passwords. PalmGear has numerous programs that start around $10.

Also, password-protect your device. From the Application Launcher, open the Security menu. Tap the box below Password. Enter your password and click OK. When prompted, confirm the password and click OK. Tap the box below Auto Lock Handheld. Enter your password when prompted. Select "On power off" and tap OK.

With your device password-protected, you should put contact information on the outside. Put a label on the back. If an honest person finds it, you'll get it back.

Laptop Battery Recall

If you have a laptop, this is news that you cannot afford to ignore. Over 7 million laptop batteries are being recalled. Your battery could pose a serious fire threat.

Lithium-ion batteries that contain cells manufactured by Sony Corp. are the culprit. The batteries can overheat. In a few cases, laptops have burned.

Apple, Dell, Fujitsu, Lenovo, and Toshiba have recalled batteries. Hewlett-Packard has said it does not have a battery problem.

If you do have a recalled battery, remove it from your laptop. Run your laptop from a power outlet.

Follow your laptop manufacturer's instructions for replacing the battery. You will be provided a new, free battery. Most manufacturers say battery deliveries will take three or four weeks.

The following is information on affected laptops and batteries:

Apple

Apple has recalled 1.8 million batteries. The affected batteries were distributed between October, 2003, and August, 2006. The following computers are affected:

12-inch iBook G4

12-inch PowerBook G4

15-inch PowerBook G4.

To determine if you have an affected battery, consult the table below. You must remove the battery to check its serial number. Turn off all power to your laptop before removing the battery.

Match your computer model to the first five digits of your battery's serial number (under the bar code).
 

To order a replacement battery, visit Apple's Battery Exchange Program site.

For additional support, contact Apple at 800-275-2273.

Dell

4.2 million Dell batteries have been recalled. The possible systems affected are:

Check your battery if you have one of the above systems. Also, check your battery if you received a replacement between April 1, 2004, and July 18, 2006. Here are the steps to check your battery:

Step 1: Turn your laptop off and remove your battery. If you have an affected battery, it will have specific words written on the back. Look for the words "DELL" along with "Made in Japan," "Made in China," or "Battery cell made in Japan, Assembled in China." If you have one of these combinations, your model may be affected. If those words are not present, you are not subject to the recall.

Step 2: Check the following chart for your battery PPID (Dell Part Piece Identification) number. To find it, look for the barcode label. The PPID will be the five-letter-and-number combination following the first four characters. For example, if your code begins as JP - 3F5132 -, your PPID would be F5132. If your battery PPID is listed below, your battery may be affected. If it is not listed, your computer is not subject to the recall.

If your battery is listed, go to the Dell Battery Return Program site. You will be prompted for  your PPID information. Dell will immediately inform you if your battery qualifies for the recall. If so, you will be able to continue the order process for a new battery through Dell's site.

For additional technical support, contact Dell at 866-342-0011.

Fujitsu

Fujitsu says its computers have suffered no incidents. However, the company uses Sony batteries. So, it is recalling 287,000 battery packs.

Laptop models subject to the recall include the following:

Additional models sold only in Japan are also subject to the recall.

For more information, visit Fujitsu's site.

Lenovo

Lenovo has recalled 526,000 batteries made by Sony. These batteries were sold between February, 2005, and September, 2006. The affected laptops are:

Replacement batteries may also be subject to the recall. They qualify if ordered or replaced between February, 2005, and September, 2006, for:

If you have one of the above systems, check your battery part numbers. Note that only some batteries with these part numbers are being recalled. If your battery is not listed, it is not subject to the recall.

Batteries listed above must be further checked. You can use Lenovo's automated solution.

Or, you can enter your battery bar code number. This information is on the battery. Lenovo provides information on removing specific batteries. Enter the bar code number. Lenovo will tell you if your battery has been recalled.

For additional information or support, call Lenovo at 800-426-7378.

Toshiba

Toshiba is recalling 830,000 batteries. Toshiba said there have been no reports of  batteries overheating. The company said the recall is preventative.

The laptop models affected include Dynabook, Qosmio, Satellite Portege and Ecra. Manufacturing dates of affected batteries have not been announced.

For more information, visit Toshiba's site.

You can also contact the Toshiba Global Support Center at 800-457-7777.