Bluetooth Headphones - A Quick Guide to Setting Up Your Headphones in Windows XP

Setting up your Bluetooth headphones to work with Windows XP is a breeze. But, why do it in the first place? One very good reason is that of wireless control. With Bluetooth headsets, you can discard your wired speakers and wired microphones. This wireless mobility is very handy when you use your headphone for many applications--both online and offline--that make use of audio and video. For example, making VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) calls, audio-video chat sessions, video games that allow you to interact with other players using audio and video, speech recognition, audio recording, listening to music and other audio, and a whole lot more.

If you want to set up your Bluetooth headset to work with Windows XP, just the very easy steps described below.

Open Control Panel. The Control Panel is the place where you can set many options related to your computer and the programs installed. On the Control Panel Window, look for the item named Bluetooth Devices. It is usually represented with an icon that looks like a letter "B" on top of a blue oval. Double-click on Bluetooth Devices.

Next, you are going to make sure that your computer automatically detects Bluetooth devices that come within its range. To be able to do that, you need to turn on the automatic discovery option. Here's how to accomplish that: When you double-click on Bluetooth Devices in Control Panel, a dialog window will open. Open the Options tab on that window, and make sure that the box beside the item "Turn discovery on" is checked. By default and as a security measure, this option is unchecked.

After that, you will give permission to any Bluetooth device within range to connect to your computer. To do that, make sure that there's a check mark on the box beside the label "Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer." If you also want to make sure that your computer notifies you of any attempt from a device to connect via Bluetooth, make sure that the item labeled "Alert me when a new Bluetooth device wants to connect" is also checked. Then, save your settings by pressing on the Apply button, then the OK button.

Your computer is now ready to accept Bluetooth connections. Now, it's time to connect your headset to your computer. Turn on your headset. Your computer will automatically detect it, but you will need to add the device. On the lower right corner of your screen, right-click on the Bluetooth icon and select "Add device." An interactive dialog (called the Add Bluetooth Device Wizard) will pop up. Tell the wizard that your device is set up and ready to be found. Follow the onscreen instructions, including the portion where you enter the pass code or pass key. At the end of the wizard, your headset will have been successfully added to the list of Bluetooth devices.

Lastly, connect your device to your computer. This last step is very easy. Go to My Bluetooth Places, right-click on your Bluetooth headset's name, and choose "Connect Headset" from the pop-up menu. That's it. This last step is crucial for Bluetooth headphones to be completely functional with Windows XP. So, make sure you don't skip it.

Jim Michael Cooper is a tech lover who writes about electronic gadgets and devices such as Bluetooth headphones. If you love cool gadgets such as wireless headphones, visit Jim's site to buy one or to read more stories about Bluetooth headphones.

Bluetooth Headset Buying Guide

Many states are now making it illegal to drive while using a cell phone unless it is operated hands free. So if you still plan on using your cell phone while driving, you basically have two options (unless your car is bluetooth enabled). You can either get a wired headset, or a wireless bluetooth headset. Each type has its own distinct advantages, but in this buying guide only bluetooth headsets will be discussed. To learn about wired headsets, see the Wired Headsets Buying Guide.

Many people choose bluetooth headsets in order to avoid getting tangled up in wires and being able to keep their phone in their pocket while talking. Though this is possible with a wired headset, it tends to be uncomfortable as the wire can be pulling against your shirt. Some bluetooth headsets let you stay connected to your phone from up to 30 ft away or more. This means you can go about your work in a room or office without having to take your phone along with you.

The benefits of bluetooth headsets are somewhat obvious, but you may find yourself disappointed if you buy a model that isn't exactly what you had imagined. Below, you'll find a list of things that our product specialists recommend our customers to consider when buying a bluetooth headset.

Microphone: It might be of significant importance to you for the microphone to work well in noisy environments. Check to see if the headset's microphone has noise-canceling capabilities so that the person on the other end only hears you, not your surroundings.

Connection range: You should consider the distance that the headset can stay connected away from your phone. If you want a headset that will allow you to walk across a room or an office without having to take the phone with you, you should get a headset with a range of more than 30 ft.

Comfort: A headset with great features that isn't comfortable won't do you much, because you'll never want to wear it. The comfort level of a particular headset is more a matter of personal preference; but having an idea of the type of design you want can definitely help. Some models come with ear gels in an attempt to increase the level comfort you experience, which may be something you should consider. Make sure the headset is lightweight and is capable of being attached to your head (or ear) securely, so it doesn't fall off every time you move.

Compatibility: Make sure your cell phone is bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth must be turned on in order to "pair" the headset to your phone for a continuous connection. If your phone isn't bluetooth enabled, you should consider getting a wired headset instead.

Battery life: When considering the battery life of the headset, focus a little more upon the talk time life rather than the idle time. Having a headset that lasts long while idling is great, but if it runs out after 20 minutes of use there's really no point.

Features: Some headsets can transmit in stereo, allowing you to play music in addition to talking to others on the headset. This could be great if you are looking for headphones as well as a headset. Note that the cost associated with this feature will be higher than those headsets without it.

Other features include buttons to pick up a phone call, to reject a call, to put a person on hold, or even to switch to the other line. Determine what you need, and what you want as far as features go, and you will be a lot closer to the headset that best suits you.

Definitions:

Bluetooth: Bluetooth is the name of a radio technology that connects electronic devices without the use of a wire (Wireless).

Bluetooth enabled phone: A phone that is bluetooth enabled is capable of receiving or transmitting bluetooth radio waves from or to other electronic devices.

Noise-canceling microphone: A microphone that is designed to cancel surrounding noise so that it is not broadcasted or recorded.

Pairing: Connecting two compatible bluetooth-enabled devices together wirelessly.

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