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General discussion

Bluetooth mouse with a PDA

Feb 12, 2006 9:41AM PST

I have a Microsoft Wireless Intellimouse Explorer for Bluetooth, as well as an HP iPAQ handheld with built-in bluetooth connection.
I'm curious if I can use the mouse with my PDA, and if so how. Do I need some drivers, or something else?
Thanks much... good day.
-Christopher

Discussion is locked

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also...
Feb 12, 2006 11:56AM PST

I'm also curious about what I can do as far as using the bluetooth network while not connected to the Internet. Can I stream media, look at local (on the PC) Web pages, something like that?
If not natively, are there tools I can use?
Thanks! Happy

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Using Bluetooth...
Feb 13, 2006 8:16AM PST

To your first question, it is not possible to use your Bluetooth mouse with your PDA because it's not an accepted form of input. (Windows Mobile doesn't support it, and if it did, the would-be software/drivers do not exist.)

As to your second question, there are several things you can do with Bluetooth...sync your PDA, connect to a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard for the PPC, connect to a Bluetooth-enabled printer, connect to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone for internet access, play various multi-person Bluetooth-enabled games on the PPC, etc. There's no general guide or list of options that I know of, but I'm sure we could answer individual questions provided we know the model of iPaq an the device you are pairing it with.

Hope this helps,
John

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BT mouse & other devices
Feb 13, 2006 11:21AM PST

You say it's not possible to use a mouse with the PDA. But when I'm connected to ActiveSync, I can use a program called Transcreative Remote Keyboard that lets me use the computer's keyboard - AND mouse on my PDA. When I right click on the window, it inserts a "+" on the PDA's screen, which I can then move around with the mouse, etc. Clicking is like tapping, and holding the click is like tap-n-hold. Plus, I just got a Think Outside BT keyboard, and it has drivers for a Think Outside BT mouse (but mine's Microsoft, and it won't work with it). I don't mean to sound rude, but it seems as if mice just may work with PDAs, presented with the above information.

When I asked about other things I can do with bluetooth, I kind of meant between the computer and the PDA. Kind of like file browsing on the devices (PC looking at the PDA's files, PDA looking at PC's files) or maybe have multimedia streaming from the PC to the PDA via bluetooth, or some other "fun" stuff like that.

Thanks for the help and understanding.
Good day to you, have a great one.
-Christopher

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The computer's acting as a mediator...
Feb 14, 2006 12:59PM PST

Chris,

I too use third-party software that enables you to operate your PDA from your PC, which has truly come in handy in events where the soft keyboard became corrupt, preventing me from logging in. (When you mess with the registry and protected files, it can happen more often than you'd think. Devil) There is also software that allows you to use your PDA as an extension of your monitor, sort of a dual-monitor setup if you will. However, your computer is acting as a mediator in these cases...the software and drivers are designed and operating on your PC. Now, I should have been a little clearing in my initial post...there are special mice (I've only heard of a few that exist, and they are usually fairly expensive at $60 and up) and other 'non-traditional' forms of input for the PPC, but the 'standard' keyboard, mouse, etc designed for the PC/Mac won't work.

For part two, you can sync your PDA with your PC, transfer files, and access the internet from your PC using Bluetooth. For a nice guide, click here. As to streaming multimedia, there are several programs that let you control your PC's music player from your PPC (WRC is one), and you can also access a file (including music) stored on your PC from your PPC using the instructions supplied in the above linked tutorial. As long as you have the live connection via ActiveSync, finding new ways of utilizing the connection is your only limitation. Happy

Hope this helps,
John

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bluetooth connection - PC&PDA
Feb 17, 2006 1:51AM PST

''There is also software that allows you to use your PDA as an extension of your monitor, sort of a dual-monitor setup if you will.''
Yeah, I think I used to have software like that. I could ''move'' applications and whatnot off the computer monitor, and it would slide onto the PDA's screen. I could then control that application from the PDA, as if it were running on the PDA itself. The cool thing was, no extra software was needed on the PDA to do this. I forget what the application was, though... Sad

aximsite bluetooth guide
Thanks, I was reading this, and it looks very neat/helpful. I will read more when I get home. I checked the remote media application you linked me to (WRC), but it costs money... do you know of an application that would let me stream/download music from my computer to my PDA for free? I do have an application on my PDA that lets me do that, but I think it requires wifi. Plus, it takes up a lot of my PDA's system resources.

I was reading one section in particular, entitled ''Transferring Files from a PC to a PDA.'' This may help with my media concerns, as well as just general access to my PC's files from my PDA.

Thanks again... if there's any additional info you might have, I'd appreciate it, and I appreciate all the help you have already been. Happy

Have a great day!
-Christopher

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Possibility...
Feb 17, 2006 6:49AM PST

The program I use for using my PDA as a monitor extension is Innobec SideWindow, which costs $15. I used to have a freeware program in this category but removed it a while back when I picked up SideWindow during it's initial beta.

For free streaming music programs that support Bluetooth, I'm not sure. MortPlayer may do that, but it's the only decent free player I know of that might be able to. Aside from that I'd follow the Aximsite tutorial to linking your PDA and PC, browsing for the files via your PDA, then opening them with WMP. I haven't done it, but I don't see a reason it wouldn't work.

Good luck.
John

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Sidewindow & Mortplayer
Feb 17, 2006 9:35AM PST

Yeah, that's what it was! I used to have Innobec SideWindow, but I had replaced my PDA (under warranty), so I lost the program. I think I MIGHT have the beta version still somewhere, in some back up. That's crazy, though, now they are charging. But I guess everything in life isn't free, eh?
I am looking at the MortPlayer stuff, and it may suit my needs.

Dealing with Aximsite's tutorial on transferring from PC to PDA, I couldn't get past the first few steps. It involves a folder called "My Bluetooth Places," something I don't have. But then again, I don't think the bluetooth tranceiver that came with the Microsoft mouse was exactly the most advanced in whatever. Plus, it didn't come with any software; just drivers. Maybe there is some PC-side software that might help me to fully utilize the tranceiver?

Once again, thanks. You've been a great help.

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Check this...
Feb 17, 2006 10:00AM PST

I'd suggest clicking here to verify that your PDA is compatible with the Microsoft transciever. It includes instructions and a troubleshooting guide that should help you work through this little sandtrap. If it doesn't work (there's no third-party software compatible with it that I'm aware of), or isn't compatible, you may have to get a Bluetooth USB adapter such as this one from Linksys. It's compatible with most, if not all, Bluetooth-enabled devices and includes the software required to sync properly.

Have fun going wireless!
John


P.S. Remember, if you still have the beta version of SideWindow you are probably still eligable to receive a free registration code for the release version. Cool

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MS and HP compatibility
Feb 17, 2006 12:13PM PST

I checked the first link, and my PDA isn't even listed. It's an iPAQ rx3115, which isn't one of the more popular handhelds.
Looking at the Linksys thing, I agree that that may be better for me. How much does it cost, about?

One thing I think I failed to mention; all though I had difficulty in doing it, I did manage to set up my PDA with my computer for Activesync, thus Internet and file transfer to the PDA (using the computer). I still haven't been able to explore the PC's files while using the PDA. At first, I was able to establish a connection from the computer to the PDA, but for a day, I couldn't figure out how to get the connection to return from the PDA to the computer. I tried messing with COM ports, tried some other stuff, but I was about to give up on it, thinking the MS tranceiver just didn't support it. But late one night I was working on it, and suddenly, I saw something about COM5 was available, so I connected to it. Activesync started, and I went into the other room. When I came back, it was over, and wasn't connected anymore. I tried again, but it wouldn't work. I deleted the shortcut to COM5, disconnected, tried a few things, and it was back. Once again, it connected and then said it couldn't connect; something about Activesync not recognizing the device. I tried again, and about twenty minutes later, it somehow worked.
I was connected to Activesync, and it was staying connected. I went to a couple of Web sites, and sure enough, they loaded. So now, I have all the functionality of being connected to a USB cable.

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Innobec SideWindow
Feb 23, 2006 12:14AM PST

LIKE, TOTALLY AWESOME! I found the program (Innobec Sidewindow)! The beta, I guess... so I suppose I could uninstall the trial version of the full program, install the beta, send the email/update, whatever, and get a paid full version. Am I right?
Awesome.
Later, good day to ya.
-Christopher

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Yep...
Feb 23, 2006 12:31PM PST

Assuming they're still willing to honor that free registration key offer, you should be good to go. As far as the Bluetooth link, interesting chain of events! Glad you got it working, but if it fails again you can always fall back on the Linksys bluetooth adapter, which ranges from $40 to $70.

Enjoy.
John

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bluetooth & wifi
Feb 27, 2006 3:35AM PST

Okay, now that I'm having all this bluetooth excitement, I went to get online with wifi. Only problem is, it wouldn't connect to either of two wireless networks that I've tried. It says they are available when I'm around them, but I can't connect. I've disabled BT, soft-reset, etc. It just won't connect.
Short of a hard reset, is there anything else I can do to try to get wifi service back?
Thanks, and again; BT is woring great!
-Christopher

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Possibilities...
Mar 2, 2006 12:49PM PST

There's a 12-deep discussion limit, so I have to bring the discussion back out.

There are several reasons this can happen:

* Does the network require you to login or otherwise be authorized to access?

* Make sure that the network is set up to handle 802.11b (what your PDA uses), and 802.11g if necessary. It can be setup to accept neither, one, or both, so the settings should be verified.

Note: You'll find the following by going start->connections.
* Check Network Cards and make sure it's set to connect to The Internet, not Work.

* Open your networking utility (mine's Dell WLAN Utility), tap and hold the one you want to connect to, then tap ''connect.'' Under ''networks to access'' select ''all available'' from the drop-down menu, and make sure you have checked ''automatically connect to non-prefered networks.''

* Still in the networking utility, tap the network you wish to connect to, tap the ''network key'' tab, and make sure that the correct security sttings are set.

I know it's a little vague, but how the network is setup is a huge variable. Try using a public hotspot (click here for a hotspot locator) and see if it works there, and check with the admin of the network to verify that you should be able to access it and if there are any special measures you have to take in order to do so.

Hope this helps,
John

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Possibilities in wifi...
Mar 3, 2006 1:31AM PST

>>There's a 12-deep discussion limit
>Oh... I still haven't really quite figured out how things work in these forums... I'm used to a linear-style of discussion, much like we've been doing. But when I get to other threads on this forum that have things all over, it's kind of confusing trying to figure out where to read first, then follow to the end.
Curious; what is the limit there for?

>>Is your network card set to connect to the Internet (not work)?
>Yeah, I went to the Network Cards area, and it does indeed say "My network card connects to: |Internet|."
What I don't understand in this area under that, it says: "Tap an adapter to modify settings:" and it lets me select from four options: "AsyncMac NDISWAN Miniport, PPTP NDISWAN Miniport, HP iPAQ Wi-Fi Adapter, and Bluetooth PAN User Driver." I would figure I'd always need to use the HP one, since that's what I have, but what are the other three for?

>>Does the network accept 802.11b / is it protected with WEP?
>Yes, the two networks I try to connect to (which are both at school, but different areas) both accept 802.11b; I know this, because I have used both in the past. One is brand-new, and is in the Student Services building, and the other has been around for a while, and is in the engineering building. The one in engineering /is/ protected, but when I signed a paper this semester saying I wouldn't do anything "bad" on the network, my teacher gave me a paper with the key on it, which is changed each semester. The other is open, though, and I never needed a WEP key. It seems that after all this bluetooth fun, wifi seemed to stop working. Though that may not be true, because I really don't use wifi that often, so it could have done something weird before then. Anyway, now, whenever I'm in one of the buildings that supplies wifi, that connection shows as available. When I tap and hold, then select connect, it says connecting. However, the two arrows at the top disappear, and the picture of an antenna just sits there, without animation (the arrows usually shoot past each other, disappear, and do the same until they're connected, then they stay stationery). I click okay, then go back into the wifi settings to view the available networks, and that connection that said it was connecting now says available again. I try a few times, but it never connects.

Right now, I'm not sure of any hot spots I could go to that are open to try, so I don't know.

Sorry for the length. And thanks so much for continuing with me for about a month now.

Well, have a great day, and maybe with the above info, you might know another solution.
-Christopher

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Hard reset fixes all...
Mar 5, 2006 12:31PM PST

... yes, my friends, when problems abound, and nothing else seems to work, back up and hard reset. It's not fun, it's not particularly the best way to go about things, but hey, this is the world of Microsoft.
Yeah, so I backed everything up [so I thought], then hard reset. On a trip with my youth group this weekend, we stopped at Best Buy for a power converter, and while waiting in the van, I turned on wifi, saw BB's connection, asked to connect to it, and sure enough, the arrows started shooting around like mad, and then it even said it was connected. There were only two (out of four) bars of reception, though, so when PIE said that "The Page Cannot Be Found" (the error message I most despise on the PPC, now), I couldn't be sure it was an issue with wifi, and I'm leaning more towards the fact that Best Buy's connection is WEP protected, plus as I said, I was in the parking lot. But I still don't understand what was wrong with the thing before resetting... I'm starting to think that MS royally screwed up their mobile OS, even more so than the full version. But hey, we gotta live with what we have, right?

Well anyway, I have yet to sync my PDA with my computer again, which will probably bring "exciting" fun with that. No doubt, my computer will pretend like I have a whole new device, and it'll want to create a new profile, or whatever, and etc... why can't I just use the current one I had before hard resetting? Or can I, and I'm not doing something right? See, this is my fifth, sixth... whatever iPAQ (first two locked up COMPLETELY, the next couple/few had various problems, all replaced under warranty), and I've always had a problem with getting them back on my computer. One day, this goof by the name of Tyler decided he'd try "Guess Chris' password!" well, he couldn't guess, and after about ten minutes, the device was locked up, and wouldn't respond to much anything, not even soft resets. Well, me being impatient (I probably could have brought it home, gotten all the data, then hard reset), I hard reset on the spot, and it was fine again. But I went home, tried to sync, and OH, YOU HAVE A NEW PDA! WELL, LET'S JUST SET UP A NEW PROFILE, AND A NEW DESKTOP FOLDER, ETC... It's annoying.
As are all the lengthy posts, I'm sure, as well as my sarcasm, plus the all caps stuff directly above. And for that, I'm sorry. But right now, I'm tired, and my PDA is giving me a headache. So... sorry, and hope you all (especially mousearoma) have a GREAT day/evening!
Later,
-Christopher