A Bluetoothing Future

Picking up a bluetooth headset for gaming recently, I realized, for the second time, that connecting bluetooth devices to Macs was a simple procedure. iMac owners have known this since the moment they unpacked their computers, but Macbook and Macbook Pro owners might not have experienced this yet. Here’s a handy guide to getting that Bluetooth device connected.

Go to System Preferences and, once there, click on the Bluetooth option under Hardware. You may want to show Bluetooth status in your menu bar. It’s actually a very helpful way to see if you’re having trouble with your Bluetooth devices and gives you the ability to turn them on and off at will. I’d also advise disabling the Discoverable option, since you don’t want the Macbook picking up other people’s Bluetooth devices by accident (or allowing other people to control your computer, as some are apt to do in today’s world).

Under Advanced, make sure to check everything but internet connection sharing. If you’re on a laptop, you’ll be mobile and the last thing you want is for other people eavesdropping on things you’re doing.

At the first Bluetooth menu, click the add button and follow the setup windows. It’s such a simple procedure that it really needs no explanation. Once everything is setup, you’re good to go.

I have a Bluetooth mouse, which I adore beyond all reason, and my newly purchased headset. As far as connection time, it only takes a few seconds for the mouse to connect after my Macbook wakes up or starts up, and the headset experiences a bit of interference but not much.

OSX handles Bluetooth connections admirably and it’s one of the smoothest experiences I’ve had with the connection type. Do yourself a favor and get a Bluetooth device. It’ll save you a lot in batteries and headaches.

~ by The Shepherd Sons on April 30, 2008.