Bluetooth technology can drastically improve how we make cell phone calls. Are there other ways that the same technology can benefit real estate agents? YES.
Bluetooth is a wireless communication standard that can connect devices over a range of 30 feet. While we are all familiar with connecting our cell phones to a Bluetooth headset (like my new Jabra BT5020), there are numerous other peripherals that use Bluetooth to eliminate wires.
Add Bluetooth
To start, you need to have a Bluetooth transmitter on your computer. Embedded Bluetooth cards are becoming very popular in laptop computers. If you are purchasing a new laptop, make sure that it includes a Bluetooth card.
For those who need to add Bluetooth to an existing laptop or desktop, it is very simple. Several companies offer Bluetooth adapters ranging in price from $20 to $50. These adapters usually connect via USB and look much like a flash memory drive.
A unique Bluetooth adapter is the Kensington Micro Bluetooth Adapter. It is the size of a penny and when plugged into a USB port, sticks out less than a quarter of an inch. This allows you to connect the device and not have to remove it to put your laptop away.
Ways to Use Bluetooth
Wireless keyboards and mice that use RF wireless technology have limited range and can be fussy. Switching to a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse will give you more stability and range. Many of these devices come with their own Bluetooth adapter, so you won’t need to purchase an additional device. The Logitech diNovo Edge is the most advanced Bluetooth keyboard to date.
Use your cell phone as a mobile broadband modem to take advantage of the benefits of becoming a truly mobile real estate agent without the additional expense of purchasing a dedicated mobile broadband card.
Take advantage of VOIP telephone services, such as Skype, to save money on your phone bill. VOIP services are gaining in popularity, but it is very inconvenient to be tethered to your computer. With a Bluetooth headset, you can venture up to 30 feet from your computer while on the phone. You can use the same Bluetooth headset that you use for your cell phone, or get a dedicated VOIP handset like the Kensington Internet Phone. This handset folds up to slide into your laptop’s PCMCIA slot for storage and battery charging.
Synchronize your cell phone data. Why plug in your smartphone when you could sync your contacts, calendar, tasks and notes with your computer using Bluetooth. With the appropriate software, many standard cell phones can be synced with a computer. That way, you don’t have to worry about losing your data. It also makes loading contacts into your phone a lot easier.
Transfer photos from your cell phone to your computer. Many cell phone providers charge you to email photos from your phone. Instead of emailing them to get them to your computer, transfer them via Bluetooth.
Print wirelessly to mobile printers equipped with Bluetooth. The HP Deskjet 460wbt Mobile Printer makes printing contracts, presentations, and tours from anywhere a breeze.
Listen to music and movies without wires. The Motorola MOTOROKR S9 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones provide quality sound and double as a cell phone headset.
How are you using Bluetooth Wireless Technology to improve your real estate business?
About Chad A. Johnson
I just bought a new computer (again) and almost opted not to get the Bluetooth feature – now it sounds like it was the best $29 upgrade I could have chosen!
"VERRRY NICE"as Borat would say Chad. Bluetooth is in everything now. I'm looking for an increase in Cell phone providers like T-Mobile that allow you to utilize bluetooth when around a network to save minutes. do you know if Cingular or Verizon are close to this?Happy New Year!!!
It is actually Wi-Fi that is integrated into the new cell phones which allow you to place VOIP calls instead of using minutes. T-Mobile is definitely the leader in the implementation of this technology, but AT&T is offering phones with it too.
Chad, Great information. Thank you.I'm probably going to be upgrading my Treo 600 (yes, I know; it's ancient) in the next few months, so I'll definitely be getting Bluetooth.Thanks again.
Chad,
have you had any problems with frequency when using your Bluetooth KB/M and 802.11b/g (or other 2.4GHz devices)?
Rich,You will be amazed as to how far smartphones have come since the Treo 600.When you buy a new phone, make sure it how Bluetooth 2.0. This new version is more stable and a better performer than older versions.
BCA,The 2.4GHz band is very crowded. While there is potential for Bluetooth and 802.11b/g transmissions to interfere with each other, I have yet to experience any problem. This article, http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/… includes some good information on the subject with suggestions to minimize any problems.Looking forward, the new 802.11n standard can be transmitted at 5GHz. Once all of our Wi-Fi needs are on the different frequency, interference will be less of an issue.
There's another use for Bluetooth in Real Estate… sending house flyers and business cards to potential buyers' Bluetooth cell phones. Check out the BlueAgent at http://www.blueagenthomes.com for a device specifically designed for this purpose. It will also broadcast FM audio tours.
Joe, thanks for leaving us the tip. BlueAgent seems like a valuable tool. Give me a week or so, but we will feature the product. Thanks again. -Reggie
As Peter Griffin would say… FRICKING SWEET!
Bluetooth is extremely useful, I cannot imagine my laptop without it.