We've rounded up 10 cool and useful Bluetooth devices to help you phone, print, present and more - all without wires
Bluetooth safety tips
On its surface, Bluetooth might seem to be wide open to assorted hackers, bluejackers (who send unwanted messages to your phone) and bluesnarfers (who steal personal data stored on your phone or laptop). But there's a lot you can do to protect your equipment, data and identity when using Bluetooth devices. Follow these simple precautions to stay safe:
- If you're using Bluetooth in public, be aware of those around you. Bluetooth's range is limited to between 15 and 45 feet, which means a digital burglar needs to be within your sight to break into your phone or laptop.
- Always use the strongest security and authentication settings available. Mode 3 is the best bet because it sets its security protocol before the link is set up.
- Delete any Bluetooth profiles you no longer use; they can give a hacker a backdoor.
- Always use a passcode - and always set your own rather than using the default setting for the device. Don't use obvious codes, and do change them frequently.
- Turn the phone or laptop's visibility setting to 'undiscoverable'.
- Never attempt to pair with a device you don't recognise. You never know who is out there or what they're trying to do.
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See also: Bluetooth 3.0 smartphones to arrive in 2010
- Phone, print, present and more - all without wires
- Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
- Kensington Vo200 Bluetooth internet phone and the BlueAnt Supertooth 3 hands-free speakerphone
- Interlink Electronics VP6600 ExpressCard media remote for Bluetooth
- Sony Ericsson MBW-150 Classic Edition watch and the Aliph Jawbone earphone
- Lego Mindstorms NXT robot kit and the Baracoda D-Fly bar code scanner
- Bluetooth safety tips
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