Bluetooth is a wireless networking technology used to establish connections between notebooks, printers, mobile phones, and other devices within a short range.
It is important to know the difference between the terms Bluetooth compatible and Bluetooth-enabled:
Compatible: If a device can support Bluetooth technology, such as an adapter, then it is considered Bluetooth compatible.
Enabled: When a device is ready to use Bluetooth (either as a result of built-in Bluetooth or after an adapter is attached), it is Bluetooth-enabled.
WiFi networking technology allows you to print photos from anywhere in your home!
Wi-Fi (short for wireless fidelity) provides wireless, high-speed access to the Internet and/or a "local area network"–a computer network that covers a small area, such as a home or office.
802.11 is an ever-evolving set of standards and specifications used for wireless local area networks (WLANs), and is often referred to when discussing Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi hotspots are places where you can find Wi-Fi access, either for free or a fee.
Bluetooth products are intended for more short-range use compared to those using WiFi.
* Megabits per second
** Kilobits per second
Purpose:
Bluetooth is useful for sending smaller files shorter distances, and works well for printing photos from cell phones and PDAS.
Wi-Fi's greater range makes it an ideal option for several computers–especially portable notebooks–to share a single printer.
Range:
Bluetooth printing works best at a distance less than 30 feet. So, you'll want to position your printer relatively close to your Bluetooth-enabled device.
Wi-Fi has a range of around 300 feet, so you can position your printer in a central location for everyone to use.
Speed:
Bluetooth is a bit slower than Wi-Fi, but more common in portable devices, such as cell phones and some digital cameras.
Wi-Fi sends data at a brisk 55 Mbps, so you can print quickly and send larger files to the printer without bogging down the network.
Printable version
