IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)

IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)
by IOGEAR

IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)
List Price: $16.95
Our Price: $9.99
You Save: $6.96 (41%)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Category: CE
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Customers in the UK, buy this product at amazon.co.uk for British Pounds

Digital Photo Product Details

Manufacturer: IOGEAR
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: GBU421
Product features:
  • IOGEAR Bluetooth USB Micro Adapter offers Bluetooth connectivity at a fraction of the size of normal Bluetooth USB adapters
  • This Bluetooth Class 2 adapter is also compatible with both Mac and PC computers, and offers a wireless range of 30 feet (10 meter)
Accessories:

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)

Customer Review: Works Great Windows 7 64bit with the DS3 Tool
Summary: 5 Stars

First off, I need to clarify why I bought this adapter:

I bought this to use my Dual Shock 3 PS3 controller wirelessly on my PC. I wanted to play Assassin's Creed Brotherhood on my 42" TV and my PC is much more powerful than either the PS3 or 360, so I wanted to play at true 1080p at 60FPS, but I couldn't have a cord running across the room.

So far, it works great with the DS3 tool. I am only using one PS3 controller with the program, so I can't comment on how, or even if, it works with multiple PS3 controllers. Overall, the DS3 Tool software (motioninjoy.com) is pretty terrible when you're trying to use a bluetooth adapter.

In order to save some people some time (It took me two hours to get the thing to work) I'm going to document how I got the thing working. I can't guarantee that these steps are the exact way to get this thing working, because I tried so many different configurations until it finally just worked, and now it's working without any problems. Know that this DOES work with the DS3 Tool, but it's not an easy task, and I don't recommend it unless you're computer savvy. If your time is important and you want a high quality controller, just look for a way to get a 360 controller working on your PC. While it will cost you more, it will result in much less of a headache.

First off, when I started, I had version 0.6.0003 (The latest version at the time of this post) of DS3 Tool. It simply DID NOT want to recognize the BT adapter.

So here's what worked for me:
-Completely remove all DS3 Tool software from the control panel.
-Open the Device Manager and find "Microsoft Common Controller for Windows Class." Right click, and remove all DS3 Tool drivers and be sure to select "Delete the Driver Software for this device."
-Download the OLD version of DS3 Tool, version 0.5.0002
-In the program, install the drivers again. You may need to unplug and plug in the BT adapter again so it installs the driver for the BT adapter.
-Make the program check for updates, and update to 0.6.0003 again
-Check the BT pairing screen and the software should now recognize the BT adapter. If it does not, go to the driver install page and run the driver install again. Hopefully, after this, it will now detect the BT adapter. If it does, pair the controller with the BT adapter, and you're good to go!

I can't guarantee that this will work, as I played with this for two hours before it finally worked, but I'm pretty sure these were the steps I followed. After you finally get it working, it works perfectly. However, getting it to recognize the adapter is the big hurdle. I'd recommend NOT updating the software for any future updates if it works. The DS3 Tool, like I said, is just bad software. When version 0.6 was originally released, nothing worked until 0.6.0003.

I hope this helps some people, and the entire point of my review was to clarify that it does work for your PS3 controller if you have the patience to get it working.

Description of IOGEAR USB 2.1 Bluetooth Micro Adapter (GBU421)

IOGear GBU421 Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter, the IOGEAR Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter offers Bluetooth connectivity at a fraction of the size of normal Bluetooth USB adapters. About the size of an adult fingernail, the IOGEAR Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter allows users to connect to all the latest Bluetooth devices like cell phones, PDAs, mice and keyboards. Because the Micro Adapter is so small you can easily plug it into your computer without blocking any surrounding USB ports. The Micro Adapter also features Bluetooth EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) technology for transfer rates that are 3 times faster than traditional Bluetooth 1.1 and 1.2 adapters. The Micro Adapter also allows users to connect up to seven Bluetooth devices together and transfer even the largest files quickly and easily. With the Micro Adapter lower power consumption, you can enjoy longer battery life on your notebook computer. This Bluetooth Class 2 adapter is also compatible with both Mac and PC computers, and offers a wireless range of 30 feet (10 meter). It is great for both home and mobile networking needs.

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