A number of low-cost and entry-level notebook manufacturers have opted to skip integrated Bluetooth modems in their units in favor of a lower price-point. And they’ve got good reasons to do so.
The reasons are pretty simple really and it’s all about the cost of production.
First, it would seem that not a lot of laptop/netbook users actually use the built-in Bluetooth modem in their units. So, I asked myself when was the last time I connected my mobile phone to my laptop via Bluetooth. I think only once in the last 30 days. I’ve given the USB cable the priority over Bluetooth (primarily because I think it consumes less power on both the laptop and the cellphone).
Second, the cost of adding Bluetooth on a unit is much more expensive than buying a Bluetooth USB dongle. Let’s just say the notebook manufacturer is able to lower the suggested retail price of their units by Php1,000 by skipping the Bluetooth entirely.The savings are then passed on to consumers.
On the other hand, if a laptop user really needs Bluetooth connectivity, they can just go and buy external ones. They’re pretty small and pretty cheap (last time I checked, they sell for Php150 at CDR-King).
I think it’s a win-win situation — manufacturers are able to lower product price-points and consumers have a cheaper alternative if thy really want one.
What do you guys think? Is Bluetooth that important a feature in your laptops?
I use the built-in BT for presentations as well. Built-in just works better and doesn’t require me to fish out a dongle when I need it. Of course, dongles will just occupy one USB space anyway.
Top it off, the CD-R king dongle that I own doesn’t exactly work satisfactorily enough.
I’m fine with not having internal BT only if there’s 1k price discount plus an extra USB port between other wise two notebooks that are exactly the same.
I use my builtin bt for 3G/GPRS internet connection using my phone when outdoor. Really prefer using my usb ports on other devices..
bluetooth’s a necessity for me cuz i also use my 3G/HSDPA-capable moblie phone as a modem. less clutter and more discreet when compared with using a cable or a usb modem stick.
that is.. kung merong ganung brand na may w/ or w/o models na tingin ko eh wala, as s’yuga said, “Let’s just say the notebook manufacturer is able to lower the suggested retail price of their units by Php1,000…”
pinoy buyer: pre, baka pwede mong ibigay sa akin ung w/ bt model sa presyo ng w/o bt?
pinoy seller: cge po… walang problema
KITAM?
i don’t believe internal bluetooth alone cost 1k (even maybe including the cost of the usb connection+button+led indicator+software). i think Php 1K is the ideal/promo pricepoint difference for manufacturers just to distinguish the w/ & w/o model. Sino ba naman magppresyo ng 150 pesos difference? TANGA…
Hmm, my tablet pc has built-in bluetooth, and though I don’t use it often, it is convenient if I do need to use it coz it’s right there. Paying P150 for a bluetooth dongle surely sounds more pleasant than adding P1,000 for an internal bluetooth, but I look at it like I am paying P1,000 for a free USB port (bluetooth dongles use usb ports, right? or has it changed? xD)
I don’t think I agree, but it also depends. On a desktop replacement laptop, I don’t think bluetooth is useful. On a mobile device like a tablet or even a netbook, I think its important. Not necessarily for mobiles but for headsets. For VOIP use. Netbooks come with webcams, why? Primarily is for using with VOIP. To remove the bluetooth, you might as well also remove the webcam.
Well, the peeps who made WiFi said they Bluetooth and WiFi we’re very identical in many ways and that they are planning to augment existing WiFi enabled gadgets and electronics to enable connection between them. Read about on Engadget. Hopefully it will come to fruition one day. WiFi has one major advantage over BT.. SPEED.
remove one zero from P1000 and that’s probably the price of integrating it. it should be even less that.
the more likely reason why they don’t put it there is that it would canibalize their higher end products if they do.
everyone just agree on one standard and stick 1 device in there, no wifi, 3g, bluetooth, just 1 signal!
yes, I connects all my input devices when in home.
wireless kb & mouse,
Would prefer internal. I’d rather lose the Kensignton slot than my internal BT. Its a preference thing I guess.
never had a problem with CDRKing’s USB dongle been using it for a year, but I only use it once/twice a month just to backup/sync my SMS and contacts