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Dell Wireless 355 Module with Bluetooth 2.0

post #1 of 30
8/8/06 at 10:21am
Thread Starter 
Hello Forum,

Dell has released a new module named "Dell Wireless 355 Module with Bluetooth 2.0 and ERD Technology 5.0". The new module also has a complete new driver version. Does anyone have this module already and tested it?

kind regards
Dirk
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post #2 of 30
9/11/06 at 8:58pm
I'm interested in feedback on this part too!
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post #3 of 30
9/12/06 at 7:48am
What sort of feedback are you looking for? My 1710 came with the 355 module, but I use a different bluetooth stack. Since i have a set of stereo bluetooth headphones I had to install the latest widcomm drivers as they are the only ones with decent A2DP support. I get good range and haven't had any issues using it yet.
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post #4 of 30
9/12/06 at 7:54am
Will this plug in the same as the 350? (ie. can I take out my 350 and put in the 355?)

On that note, what benefit over the 350 will I get, better range?? more features?? etc??
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post #5 of 30
9/12/06 at 11:50am
I'm curious for any feedback too. I've been very unimpressed with the 350 module (generally poor range, and poor audio quality on my Hands Free headset) ... to the point where I just went out and bought an Anycom 250 USB module for when I'm at home.
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post #6 of 30
9/13/06 at 1:05pm
I can only assume that they both use an internal mini-usb connection, if so, then there's no reason that you can't install it and have it work. The only catch that would come up then, is that there's no garuntee that the Fn+key will be able to turn the newer bluetooth hardware off.
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post #7 of 30
9/13/06 at 2:43pm
I have done some limited testing with it and have found no real difference between the two.

I have used both with the following

Logitech DiNovo Keyboard
Logitech DiNovo Media Pad
Logitech MX900 mouse (Bluetooth)
Logitech Headset (bluetooth)

with both the 350 and the 355 if I have all 4 running when I am on Teamspeak or another voice program and game there is significant Lag. If I eliminate one (generally the Media Pad) the lag stops

in a nutshell because of the ammount of bandwidth from the headphones it maxes out both chips.

My conclusion is that there is no significant improvement in any way with the 355

they both pair just as quickly
Range is the same though I have not gotten out a tape measure
clarity and bandwidth appear to be the same.

both use the same connectors
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post #8 of 30
9/13/06 at 6:38pm
So the only difference is that the Bluetooth 355 module is designed to operate with newer devices that aren't backwards compatible. This is something I have experienced with my PPC-6700 UTStarcom PocketPC Phone. It appears that newer headsets using BT2.0 work properly over extended periods while older BT1.1 headsets would disconnect after 10mins of talking and then not immediately reconnect.

I'm surprised the higher EDR didn't work for you Bal, but then again they don't recommend more than 2-3 devices paired at a time. I could see where 4 device streams can overwhelm a single bluetooth module of that size.
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post #9 of 30
9/14/06 at 12:08am
nothing different with 350 bluetooth module... u don't have to purchase it for extra money..
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post #10 of 30
9/14/06 at 1:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaxChris
So the only difference is that the Bluetooth 355 module is designed to operate with newer devices that aren't backwards compatible. This is something I have experienced with my PPC-6700 UTStarcom PocketPC Phone. It appears that newer headsets using BT2.0 work properly over extended periods while older BT1.1 headsets would disconnect after 10mins of talking and then not immediately reconnect.

I'm surprised the higher EDR didn't work for you Bal, but then again they don't recommend more than 2-3 devices paired at a time. I could see where 4 device streams can overwhelm a single bluetooth module of that size.

Problem is that when using Teamspeak it sucks up a lot of bandwidth I had hoped the EDR improvement would help but didn't expect it. The media pad I use for testing but I never use it to game with so its not really an issue for me. Besides I will probably sell the DiNovo by next week I prefer my MX5000 combo
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post #11 of 30
9/14/06 at 4:48pm
Is the chipset for the Bluetooth 355 module still made by Cambridge Silicon Radio (CSR)? I'm not sure how to check this if you're using the Toshiba Bluetooth stack, but if you're using Widcomm, you can check it by right-clicking on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray, then clicking Bluetooth Configuration, then looking on the Diagnostics tab.
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post #12 of 30
9/15/06 at 1:33am
Nope, it's a broadcom unit. I am also currently using the Widcomm 5.1.0.1700 drivers which don't work with the CSR units.
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post #13 of 30
9/17/06 at 4:33am
I have the BT355 w/Dell drivers (Broadcom - Widcomm stack) paired with Jabra BT620s (BT1.2) in stereo, and they work. Range is good until you hit a wall - then the connection goes to crap. AVRCP works only when you have the music software (iTunes in my case) as your active window - when you minimize it, you can't remotely control it.

I don't have experience with the BT350 to compare it against, though.

Also, since this BT355 is Bluetooth 2.0, it should allow for faster data transfer rates (3mbps), so if anyone has those BT2.0 spec'd headsets/mice/keyboard, they'd probably be able to give us better reviews on BT355.
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post #14 of 30
9/18/06 at 1:58pm
350 is also BT 2.0 with EDR. To run 2.0, all your device connected to it must be 2.0.
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post #15 of 30
9/19/06 at 9:28pm
Tekara and/or shima, could either of you run through how to install (and where to download) the latest Widcomm stack? The "What's up with Dell's Bluetooth drivers?" thread is geared towards the 350 and I have had very little success applying it to the 355. Thanks a million.
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post #16 of 30
9/19/06 at 10:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lumberbunny
Tekara and/or shima, could either of you run through how to install (and where to download) the latest Widcomm stack? The "What's up with Dell's Bluetooth drivers?" thread is geared towards the 350 and I have had very little success applying it to the 355. Thanks a million.

Here's a link to the Widcomm driver:
http://rapidshare.de/files/30589000/...th_drivers.exe

I haven't installed it yet myself (trying to stick with the Dell unless absolutely necessary).

Good luck!
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post #17 of 30
9/20/06 at 10:25am
Hi,
What is the Dell part number of the 355 BT module? I'd like to call and order one.
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post #18 of 30
9/20/06 at 2:02pm
I first installed the included drivers, then updated them with the newer version. Your likely going to have to use another company's driver for the new version (I'm using 5.1.0.1700) which means that you'll have to patch the liscense information which can't be discused here (google for info).
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post #19 of 30
9/22/06 at 4:21am
Hi all, thanks for all the help.

Unfortunately, the new stack diddn't fix my problem. Does anyone else have the problem where the Bluetooth module freaks out when waking up from standby? I've had this happen with both a BT350 and a BT355 on two different laptops, and it happens even when no devices are paired, so I don't understand why I'm the only one experiencing this very irritating problem?
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post #20 of 30
9/22/06 at 4:52pm
Freaks out? What are some of the specific symptoms that you are noticing? Is this happening when the computer comes out of standby, or when you hit Fn+F2 ?
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