What's an IRDA Wireless USB Bridge?

[ballaratdragons]

Cheryl spotted on the internet an item called an 'IRDA' Wireless USB Bridge.

The site says:

This IrDA Wireless USB Bridge is exactly what you need for transferring data between your laptop, PDA, mobile plus any device that has an IrDA port. With this wireless USB bridge there is no more need to run around in search of the right interface cable!

FEATURES:


* Easily enable IrDA function on the PC through a USB port.

* Transmit distance up to 1.0m.

* Transmit up to 30 degrees.

* USB Plug and Play convenience.

* Fully compatible to IrDA 1.3 and USB 1.1.

* IrDA data rate from 2.4Kbps to 4Mbps.


My question is: What's an IrDA Port? Would my old lappy or PC be likely I have one? Or my NextG phone, camera etc. :shrug:

[monoxide]

sounds like its just a usb -> infrared dongle

im not even sure what actually uses IR for data transfer these days.
a lot of old phones had it but thats about all i know.
could probably call it the old bluetooth but IR is line of sight only and i guess it never really took off because of its range/speed/only line of sight.

i thought they stopped using it?

[ballaratdragons]

TJ, this is the item:

http://www.dealsdirect.com.au/p/irda-wireless-usb-bridge/

[acropolite]

An IRDA port is definitely an infra red port, most laptops have one as do many mobile phones. They can be used to sync your mobile phone for updating speed dials or organiser functions, or even used to allow outgoing internet access for your laptop (at a price...).

[DaveO]

Ken

Yep, that's just IR which isn't much use.

But I bet you'd really like a "wireless USB" device - I know I would. Belkin have a product in the US (link (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id =356042)), but it isn't available here yet because of telecom restrictions.

Could you imagine being able to connect to a web cam without cables?

Have e-mailed the guy at Belkin here to get an update on availability.

[[1ponders]]

:prey:

[ballaratdragons]

Thanks guys, I don't think we'll bother getting one then :thumbsup:

[mill]

Both my pocket pc's have irda and it is just very slow compared to usb.