HP Adds Bluetooth 2.0 to Printers, PCs via USB

A new breed of HP printers, like the PhotoSmart 475 and 8250, announced recently has a new option of adding Bluetooth 2.0. The HP bt450 basically plugs into the front USB port of the HP printers, and it will take care the rest when you want to print wirelessly from a PC, Pocket PC PDA or Nokia Series 60 / Sony Ericsson P800/P900 cellphone.

Performance wise, this Bluetooth 2.0 USB adapter has been given a big boost to 3Mbps, up from laughable 1Mbps. Though, we aren't certain how much faster it can be when printing a 8.5" x 11" photo compared to printing on a Bluetooth 1.1 connection. You may find yourself relying on a Hi-Speed USB interface or direct flash card connection.

HP will be shipping the bt450 Bluetooth 2.0 adapter in August 2005 for $59.