Will 802.11 Kill Bluetooth?

joshwa writes "NYTimes (free reg. required) has an article about the struggles of the Bluetooth folks to fine-tune their technology and get the costs down far enough. The most interesting part is that analysts seem to think that 802.11's (what is this new 'Wi-Fi' moniker?) growing popularity will overshadow Bluetooth's entrance into the marketplace, and will beat Bluetooth into the small devices market. Can 802.11 actually work in a Palm or a cell phone?" The article, IMHO, misses the difference in uses - if you've got a small device that you want to conserve power on, and only communicate small distances, Bluetooth's ideal. If you've got a lot of power, a la a notebook computer, and want to communicate 150 ft., then 802.11 is what you want. Imagine that: Different uses! Different standards! Amazing!

Comments

But 802.11 Is Cracked

[GFD]

I have a fair amount of money invested in a 802.11 WLAN at home which I am not going to use anymore because it has been totally cracked. This issue has been discussed here on slashdot in recent weeks (sorry no links - Slashdot search engine down).

Having said that, the 802.11 silicon is getting more integrated and I don't see that there will be much difference between the two from a cost point of view.

Blue tooth may win out because of the security issue as 802.11 fades away.

And as usual to avoid the registration....

[moniker_21]

just browse on over to here to read the article.

Anyhoo, I hope that 80211 does prevail. Bluetooth just seems very flashy and pretty with out a lot of substance, while 80211 is really starting to be truly useful. (Such as in my home network, I love being able to browse while sitting on my deck!)