Bluetooth SD cards combine the SD format with a Bluetooth modem to create a Personal Area Network (PAN) for connecting personal devices over short distances. They are convenient for slim devices and can transfer data, sync calendars, and connect up to seven devices. Bluetooth is easy to establish and uses encryption to keep data secure. The latest version, 4.0, includes low power consumption protocols. Buyers should check compatibility with their devices.
Secure Digital (SD) cards are removable memory cards about the size of a postage stamp. They are used in portable devices such as digital cameras, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and mobile computers. A Bluetooth® SD card, also called a Bluetooth® SDIO (In/Out) card, is a device that combines the SD format with an In/Out device, in this case a Bluetooth® modem. The modem uses the SDIO card slot to create a Personal Area Network (PAN). This minimalist format is more convenient for slim devices than using a Bluetooth® USB adapter, even when the product may support both.
A Bluetooth® PAN is very useful for connecting personal devices over relatively short distances. Class 1 Bluetooth® transmits up to approximately 328 feet (100m), while Class 2 has a range of approximately 33 feet (10m). Bluetooth® uses radio frequency (RF) signals and therefore does not require line of sight. However, the transmission range can be reduced by various factors, including some types of building materials, interference or low batteries.
You can use a Bluetooth® SD card to transfer pictures, movies, songs or data between digital cameras, cell phones, PDAs or computers. It can also be used to sync calendars or emails between devices, or to send print jobs to a local printer. Up to seven devices can connect to a Bluetooth® network, allowing roommates or siblings to exchange instant messages, play games or engage in other network activities. A Bluetooth® enabled mobile phone with Internet access can extend access to a connected device using an SD card.
The big advantage of Bluetooth® is that it is very easy to establish a network and share. Extensive operating system and resource configuration is required to enable sharing over other types of networks, suitable only for administrators or those familiar with network protocols. Bluetooth® also uses encryption, keeping shared data secure as it travels between devices.
The Bluetooth® specification continues to evolve, thanks to the Bluetooth® Special Interest Group (SIG). As of April 21, 2010, SIG has finalized version 4.0, which includes low power consumption protocols for more power saving performance. Like all versions, 4.0 is backwards compatible with previous versions and incorporates their benefits.
When purchasing a Bluetooth® SD card, consumers should check which version it supports. Products that support the latest version might cost a little more, but the benefits are usually worth the extra cost. Buyers must also confirm that the card is compatible with the device or devices it will be used in. The device must be SDIO compatible; an SDIO card inserted into an incompatible slot will cause no damage, but the card will not function. The SDIO slots support both SDIO devices and SD memory cards.
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