Bluetooth/USB headsets for iBook G4

Question

I would like to buy a headset to use with my iBook G4, and I just want to check and see if anybody can verify that a Bluetooth headset will be ok with my computer.
I don't have Bluetooth built in to my computer, but I do have an external Bluetooth adapter, which I use with my wireless mouse. Should any Bluetooth headset therefore also work with my iBook G4?
Sorry if this question has been asked/answered before. I've been looking around the forums for about 30 minutes, and most answers I've found are directed at MBP users only.
I only plan on using the headset for Skype, if that makes any difference whatsoever.
Thanks very much in advance for any insight that anybody can provide before I buy.
iBook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

Answer 1

Hi, Technoclumsy and Dave —
TC, please accept a warm welcome to Apple Discussions.
I know a few things about Bluetooth implementation(s) by various manufacturers, but don't use a headset. So my response is dependent on research and reading about others' experience. Please consider it in that context.
(1) First, I think you'll find the most useful resource here is the Other Bluetooth Devices forum, where there are many threads about Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headsets, phones, PDAs, etc. A search for "+headset" in that forum provided more results than you'd care to read in a single sitting.
Among many, I recommend you take a look at these posts by Alexander Traud — ( A ), ( B ) — in a thread called "Bluetooth headset to use with Skype" (look through the entire thread). Some of what he says may be a little more understandable based on context discussed below.
(2) Shop skeptically. Unforunately, it's a bit difficult to make definitive statements about compatibility, functionality, and reliable connections of Bluetooth-enabled devices — particularly when mixing devices manufactured by different companies. Despite the fact that Bluetooth is an open-source technology, it's also rapidly evolving and implemented in slightly different ways in different brands. More on this in a minute...
(3) Many adapters aren't supported. Apple only formally supports its own internal Bluetooth modules (cards) and D-Link DBT-120 adapters, Revisions B2, B3, and B4. While other companies may claim Mac-compatibility — and their adapters may work — this has proven spotty. The one sure thing that may be said is that Apple has only designed its firmware updates to "flash" its own modules and the specified adapters.
(4) Who cares? Well, that matters in a couple of ways. The inital Bluetooth Specifications had a lot of problems, and were improved significantly by Specification (version or v.) 1.1 in 2003. Many adapters and devices are still designed to this v.1.1 standard — but Bluetooth has evolved a lot since then, with the release of v.1.2 and 2.0+EDR (the latter requires a different Bluetooth chip, and is what's currently "built-into" the iBook G4, the MacBook Pro, and other new models). Devices designed to the newer Specifications are backward-compatible — but some things (profiles, for example) must be available for both.
To make a very long story a bit shorter, the major changes in  Bluetooth Specification v.1.2 vs. 1.1  included:
      • Addition of many new or revised "profiles" that enable different types of applications to communicate via Bluetooth
      • Improved resistance to interference from other 2.4 GHz RF sources (by spread-spectrum adaptive frequency hopping)
      •Technical improvements in connecting, detecting errors, and synchronization capability.
(5) Need current Bluetooth software and firmware for the headset profile (HSP). As described in KnowledgeBase Article 151411: Which profiles does Apple Bluetooth support? , availability of HSP requires that you have Bluetooth Software 1.5 for Mac OS X [02/05/04]  and Bluetooth Firmware Updater 1.2 [11/23/04] installed. You can check the former in System Profiler »» Hardware »» Bluetooth (with Views set to Full profile): if it reports Software Version 1.7xxxx or later, the software update is installed. (You can post back to discuss this, if unsure.) For internal modules, I'd expect to see Firmware Version 2.xxxx or 3.xxxx if the firmware is current. (Unfortunately, the firmware version may not be reported for adapters in System Profiler.) Please note Alexander's caution in the cited thread that "flashing" an adapter to upgrade firmware takes much longer than you might expect; and that you should see a dialog indicating success in updating the firmware when complete.
(6) In summary, I recommend that you use the specified D-Link adapter — or confirm with a high degree of certainty that another adapter is compatible with your iBook and OS X 10.4.6, has HSP, and meets the appropriate specification to match the headset. If you do have an appropriate D-Link DBT-120 adapter, be sure to upgrade firmware and to check / upgrade software. As to recommended types of headsets, please refer to others' experience described in threads in the Other Bluetooth Devices forum.
I hope this is helpful to you,
Warm regards to you both,
Dean
For clarity, please note that this is all directed to the use of headsets. Apple software does not currently support the A2DP profile for stereo headphones.
      I edited this message...   But probably not enough!