Bootcamp, A2DP using Vista on Macbook Air ( How To )

Question

Hi,
Thought I help those out who've recently picked up a Macbook Air and get them running on Bluetooth/Windows. People complain about the 1 USB, but who cares, the only thing I've got in the USB (when needed) is the Superdrive and everything else running off Bluetooth! Yes streaming A2DP on Vista on your Macbook Air !
What is Bluetooth A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). Allows streaming audio to your A2DP compatible headset without the hassle of wires or having to plug in USB or stereo cables. If you've got the AIR this is a must do, it's just plain cool right? LOL.
Here's some tips:
Bootcamp
1. YOU NEED THE SUPERDRIVE. I tried several other brands (i.e. LG) they work as regular drives but NOT for Bootcamp/Windows install.
2. XP and Vista run great but please note, as this was such a hassle, you must use XP with SP2 (don't try installing with any other version then attempt to update, let's just say "pain in the ***"). If using Vista (and have the 5 cd version), make an .iso of cd1, then import the /source files from the other 4 discs into the /source dir on cd1 iso then burn to DVD.
3. Don't freak out on first startup,insert the DISC 1 the came with AIR. It'll stick all the proper drivers.
4. I installed Vista SP1 last night, ran fine except I initially lost my soundcard output (not input, weird), but simply reinstalling the bootcamp drives resolved that issue.
*Bluetooth on Windows*
1. Following basic mouse/keyboard instructions worked flawlessly no issues with Wireless Apple Keyboard (from G5 series). I wish Apple would release the new thin model WITH keypad (hint hint). Using Microsoft 5000 bluetooth mouse no problems.
2. Here's the pain in the ***, A2DP. I'm using a Jabra BT8010. Vista picked up my device and 4 services (Audio Sink, Handsfree Teleophony, Headset, Remote Control) whereas XP didn't have any services. Yes I tried broadcom, bluesoleil on XP, but could not find my bluetooth device, thus I went with Vista. Now for those four services above, Windows kept pointing me to Broadcom site for drivers and I've tried some google hacks without avail.
Then I found success using the following Dell drivers: http://ftp.us.dell.com/network/R142181.EXE
Extract the .exe. When windows asks you for drivers for your Headset Services, point them to \BT350A00\32Bit\Drivers\
3 of 4 services installed flawlessly, I had to initiate the Headset Audio driver install a second time to make it work and voila! I have full streaming audio, Skype, MSN, Youtube, Winamp....etc!
Hope this helps anyone out.
Cheers,
Nolan
Message was edited by: nolan.b
Message was edited by: nolan.b
Message was edited by: nolan.b
Message was edited by: nolan.b
Message was edited by: nolan.b
Message was edited by: nolan.b

Answer 1

Wanted to check this out...so played with BT on Leopard via iTunes. I have to say that the 'use as headphones' option plays quite clean (bass/treble presence, almost similar with wired headphones) not like listening to music through a cellphone call as the typical 'use as Headset' bluetooth option sounds like.
It's probably not audiophile clear but sounds pretty **** good.
Update: For kicks fired up Fusion with Bootamp (Vista), fired up Windows Media Player and it was playing through the 'use as headphones' bluetooth off host, pretty wild (both in single window and unity modes).
Curious, has anyone got A2DP on Windows XP bootcamp?
Message was edited by: nolan.b
Message was edited by: nolan.b