Toshiba Corp. recently showed off its Bluetooth Pocket Server. Equipped with a 1.8-inch hard disk drive that holds up to 5GB, the device communicates wirelessly with other Bluetooth-equipped peripherals and computers.
Toshiba anticipates that the Bluetooth Pocket Server will have both consumer and business applications. In announcing the new product, Toshiba cited the Bluetooth Pocket Server’s ability to interact with Bluetooth-equipped televisions, PDAs, cell phones, PCs and digital cameras, as well as printers and projection display systems. The device also sports an integrated USB interface.
Apple recently hopped on board the Bluetooth bandwagon by releasing a “technology preview” that enables any USB-equipped Mac to communicate via the wireless communications standard when equipped with a USB Bluetooth adapter manufactured by D-Link (sold by Apple from its Web site).
Bluetooth is an emerging peripheral communication standard that enables devices to exchange data within about 30 feet of each other. It seems to be gaining momentum from PDA and printer makers as well as other computer peripheral makers. Some companies like Toshiba are anticipating growing demand for Bluetooth in the consumer sector as well.
With an integrated Lithium-Ion battery, Toshiba said the Bluetooth Pocket Server could operate for about six hours without recharging, or function in standby mode for up to 150 hours. Recharging takes about three to four hours.
Expecting to release the Bluetooth Pocket Server later this year, Toshiba anticipates a price of about ¥50,000, or about US$385 at today’s exchange rate.
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