IOGEAR GBU521 USB Bluetooth 4.0 Micro Adapter

Pros: I posted an earlier review that said the IOGear didn't work with Fedora, I was wrong it does. It's not plug and play and the GUI tools can't find it until you've configured it with the bluetoothctl command line utility, but once you've done that it works with bluedevil-wizard GUI tool. I paired it with two audio devices, a set of Bose Bluetooth headphones and a Grace Digital Bluetooth amplifier. It works reliably with both.

Cons: None

Overall Review: Setting up the device, use the bluetoothctl command line utitilty, bluetoothctl Find the device # list After you've found it then select it select # Then make it pairable pairable on You can then scan for devices scan on You can then pair a device that it finds, pair # Alternatively now that you've made pairable you can now use the bluedevil-wizard to pair devices. After you've paired and connected to the device you can go to the Sound Preferences control panel and select it. I have a set of Bose Bluetooth headphones and a Grace Digital bluetooth amplifier, I was able to play music though both of them using High Fidelity Playback (A2DP Sink) however the Headset Unit mode that's available for the Bose headphones doesn't work, this is probably the fault of Fedora 21.

Pros: Just wanted to share that I bought one of these in 2010, and it still works with no problems today! (Oct 214)

Cons: none

Pros: Easy installation Use with PDANet+ on my phone for Wireless Tethering. Rock Solid Reliability! Never a single problem.

Cons: I lost it! :( But with how great the performance was I have no problem buying another.

Overall Review: Used with PDANet+ on my HTC Thunderbolt to tether my HP G7 laptop. Its worked beautifully and despite the slow 1.5Mbps internet speed (bluetooth protocol limit) its just been a joy to use. Buy it...its great!

Pros: Works if you pick the right installation file, duh

Cons: I came here looking for others with the same problem as me. I installed latest downloaded drivers from the website and the software appeared to install correctly. I then added my bluetooth device and got confirmed installation. Go to connect and no workie. After 5 or 6 remove and reinstalls still no workie. So, I went back to the zip file and extracted again and realized my problem. If you use the setup.exe file in the ROOT extracted zip file directory the installation will be complete. Do not go to the x64 directory and use that setup.exe file. Problem solved. Unit works now perfectly. I suspect other reviews trashing this device had similar "operator error"

Pros: Works well.

Cons: Can be a DOA if you insert it too deep. (see Other thoughts) Misconception of the printed circuit board layout for small components (resistors) close to USB fingers.

Overall Review: If you insert the GBU521 dongle too deep, this may happen : Small resistor (6 ohms , 0402 size) may be tossed enough to open up circuit and cause failure. Be very cautious when installing or even better, insert a grommet between plastic case and connector to make a small cushion or gap between the adapter and the PC case. This may saves you frustration and future RMA. This item is repairable if you have 5.6 ohms or 6 ohms SMD resistor 0402 and thin pin solder iron with copper braid.

Pros: I built a Hackintosh and used this adapter for bluetooth 4.0. It works flawlessly & was recognized natively by OSX 10.8 (Mountain Lion). I also bought one for my wife who has a PC laptop & it's working perfectly for her as well. Range has been more than adequate for our needs - works everywhere in our bedroom so at least 20 feet.

Cons: Is not recognized by OSX 10.6 (snow leopard)

Pros: Small, low powered, Latest Bluetooth (V4)

Cons: None yet.

Overall Review: The negatives seem to be primarily from OSX users, works great on win7 x64. The install seemed slow and required a reboot. Purchased primarily to replace a broken v2.1 device, for connecting to Sennheiser MM400 bluetooth headphones. I'm glad the original broke! The sound is definitely much improved, not sure why - I know there is increased data rate on v4, maybe the firmware in the headphones uses the data more efficiently? Anyway, overall a great price and the usual fast device from newegg!

Pros: This BT unit worked out of the box with both Ubuntu 12.04LTS and Ubuntu 14.04LTS. The OS recognized the BT device when plugged in. Clicked on BT symbol in panel and connected with my BT periferial device(s). I have BT connected two different speakers, mini-keyboard and connected to my wife's Kindle Fire HD.

Cons: Real tight fit in the USB socket.

Overall Review: With Linux you can throw away the driver disk that comes with the unit. The Linux Kernel comes with the drivers built in. Iogear should advertise compatability with Linux Operating Systems