Wireless versus Bluetooth Mouse
I had a question recently about the differences between a wireless and a Bluetooth mouse. While neither of them uses wires, they work completely differently in communicating with your computer. There are actually three kinds of wireless mouse available. They each communicate with your computer in a different way.
Bluetooth
Let’s start with Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless signal between devices. A Bluetooth mouse will work only with devices that are Bluetooth capable. Most newer laptops have Bluetooth installed, but you should check yours. You will also need to make sure that the Bluetooth capability is turned on.
Activate the Bluetooth connection by “pairing” the devices. This is usually just a matter of having your laptop or computer search for Bluetooth-enabled devices while holding down a button on the mouse. A Bluetooth mouse needs batteries, though there are rechargeable models.
Wireless
A wireless mouse works by transmitting a signal to a receiver on your laptop. The receiver is usually a small device that fits into a USB port on your computer. The receiver must be attached to the PC or Mac for it to “talk” to your mouse.
Receivers sometimes come tucked inside a mouse and will fit in a slot in the battery compartment for travel.
WiFi
A third kind of wireless mouse is the WiFi mouse, which connects wirelessly to your router. There is no need to stick an adapter into a USB port because your laptop communicates with the mouse via your home’s regular WiFi signal.
The first two types of mouse described above can be used whether or not you have a wireless signal because they communicate directly with your computer. This mouse needs a wireless signal, so it may not be the best type of mouse for you if you are on the go a lot. This type of mouse is also available in battery-powered and rechargeable versions.
~ Cynthia
Courtesy of Worldstart.com