Intel: Bluetooth ‘too expensive’

Updated Goes with cheaper alternative for wireless keyboards, mice

By Andrew Thomas • Get more from this author

Posted in Business, 25th October 2000 15:09 GMT

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Intel has rejected Bluetooth and Home RF wireless technology for its new range of consumer wireless PC peripherals on grounds of cost. The new peripherals are currently only available in the US.

The Intel Wireless Series includes a gamepad, mouse and keyboard which talk to the PC via a USB base station which can support up to eight devices. The base station can link up to four wireless gamepads simultaneously for multi-player gaming.

But instead of Bluetooth, a technology over which Intel has enthused for years, we now learn that the devices use a proprietary 900MHz RF technology which an Intel Europe spokesperson said had been chosen so that the consumer devices could meet their required price points.

Intel yesterday erroneously told The Register that the new devices used Home RF technology. The spokesperson was unable to say if and when the products would be launched outside the US.

The base station is priced at $59.99, the mouse at $59.99, the keyboard at $79.99 and the gamepad $64.99.
Intel has also introduced wired versions of the mouse and keyboard at $49 each. ®

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