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Zoom Technologies has begun shipping a modem and two adapters incorporating Bluetooth wireless.

The modem plugs into a telephone jack and an AC power source, and delivers no-wires modem capability for Bluetooth-enabled notebooks, PDAs or computers. The adapters add Bluetooth to a computer, or extend the range of wireless connections for computers with less powerful Bluetooth radios.

According to the company, the $80 Model 4300 "Bluetooth modem" (see picture) includes a V.90 56K modem, which is capable of throughput at up to 723,000 bps. Model 4300 works with computers and PDAs that support dial-up networking through Bluetooth, including Bluetooth-enabled PDAs. The new adapters include the Model 4312 PC Card for Windows computers and the Model 4310 USB adapter for Macintosh or Windows computers.

All of the new Bluetooth products from Zoom are Class 1 devices, which provide a wireless connection at a distance of up to 330 feet (100 meters). A Class 1 device is the most powerful of the three Bluetooth radio classifications. Class 2 Bluetooth devices typically work up to 10 meters, and Class 3 Bluetooth devices typically work up to 1 meter.