USB BT dongle connected internally to free up ports?

[okolepuka]

So I was thinking about wiring up a BlueTooth dongle internally to save space externally, wiring it up to the USB pin plug on the MB and maybe velcroing it in to place somewhere. That will work, right? Range wont be impaired to much? Curious to hear your feedback--THX

 

[DBP]

You can definitely do that. Check out neilhart's BT dongle hack.

Of course reception will be impeded, especially inside a metal case (neilhart's is going inside a plastic case). But if you have the dongle on a lead inside the case maybe you can fine-tune the location within the case (e.g. just inside a plastic front panel?).

My own machines that have BT dongles have them:

• in a USB2 port on the front/top of a Define Mini case,
• in the side of an Apple wired keyboard (hiding under the edge),
• in the base of a monitor: in the monitor's USB hub.

All as close to the keyboard and/or mouse as possible.