Dell computer representative

Reever · ‎03-14-2010

I kept laughing she was talking about a wireless mouse and plugging a "dongle" into the USB port. Never heard of this term before.

Carolm · ‎09-05-2013

I had to purchase a dongle and install it in a usb port on my smart tv in order to access netflix. It was a new word for me, too.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@Reever @Carolm

Dongle has been used for several years now. I will call the "electronic devices", Semi-Smart. Like old radio ans over-the-air tv, used to require an antenna to receive the radio, and the tv content.

Most receivers still have to use an antenna hooked to it to pick up FM radio, and also have AM radio connectors that require an antenna to listen to them.

The Semi Smart tv sets did not have Built-in Wi-fi, thus required an "antenna like" device to connect via Wi-fi. Enter the USB device called the "Dongle(antenna)" so you could connect to the Internet.

I had one on my last internet capable tv set, and also needed one on my modem(router) to connect to the Super Highway. Best info I can give both of you about the Dongle.

hckynut(john)

Carolm · ‎09-05-2013

Thanks so much for the information. I was surprised that the new upstairs tv didn't require a dongle but the older downstairs tv needed one. I learn something new everyday!

Buck-i-Nana · ‎09-28-2010

As Hckynut said, dongles have been around for years.

Another reason for the dongle with a mouse is that bluetooth can have issues both with battery as well as staying connected. As long as you have multiple USB ports, makes sense to go the dongle mouse route.

glb613 · ‎03-09-2010

@Buck-i-Nana wrote:
As Hckynut said, dongles have been around for years.

Another reason for the dongle with a mouse is that bluetooth can have issues both with battery as well as staying connected. As long as you have multiple USB ports, makes sense to go the dongle mouse route.

I use a Bluetooth mouse on one computer and a wireless mouse with a dongle on the other. The Bluetooth mouse takes longer to reconnect after the computer goes to sleep or connect at startup. I don't have a free USB port or I'd change the Bluetooth to wireless. Other than that, there isn't any difference in performance.