📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses how to reduce the size of a USB dongle for a wireless mouse, with the original poster seeking smaller options due to the dongle sticking out too far. A user explains that Bluetooth offers a wireless alternative without a dongle, but the original poster is unsure whether their system supports Bluetooth and whether they can connect their existing dongle wirelessly via Bluetooth. The conversation clarifies that Bluetooth and USB dongles are different, and the original poster learns that they cannot use their existing USB dongle wirelessly through Bluetooth.
F

Fenway16

Honorable Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
461
Thread Author #1
I dislike the touchpad so use an old hp wireless thing to use my mouse on my Dell
An image from 'Other type of mouse connection'. A black USB stick is plugged into the side of a laptop keyboard.
. I am always hitting it or running into it. Is there something else I can buy that will not stick out so far -- thanks.
 

Last edited by a moderator:
Sort by date Sort by votes
Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
#2
If you want to keep using that one then no you'd need that dongle or an extension cable but something is always going to stick out. If you get a different one they do sell them with much smaller dongles or you can just go bluetooth which doesn't require any dongle.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
F

Fenway16

Honorable Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
461
Thread Author #3
I don't mind if they stick out - this one just too much sticking out. I am not sure what to look for. Could you point me in the right direction as to another type of dongle. Don't know about Bluetooth on this system. Thanks for that info.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
#4
Every laptop has bluetooth. If you want a smaller dongle you'll have to buy a new mouse/keyboard you can't just swap the dongles.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
F

Fenway16

Honorable Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
461
Thread Author #5
Oh - didn't know about Bluetooth. I'll see if I can find it. Thanks.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
F

Fenway16

Honorable Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
461
Thread Author #7
I did find it in settings but it comes up with messages I can't decipher. When I say add device it says make sure device is turned on - press connect if PIN matches this number...number from what? I am thinking that if I do figure it out it - bluetooth stuff will not apply to my HP dongle will it? Thanks again.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
#8
Bluetooth doesn't use any dongle and can't. Whatever device you connect to the computer will have a pairing process or button, usually you just press the pairing button and the computer should see it and then just select the device on the computer and click connect.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
F

Fenway16

Honorable Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
461
Thread Author #9
So here is my scenario - I want to use the hp dongle wirelessly using bluetooth. Is that possible?
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
F

Fenway16

Honorable Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
461
Thread Author #11
so bluetooth is only for the touchpad? sorry to be so dense but ain't neva used BT...
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
#12
No, bluetooth is just a type of wireless transmission. A peripheral device has to support it
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
#14
You can get almost any device type with bluetooth. Keyboards, mice, speakers, headsets etc
 

Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
F

Fenway16

Honorable Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
461
Thread Author #16
So anyway - do appreciate the help. Found one on Amazon that gets good reviews -- fair price.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.