How to connect a wireless bluetooth headset to the nokia n800 and n810

The latest tablet operating system, OS 2008, brings with it support for wireless Bluetooth headsets. These can be very handy, for example they let you talk to people on Skype with the tablet tucked away in your pocket or bag (or anywhere within a 10 metre/10 yard radius). The tablets can use both Nokia and non-Nokia headsets.

At the moment the tablets only support the basic headset Bluetooth modes, they don't support advanced modes such as high quality stereo sound. The upshot of this is that the headset is perfectly okay for voice calls, but it's not so good for listening to music.

How to install a Bluetooth headset on the Nokia N800 or N810
1. Switch your Bluetooth headset on in its pairing mode (the procedure for doing this varies from model to model, check your headset's manual for instructions). Also make sure it's within 10 metres or 10 yards of the tablet.

2. On the tablet, click on the Applications menu (the green squares on the left).

3. Click on Settings.

4. Click on Control Panel.

5. Double-click on Bluetooth.

6. Tick the box for "Bluetooth On" and "Visible".

7. Click on Devices.

8. Click on New.

9. Wait for the tablet to find your headset, then select it from the list and click on OK.

10. Highlight the passcode pairing number and delete it. Enter the fixed passcode pairing number for your headset (it should be printed somewhere in your headset's manual).

11. Make sure the "Set as trusted device" box is ticked.

12. Click on OK.

13. Click on Close.

14. Click on OK.

15. Close the Control Panel using the X in the top right hand corner.

The Bluetooth headset should now be paired with your tablet, and should automatically connect next time it's switched on within range of the tablet.

How to use a Bluetooth headset on the Nokia N800 or N810
1. Make sure the tablet's Bluetooth is switched on. You can tell if it's on by the angular B icon that appears in the status bar at the top of the screen. If it's not there, go to the Control Panel, double-click on Bluetooth, tick the boxes for "Bluetooth On" and "Visible", and click OK.

2. Switch the Bluetooth headset on in normal mode (switch it off first if you've just paired it). If you're unsure about how to do this, consult the headset's manual.

...and that's it. A headset icon should appear in the status bar at the top of the screen, replacing the loudspeaker icon.

If the headset icon doesn't appear immediately, try launching an application which uses audio such as Skype or Media Player.