iPhone Bluetooth capability

Well, since the bluetooth on the iPhone supports bluetooth headphones, I would guess if the speakers support that type then it should.

The iPhone does not support "disk mode" like the iPod. You can transfer some files with an app to another phone if both phones have the app, however the iPhone does not support regular file transfers between numerous devices.

Because that's the capabilities Apple has programmed into it. Why they have decided to limit Bluetooth to only headset profiles, and to not include a "disk mode", none of us here will know, though the iPhone runs complete different hardware and software than do the other (non-Touch) iPods so that's undoubtedly a factor.

I am beginning to realize the iPhone is not nearly as powerful a tool as it is cracked up to be.

I suppose that depends on what you consider "powerful". Any tool is "powerful" if it meets your needs, but no tool meets the needs of every possible user. Many people obviously don't find the Bluetooth and file transfer capabilities to be limiting, but if you do, some other device may suit you better.

I am beginning to realize the iPhone is not nearly as powerful a tool as it is cracked up to be.

That kinda depends who the "it" is and what was actually "cracked up." No one knowledgeable about the iPhone, certainly not Apple, claimed that the iPhone has these Bluetooth capabilities. No one with even basic insight about electronic devices would expect that the iPhone could be all things to all people and still be remotely affordable.

Is there any particular reason the iPhone's bluetooth and file transfer abilities are so limited?

Uninformed expectations is the reason and your problem.

msheridan wrote:
Is there any particular reason the iPhone's bluetooth and file transfer abilities are so limited?

The iPhone has never supported bluetooth file transfer since it was introduced 3 years ago. Changes have been made to the bluetooth profile so it supports more than telephone headsets, such as AD2P which is for stereo headsets and other devices. It also supports bluetooth tethering in areas where the carriers support it.

I am beginning to realize the iPhone is not nearly as powerful a tool as it is cracked up to be.

The iPhone is not an "all or none" device. It isn't everything for everybody. Even many people that really like their iPhones can find some faults with it. I guess if you have found that it does not perform to your expectations, and you had to purchase a phone and start to use it to realize that it didn't do something you were expecting, however never did in the past, then it may be time for you to disassociate yourself with the device and find one that fills your needs.