Bluetooth and Mac Pro problem

Hi

I've also just recieved my Mac Pro and I'm having the same problem with bluetooth.

The bluetooth range is very poor, 1.5 meters is about it's maximum.
My wireless Mightly Mouse, Single Button Apple Mouse (Works fine with my mac Mini) and bluetooth graphics tablet (also works fine with my Mini) all exhibit the same problems, of dancing and being very sluggish if they are more than half a meter from the machine.

I'm also having problems connecting to the Mac Pro with my phone and PDA if they are more than around 1.5 meters away.

I've tried reseting the PRAM but that hasn't helped, I've also checked the ariels connection to the bluetooth module and that appears to be fine (it's connected to an unmarked cable, wheras the airports connected to 3 and 1, with 2 not connected to anything).

The Mac Pro is situated in exactly the same position as where my Mac Mini was, and it always had excellent blutooth range. So the location isn't a problem.

I'm on my second Mac Pro, both with the same problem. They replaced the bluetooth card in the first one, and that didn't work. They sent me a second Mac Pro, and it has the same issues. It's not an "environmental" issue as my other computers work well with bluetooth peripherals in the same location. I am assured by a super nice sales rep at Apple that they are in fact aware of the problem and are working to determine the cause and hopefully a fix. I am agaonizing over whether or not to keep this machine and hope for a fix in short order, or to just bag it and go for the 24" iMac. Come on AppleCare!!!

I've heard a lot about the MP Bluetooth having very poor range. I'm kinda glad I stuck with the wired keyboard and MM. But even at that, my mouse tracking ball is having problems, it can scroll up just fine, but lately it is having trouble scrolling down. As far as a crazy cursor, I haven't experienced that. My keyboard keys also "sticks" when I type. I have to use a little bit of force to get some of them down.

I'm having exactly the same problem. I'm reassured to see that others have it; this will help me get AppleCare to do the necessary to fix it (I hope). Otherwise, it's back to a wired mouse...

I'd heard about poor bluetooth range on the Mac Pro, which is why I went for a stock MP from my local reseller. I bought the belkin USB bluetooth 2 +EDR dongle which works brilliantly. I can get a bluetooth signal anywhere up to 100m (depending on environemntal changes etc.) It's wicked

I am having the exact same bluetooth issues with range and poor connection with my new MP. I have resorted to buying the new Logitech MX Revolution mouse in the meantime.

Follow up to my comment: Apple is going to replace my BT module, so I'll see if that resolves the problem.

Kirk

Kirk - I'Ve already had my BT module replaced and it didn't help. In fact, to Apple's credit, they then just went ahead and replaced the whole machine, and the new one had the exact same problem. Now the are talking about installing a new antenna. Unfortunately, that requires taking apart the whole machine to get to the antenna. Because Mac Pros are new, the tech has never seen one before. So, do I want my brand new, very expensive computer completely disassembled by someone who's never done it before? I'm thinking there may be a 24" iMac in my (near) future.

Hmm.... The tech just called to confirm (it's a long drive from the nearest autorized repair center to where I live) and he did mention something about the antenna, so maybe he's going to order that along with the BT module. I'll know in a few days.

Kirk

Just to follow up my post.
Apples decided to replace the whole machine.

The antenna is located behind the motherboard and to replace it would require major work, they weren't really sure exactly what the problem was so they decide to replace the whole computer rather than repair.

Mac Pro 2.66GHz, 2GB RAM, ATI X1900 XT, 1 x SuperDrive, Airport and Bluetooth Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Tech is on his way to replace antenna. I should have results by 3pm EST.

No go.

Add another one to the fray... I'm experiencing the same trouble with my Mac Pro + wireless Mighty Mouse. Both the box and the mouse are on my desk, no more than 3ft apart, and I experience sluggishness and stuttering in the mouse's response -- not constantly (though it's always on the slow side), but enough to be quite frustrating at times. I've contacted AppleCare, reset my PRAM and SMC, to no avail. They want me to take the mouse to an authorized repair center to test it, but at this point, I'm pretty confident it's not the mouse. I observed also that taking the side off the case made a noticable improvement in the mouse's functional range, extending it by maybe a couple of feet before the symptoms became obvious again. Obviously not a real solution, but it does seem to point to the range/effectiveness of the bluetooth module and antenna.

I'm quite certain you've identified the issue. The antenna for the built in bluetooth module is just an 8" wire that runs underneath the motherboard. Having seen this, I'm surprised any signal escapes the aluminum case at all. The easy and inexpensive answer is a $20. USB bluetooth adapter. I wish I had known this earlier when the tech was here; I would have asked him to just remove the module for me. I can't do it myself because the Apple built in bluetooth module is not a "user serviceable" part according to Apple, so messing with it voids the Apple warranty. Too bad, it's such a fine machine otherwise.

i had the same problem, opened my case, pushed the BT module against the ant... and reception was restored... it was just loosely attached...

try that.