[j4_james]

Actually p2p file transfer via an infrared port[1] was a fairly common feature on laptops back in the day (this was probably before bluetooth took off). If you're on Windows, have a look in the "Network and Internet" section of the Control Panel. You may still have an Infrared utility there if your computer has that functionality.

[1] https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa940293(v=winembed...

[pacaro]

IR was also used for syncing with phones, and printing. Some PDAs (I'm looking at you psion) could print over IR

[mSparks]

Back in the day. i used an Orange contract nokia 8310 ir modem and the free phone 0800 number that came with BT internet to give my laptop intenet.

Lasted around 6 months of near 24/7 use before Orange started detecting data and charging contract customers to call 0800 numbers.

[tonyedgecombe]

I seem to remember the protocol was IrDA, it never worked very well for me.