Product Description
The 2-Port USB Audio KVM Switch lets you control multimedia PCs with just one keyboard, monitor, mouse, microphone, and a set of speakers. The KVM switch not only allows you to share your monitor, keyboard and mouse but you can also share microphone and speakers. With just a simple press of a button, this KVM switch eliminates the hassle of cable swapping and switching between 2 PCs. With it's Hot-Plug, Auto-Scan and Hot-Key operating features, the TK-209K is the perfect choice for managing 2 PCs.
Customer Reviews:
Simple, slightly ugly cabling, yet works perfectly.......2007-09-14
I also own an expensive Belkin 4-computer model (USB w/audio), but this one actually works better. The Belkin one breaks my multi-function KB, as well as preventing my monitor from sleeping. The TrendNET one works perfectly on both counts, I can switch from my PC to my Mac using ScrollLock+ScrollLock, and it includes the cables. (The cabling weighs about 10X the actual KVM ;-)
One small warning - a Mac cannot use the ScrollLock+ScrollLock keystroke to switch between inputs, so you have to be able to reach the physical buttons.
My only complaints are minor. One is that the cables come off of all 4 sides (which I knew from the pictures), making it very difficult to look nice. You might need some cable ties.
The other complaint is that all of the cables in included are proprietary on the KVM-side - you cannot replace them with your own cables or longer ones. Even the audio cables use a mini-USB connector instead of miniplugs (why?), and the video AND USB ports come off of the VGA connectors! However, this doesn't prevent it from working, but may be a problem if your computers are very far apart, since you'll need 4 different extension cables.
Overall, I really like the product: it works well, doesn't require additional power, and includes all of the cabling.
Great value KVM.......2007-09-02
Takes a few seconds to switch, whether via short-cut keys or buttons on the unit, and one of my computers won't boot unless it is the active one (no keyboard mouse detected), but this little unit does a great job for its price-range, fits neatly on my desk, and meets all my expectations thus far.
great kvm switch.......2007-08-14
Product being used on two Dell Vista machines. Works very well in the usb mode. Hot key changing works fine. buttons can be used to change computers. Convenient when needed. Over All an excellent buy for the money.
Very easy and it works .......2007-08-04
This KVM switch works great, i have it attached to a Windows Xp and a Windows Vista machine and it works without any problems, the software is pretty simple to setup and you can configurate the hot keys pretty easily. The only issue that I had is that the 4ft cords were a little small for my needs. The switch itself is very small and compact. Its nice to have it work right off the bat. I threw my Flip button away.
Works great!.......2007-07-20
It does works great, i have it attached to a Windows 2003 Server and a Windows Vista machine and it works without problems, the software is pretty simple to setup and you can configurate the hot keys (but holding always the Ctrl+Alt combination, you only can set the last key of this three key combination).
Product Description
The 4-Port USB KVM Switch with Audio lets you manage 4 computers with just one set of keyboard, monitor, mouse, and a set of speakers/Microphone. The device comes with 4 sets of USB KVM and Audio cables, no additional equipment required. Its compact size makes it ideal for home and business environment.
Customer Reviews:
Works great with Windows and Mac.......2007-09-22
I've had mine for about a week now, and it's working great. Does exactly what it says... switches smoothly between computers. With Windows, switching is a bit slow because it takes a couple of seconds for Windows to recognize the usb devices each time. It's a lot faster with my Mac... switching is almost instant.
My only complaint is the physical design. When connected to 4 computers, the cables are sticking out all four sides. This makes this huge glob of cables, and makes it almost impossible to set on my desk. It would have been nice if all the cables plugged into one side. For this reason, it gets 4 of 5 stars.
good unit, but could be better.......2007-08-25
This kvm has the advantage that it only needs one single usb port on each of your pc to work. I connected a set of usb mouse and usb keyboard (both microsoft) to the kvm, and all was recognized with no problems. The audio quality is very good. When you switch, there's no beep sound (for me this is good). Also this kit doesn't need ac power adapter, however, there are some disadvantages that can be a deal-breaker for some. It inclues:
-if you have one linux box, the hotkey doesn't work and you need to push the button on the kvm to switch between machines. No big deal.
-when you switch, there is a delay, ie. you can't use immediately the keyboard and mouse, I guess that is because they need to draw power from usb port. This delay is about 5 secs long. I'm used to it now.
-on my windows vista box, I have installed a winxp virtual machine, and when I'm starting this virtual machine, the kvm switch automatically to the next pc connected. The same happens if I'm on Vista and focus back to the vmware window with xp. This is very annoying and the reason I give it 4 stars, because I use virtualisation all the time.
To sum up, this is a good solid and reliable unit, and supports usb devices, very popular nowadays. The price can't be beaten, so if you don't mind the little cons, this may be for you.
Product Description
The Master-IT USB KVM switches serve as KVM/USB hub units allowing users to connect different computers and share peripherals. The main feature of the Master-IT USB KVM switches is their cross-platform compatibility. Besides connecting both Windows and Mac OS systems, users can take advantage of the Plug and Play simplicity of USB standard.
Customer Reviews:
Never Operated Properly.......2007-08-06
In spite of ConnectPro's very conscientious service and hours of my own work, this KVM never operated properly in my relatively simple system (a Lenovo laptop using Vista and a Dell desktop with XP). While the laptop operated fine using the KVM switch, the Desktop keyboard would regularly malfunction making it unusable and the hardware wizard would attempt to reinstall software every time I switched the KVM. Finally, I could simply not afford any more time on the switch and am relegated to using separate keyboards and mice for each computer.
2 port usb KVM switch.......2007-07-14
This is just what I needed, I had a cheaper switch but it always seemed to need to be reset. This has solved that problem and more.
Poor Video quality.......2007-07-02
I've never been let down by reviews on Amazon...Until now. Based upon great reviews, I ordered this unit in a heartbeat. Came in ontime and hooked up easily. Switching between IBM T42 Thinkpad and Compaq PC with a Viewsonic 21" LCD Monitor.
The switch worked as promised but the video quality was less than spectacluar. Graphics showed up fine, but text quality was very fuzzy. Considering I use my computers to do modeling in Excel, Access, AutoCAD, and Arena, the ease of use and not having to switch beteen these PCs on Remote Desktop Connection does not outweigh the headache I got in the short amount of time using the KVM.
Couldn't be better.......2007-06-30
Like others I looked around a good bit and even tried a cheaper model (Belkin) and I couldn't get it to work. Found this one on Amazon with all the good reviews and thought I would give it a try. I am very happy with it. I am switching between a Sony Vaio desktop and a Dell laptop (both running Windows XP). It works without a hitch. I am using a Microsoft Wireless Comfort keyboard and mouse. As others have said just make sure that your keyboard and mouse work on both computers. Installation is simple and easy. I also like the fact that all cables are coming out of the back which makes it easier to keep the desk from being cluttered with wires. (some other models have the cables coming out of both sides). Also the cables are of good quality and are both 6ft in length. With my wireless keyboard hooked up I still have two more USB ports to use for other items. Some have mentioned they didn't like the fact that it was USB 1.1. The box I got said USB 2.0 on it, but I am not sure if they have gone to USB 2.0 or not because the instructions and their web site state it is 1.1. Either way I don't have any problems with it. It you are looking for a great way to hook up two computers to one keyboard, mouse, and monitor. This is the only way to go. I highly recommend this.
Works as advertised.......2007-05-07
Switching between two computers, with an MS keyboard and mouse, the programed keys and buttons, worked fine. Switching was generally instanteous, sometimes if screen saver had started, the computer with the screensaver acted a little funky for a couple of seconds, but was not a problem.
Product Description
The Master-IT USB KVM switches serve as KVM/USB hub units allowing users to connect different computers and share peripherals. The main feature of the Master-IT USB KVM switches is their cross-platform compatibility. Besides connecting both Windows and Mac OS systems, users can take advantage of the Plug and Play simplicity of USB standard.
Customer Reviews:
Great KVM and how to test your systems for compatibility.......2007-09-11
This is my second KVM from Connectpro. My first one (a two port) worked reliably every day for over 4 years. I only replaced the 2 port Connectpro with this 4 port one because I needed to handle more than 2 computers.
This Connectpro switches between 3 Dell computers. A 2400 running XP, a 8200 running XP, and a 351 running Vista.
Keyboard, monitor and mouse switch in LESS THAN A SECOND
HOW TO FIND OUT IF THIS SWITCH WILL WORK FOR YOU: There is NO mystery here. Simply disconnect and reconnect your USB mouse and USB keyboard while your computers are running and see what happens. Try booting your computer without the mouse and keyboard connected. You have then perfectly simulated this switch.
On a technical note: my new Dell Inspiron 531 with Vista refused to fully boot without the keyboard connected and generated an error message saying that. One simple change in the bios - "don't halt on error from keyboard" eliminated that minor problem. Even without that change, the system would boot once I had selected that system on the switch.
Finally this device is USB 2.0 compliant and not 1.1. The manual is outdated. I confirmed this with Connectpro's tech support (who answer their phone on the first ring and speak real English). I also verified this by using the device on these three systems and confirming, via the device manager, that it was recognized as 2.0 compliant.
The only thing lacking is the ability to switch the audio between multiple systems to a single set of speakers.
If you are unhappy with this unit you have not done the tests I've recommended.
The unit ships with 4 video cables and 4 USB cables - all of which seem high quality.
This thing just doesn't work.......2007-08-18
this is one of 2 4-port KVM switches I bought. Neither one worked very well at all. I finally just unhooked it and threw it back into a box with the linksys.
Oh, why did I buy 2? Because the first one didn't work so I bought another. When that one didn't work I figured out a way to use the 2 port KVM switch I started with.
Works like a charm.......2007-05-29
No issues, plugged it in and solved my problems (well, at least that one) immediately.
Finally found one I loved........2007-05-17
This is my 4th or 5th KVM in 8 years and the only one that has worked beautifully. It is fully USB, responsive, has high quality cables, (4 sets!), and sits firmly on my glass-top desk.
Its also pretty uncommon for something to come in a metal case these days, but for something like this, it is a necessity in that it provides the extra heft and durability for something that you're going to be jabbing your fingers at several times a day.
It comes with an AC adapter, but I found that it works fine without it, as it gets plenty of power from the attached machines.
Best USB KVM Ever! Tried multiple products.......2007-03-05
This is by far the best USB KVM on the market. I have tried IOGear, Belkin, and other kvms and this one shines. Every other one I tried had difficulty with special keys on my USB keyboard and working with extra mouse buttons. I thought how hard could it be to design a product that would work, all it has to do is pass through the information. The unit itself is solid and the quality shows. It's a little pricey; but, it's worth it. One thing to note too if you are researching KVMs that I have found out is that any KVM that does hot-key switching will definitely have problems with special keyboard keys and extra mouse buttons. Since those KVMs use emulation there will definitely be issues. It's not that much of a pain to push the button to switch over.
Product Description
TRENDnet's TK-200 2-Port KVM Switch Kit lets you manage two PCs with just one keyboard, monitor and mouse. Switch between two PCs with a simple press of a button! TRENDnet's TK-200 comes with a 2-port KVM Switch and two cables, all you need to control two computers with a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. With its Hot-Plug, Auto-Scan, Audible Feedback, and Hot-Key Operation features, the TK-200 is the perfect choice for managing 2 PCs.
Customer Reviews:
Ok for the price.......2007-01-03
I got this one for my office use.I have got a replacement for a defective one.Now it works ok.But not upto my expectations.I feel its worth the price i paid for.I have looked around for other KVM switches and almost everyone told me that they are not completly satisfied with their switches.If you want looking to use it continously for everyday needs then i do not recommed this.
Average customer rating:
- Great KVM
- Simple, Affordable, and it Works
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If You Are Looking for A KVM That Wont Clutter Your Workspace, The SV211KUSB Is
Manufacturer: STARTECH.COM
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
 Data Switches
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Product Features:
- StarTech.com 2 Port Mini USB KVM Kit with Cables and Audio Switching
- KVM / audio switch
- 2 ports
ASIN: B000HVFCFA |
Product Description
If you are looking for a KVM that won't clutter your workspace, the SV211KUSB is your complete out-of-box solution. With hotkey switching and audio support, the SV211KUSB packs all the functionality you need into a form factor the size of a deck of playing cards.Unlike integrated cable KVMs, the SV211KUSB is a kit that includes a set of 4 ft. cables for additional flexibility. With a maximum supported resolution of 2048 x 1536, this KVM is perfect for home offices, gaming enthusiasts, and multimedia production workstations.
Customer Reviews:
Great KVM.......2007-09-01
I use KVM switches at work and at home and this be far has been the best one. Very easy to set up and use. Worked right out of the box. I use it on two XP boxes and found both and runs great. Cables where the right length. I have only used the switch on the box to move between the two PC and work great. Very little lag time between moving from one PC to the other.
Great KVM for the price.
Simple, Affordable, and it Works.......2007-06-14
Based on the low price, I was a bit leery of the quality of this product. Turns out it is well built (sturdy plastic body), and most importantly it works as advertised. Buy with confidence!
Average customer rating:
- The grey button makes all the difference
- good value, easy to hook up
|
Startech 2port Reliable Mini Starview KVM Switch 1 Console with cables
Manufacturer: STARTECH.COM
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
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Accessories:
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Cables To Go 4PORT PORT AUTHORITY2 USB PS2 ( 35555 )
-
Thermaltake CL-P0401 V1 CPU Cooler
Product Features:
- Space-efficient.
- Reliable.
- Cost-effective
ASIN: B00006B8EB |
Product Description
A space-efficient, reliable and cost-effective KVM switch for multi-PC users, StarTech.com's SV211K is designed for call center, help desk and SOHO environments for integrating enterprise computer systems together. The SV211K is a computer management tool that allows you to control multiple computers from one source minimizing downtime by making connected computers and input devices available as soon as they are attached. A ready-to-use, out-of-the-box solution, the SV211K 2-port KVM switch kit comes complete with two reliable StarTech.com 3-in-1 cables to remove tangles and help organize your workspace. Cable ports are located at the rear of the SV211K providing easy, no-nonsense cable identification and organization. Ports are switched by pressing a button on the unit, or by entering a simple keyboard hot-key sequence. The StarView prevents boot-up errors by providing keyboard and mouse emulation to the non-selected PC. Its low cost, super small footprint design, and high 1920x1440 resolution display capability make this switch perfect for any application where reliability and cost-effectiveness are a necessity.
Customer Reviews:
The grey button makes all the difference.......2007-02-15
I have a laptop and a desktop. The other "Brand X" KVM switch I had wouldn't reliably switch to the laptop. This KVM will switch easily using the button on the unit (my favorite) or the hotkey combinations. It works.
good value, easy to hook up.......2003-05-20
I drive a single 17" monitor and share a keyboard and mouse on two separate DELL boxes (one Linux and the other Windows 98). This switch does the job nicely and the connectors use the same color-coding as the DELL boxes. The video quality is not perfect but after awhile I don't notice the degradation; I recommend this switch.
Average customer rating:
- Far superior to Belkin KVM
- It Simply Works
- Just works
- Alternative to other networking devices
- Wish I Would Have Bought This Unit First!
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Starview 2-Port KVM Switch Kit with Cables (PC/Mac)
Manufacturer: STARTECH.COM
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
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Targus PAUH212U 7 Port USB 2.0 Hub
-
Targus PAUH217U 4 Port Ultra Mini USB 2.0 Hub
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Cables To Go 4PORT PORT AUTHORITY2 USB PS2 ( 35555 )
Product Features:
- Saves time, space, equipment and power
- 2 computers can share 3 different USB peripherials
- Supports keyboard and mouse plug and play
- Selectable auto scan time interval; no drivers required
- Front panel push buttons for easy computer selection
ASIN: B00006B8EC |
Product Description
The SV231USB is a reliable StarView KVM switch that combines the simplicity of universal serial bus (USB) technology with the reliability and power of the StarView line of KVM switches. This package comes complete with cables allowing it to be used right out of the box with no hassles. StarTech.com's SV231USB is the reliable solution for call center, help desk and SOHO environments, environments where PCs and Macs are used together and when integrating enterprise computer systems together. The SV231USB is a reliable computer management tool that allows you to control multiple computers from one source minimizing downtime by making connected computers and input devices available as soon as they are attached.A ready-to-use, out-of-the-box solution, the SV231USB 2 port KVM switch kit comes complete with two reliable StarTech.com USB KVM cables to remove tangles and help organize your workspace. Cable ports are located at the rear of the SV231USB providing easy, no-nonsense cable identification and organization. Switching between computers is as easy as pressing a button on the front of the unit. Its low cost, super small footprint design, and high 1920x1440 resolution display capability make this switch perfect for any application where reliability and cost-effectiveness are a necessity.
Customer Reviews:
Far superior to Belkin KVM.......2007-07-15
For about a year and a half I struggled with a Belkin KVM switch to allow me to have instant access to my Mac Mini and Dell computers. It was extremely buggy: it would often switch on its own from one computer to the other; monitor quality using one computer was very good, and on the other it had a greenish tint; sometimes the switch would not allow me access at all to one or the other computers. Another problem with the Belkin was that wires came out of both ends of it making it difficult to position physically. Belkin tech support was helpful, but after hearing about the Starview switch, I had to give it a try.
As other reviewers have noted, you simply plug everything in, and it works! What could be better. I've been using it now for about a month and have had no problem. I have a very large 24" wide-screen Dell monitor, and both the Mac and PC look beautiful on it. I am also using a wireless keyboard and mouse with no problem. The USB printer I hooked up to the KVM switch also works flawlessly on both machines. All the wires come out the back, so if you want to position this on your desk, you can do so in a way that the wires don't show.
Its only minor downside is its appearance - it's a very utilitarian metal box. But I hide mine just within reach under my desk, so no one sees it anyway.
In a nutshell, if you need a KVM switch, this is the one!
It Simply Works.......2006-09-28
This is the third switch I've tried. a Belkin before this, and then two IOGEARs. The Starview connects perfectly for me everytime. Without the external power source, things seems to fail for me.
It is nice that the unit has three usb ports for devices (either attach a hub or just a printer) to switch. Metal construction is nice and sturdy as well. I keep getting lock ups and drops of both my keyboard and my mouse.
Below is my config, in case it helps someone else figure it all out.
Dell XPS Generation 5 (Win XP Service pack 2)
Mac Mini (OS X 10.4.7)
Eclipse Gaming Keyboard
Razer Viper Gaming Mouse
Just works.......2005-11-16
I've been trying several other products in this space and after several recommendations ended up giving this solution a last shot. For once I ended up with a working solution right from the start.
Setup:
Dell Inspiron 8500
Generic P4 Server
Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro (usb)
Microsoft USB Intellimouse Optical - wireless (usb)
I had major issues with a D-Link and Belkin solution before - in both cases the keyboard was stuttering and the mouse not consistently handling clicks.
No issues here with either with the keyboard or mouse. Even the USB ports on the keyboard work...
The only minor downside is that the sync between machines is a little slow - it can take a few seconds for the laptop especially to get mouse/keyboard active although the screen switch is instant.
Alternative to other networking devices.......2005-09-15
This unit enables me to use my two computers with a one button switch! A light for each computer lets me know when they are on.This also eliminates the need for two moniters,two keyboards,and two mice. Saves desk space and money for more exspensive wired or wireless network devices. A flawless and simple unit worth every penny!
Wish I Would Have Bought This Unit First!.......2005-07-06
I bought a Starview 2-Port KVM Switch Kit with Cables (PC/Mac) and everything works great. When switching to the imac mini there is about a 0.5 second delay and when switching to windows there is a 2 second delay, can't complain. Also all 5 buttons and the scrollwheel work on the Starview. I would recommend anyone if you don't mind pressing a button on the unit to switch.
I originally had a IOGEAR GCS632U and had nothing but problems. Couldn't get it to work with my Windows XP. See the GCS632U page for my review on it.
I wish I would have bought the Starview to begin with. 5/5!
Average customer rating:
- Cheap, yet very effective
- Working fine
- Works great
- Works fine
- Simple and Functional
|
Startech.com SV411K Reliable StarView KVM Switch Kit with Cables (4-port)
Manufacturer: STARTECH.COM
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
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Similar Items:
-
D-Link DUB-H7 High Speed USB 2.0 7-Port Hub
Accessories:
-
Cables To Go 4PORT PORT AUTHORITY2 USB PS2 ( 35555 )
Product Features:
- All in one kit with unique 3-in-1 cables
- Compact, space efficient
- Provides keyboard and mouse emulatio
- Supports PS/2 keyboard and mouse emulation for error-free PC bootup
- Unique 3-in-1 cables included prevent keyboard and mouse connectors from becoming loose
ASIN: B00006B8EN |
Product Description
A space-efficient, reliable and cost-effective KVM switch for multi-PC users, StarTech.com's SV411K is the reliable solution for call center, help desk and SOHO environments and when integrating enterprise computer systems together. The SV411K is a computer management tool that allows you to control multiple computers from one source minimizing downtime by making connected computers and input devices available as soon as they are attached. A ready-to-use, out-of-the-box solution, the SV411K 4-port KVM switch kit comes complete with four reliable StarTech.com 3-in-1 cables to remove tangles and help organize your workspace. Cable ports are located at the rear of the SV411K providing easy, no-nonsense cable identification and organization. Ports are switched by pressing a button on the unit, or by entering a simple keyboard hot-key sequence. The StarView prevents boot-up errors by providing keyboard and mouse emulation to the non-selected PC. Its low cost, super small footprint design, and high 1920x1440 resolution display capability make this switch perfect for any application where reliability and cost-effectiveness are a necessity.
Customer Reviews:
Cheap, yet very effective.......2007-07-29
When I worked at my university's computer repair center, we used this KVM exclusively. I don't know how that came about, but I do know that when the time came that I needed a KVM of my own, this was first on my mind.
I think I paid 60-something for it, including shipping. It's the second KVM I've ever bought - the first being a TrendWare TK-400 series, purchased from Newegg. This serves as the primary basis for comparison.
Pros (for the StarTech, not the TrendWare):
* Doesn't beep when you change ports - thank you!
* Included cables are less stiff, and a bit more compact, so they're easier to manage when running them through a tight space (say, behind a desk), or packing/unpacking them (if you move the KVM around a lot).
* These cables plug in all on one side, with one more side being used only for the two "terminal" PS/2 ports. VERY nice not to have the cables veer off in all four directions like they do with the TrendWare. Even though the TrendWare is the same physical size as this StarTech device, the latter takes up much less room on my desk with the cables all going in the same direction.
* Control the selected port with your keyboard - ctrl-ctrl-
, to go to the Xth port. My TrendWare used a Scroll Lock double-tap instead, which really is more of a philosophical problem than a practical one. Scroll Lock is a toggle key - it shouldn't be used as a command key, in my opinion. Like I said - philosophical.
* Like the TrendWare, there is a button on the unit itself to switch ports, though I never feel the need to use it.
Cons:
I can't really think of any. My fairly simple needs are more than met by this device. It'd certainly be cool if it had ports for dual, simultaneous, independent terminals, but if you search for KVMs with that feature, you will notice that they're all high-end and quite expensive.
Resolution note: I've never used this KVM higher than 1280x1024 @ 60Hz, so I can't attest to its performance at higher resolutions or refresh rates.
Conclusion:
The StarTech SV411K is a simple 4-port VGA-and-PS/2 KVM that gets the job done reliably. If you want to control four machines from one monitor, keyboard, and mouse, this little guy ought to do the trick.
There are a lot of crappy consumer-end KVMs that are in the same price range or above (check out Belkin's cheaper offerings). This particular KVM seems to... just do the job right.
Working fine.......2007-06-12
Very nice at 1920x1200. Earlier StarView KVMs could only handle 1600x1200, but this is very clean at the max resolution--modulo the quality of the analog signal coming from the graphics cards. (That is, if you're used to viewing DVI directly on a display panel, you'll find that different cards have quite different analog quality at high resolutions... and perhaps slightly blurred/ghosted by the KVM; real *digital* DVI signal switching KVMs are still very expensive.) Device is painless to set up, does away with the annoying "channel-changing chirp" of earlier StarView models. Also, by merging the PS/2 mouse and keyboard signals on the VGA connector to the KVM, cabling is much neater with this than for models that bring all the cables separately to the KVM.
Works great.......2007-01-26
It just works fine and stable. In addition to the keyboard shortcut sequences (ex. Ctrl,Ctrl,4 for PC4), you can just press the push button on the box to change the PC. The video are all good for all PCs with different resolutions. No annoying beeps. Good quality on the box and 4 cables. From my experience, this device will NOT work with USB. For example, if connect a USB mouse and then a converter to PS/2, then to this device, it won't work. Another example, if the PC only with USB port, you connect its cable (the one that connect to the PC) with a PS/2 to USB converter, then connect the USB end to the PC, it won't work either.
Works fine.......2006-11-16
Just as advertised everything needed included, all works and went together easy. Delivery was great
Simple and Functional.......2006-10-29
It is very straight-forward and there are no frills or gimmicks. I've used this switch for a long time and I've never noticed an image problem. The keyboard shortcut works great and is intuitive (press Control twice, then the port number you want to switch to, e.g. Ctrl Ctrl 2). Very small too (sometimes, due to the thickness and weight of VGA cables, it can be _too_ light, though). But overall, this is a very good KVM solution.
Product Description
The MiniView III USB KVMP Switch with peripheral sharing capability allows controlling multiple computers and USB peripheral devices with a single keyboard, monitor and mouse.IOGEAR's MiniView III USB KVM and Peripheral Sharing Switch goes beyond standard KVM switches by offering USB peripheral sharing capabilities. You can save money and space by eliminating the need for extra monitors, keyboards, mice, and peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, zip drives, etc. Up to 127 different USB devices can be daisy chained from this KVMP switch.
Customer Reviews:
Stable KVM.......2007-03-14
I use this model at home, and we also use a large number of these KVM's at work (large defense contract company). At work we use both the 2 port and 4 port models. We were aware of the issues ahead of time that can be caused by wireless keyboard/mouse, so we were prepared. Using serveral different models of wired USB keyboard/mice, including Microsoft, Dell, IBM/Lenovo, HP/Compaq, we have not had any major issues. We have not seen any issues using the IoGear KVM's with either CRT or flat screen monitors. Most at work have been in service without any major issues for a couple of years - - and heavy switching use daily. Only issue I've noticed on rare occasion, is that once in a while when using the hotkey and F4 to switch to another computer, it sometimes will not actually make the switch after hitting enter. Again, this is pretty infrequent.
Front of the unit has LED's that give a visual status on the switch: One set of LED's show if the computer on that port is connected/running, and one set shows which port you're currently connected to.
You can use the buttons on the front of the device to manually select the computer, or you can use a hotkey (which can be modified to your preference) which will show an on-screen menu. You can also name your connections in the settings of the on-screen menu, so you'll know which computer connection is which. With the on-screen menu, you can see what computer the KVM is connected to, as well as which computer the spare USB port is connected to. Via the onscreen menu, you can change either the KVM connection, the USB connection, or both. The onscreen menu is a little "bulky" and large, and if this was a little more less shocking each time you open it up, being a little smaller I would have added the 5th star.
Being able to switch the spare USB port comes in handy, and a nice feature.... I have two computers running on two different networks at work, and because of required firewalls, there is no chance of connectivity between the two computers. With a USB flash drive in the spare USB port, I can take files from one computer, stage them on the USB flash drive, use the hotkey/menu to switch both the keyboard/mouse AND the USB port using the KVM over to the other computer, then use the staged file on the second computer.
Not the best for power users.......2004-05-28
On the very positive side, the switch was really simple to set up. However, it doesn't work correctly with Win XP Tablet edition (mouse will go crazy and, if you have a monitor on the tablet that can switch from portrait to lanscape, it will always startup sideways regardless of your settings). Also, doesn't support the Apple key on a Mac -- but does work fine with Mac otherwise. Can be annoying for power keyboard users because the hot keys for switching are automatically on and anytime you press Ctrl twice it prompts you to switch (but, other than that, it's really great on Win XP Professional or Win 2000 machines). I'm still using the switch, though, for lack of better options ... it's better than being without one. And better than the competitors I've seen.
Doesn't Work at All.......2003-10-01
I bought one of these recently but was sadly disappointed. It is possible it is defective and I'll try returning it for a replacement. Here is what didn't work:
Booting a system gave the old "no keyboard found press F1" oxymoronic error message. Plugging the keyboard directly into the USB port of the computer didn't not have this problem.
The manual says to press 1+2 to "reset" the unit which I tried, but it seemed to go into auto-seek instead.
The manual and website were no help, of course.
If it turns out to be defective when I return it, I'll update the review (upward I hope!).
Stable Switch.......2003-09-04
I don't use wireless mouse nor keyboard at home, so no complain there. It works perfectly fine with the USB keyboard and USB mouse. I have the switch connected to my laptop and my desktop machine and I switch between the two machines using Ctrl + Ctrl hot key. It's really nice being able to see where I was and where I'm going. And it shows which machine the shared USB is connected to.
As another person indicated in the reivew of this product, it doesn't have a feature to turn off the beep when switching the machines. It gets kinda annoying at times, but it really isn't a big deal.
I have experienced no mouse skipping after switching, which I used to come across a lot with PS2 type of switches before. It's a really good switch if you have two machines you would like to use and all your peripherals are USB.
Buyer Beware!.......2003-03-26
I have a MS Office Keyboard (not wireless), and a MS Wireless Intellimouse Explorer. Neither the keyboard nor the mouse worked acceptably with the KVMP switch.
The keyboard has several special keys for copy/paste, along with several buttons for launching applications. None of these worked. Neither of my systems (1 Win2K Pro, 1 WinXP Pro) would recognize the keyboard as anything other than a generic keyboard. Both systems work perfectly with the keyboard with a direct connection.
The mouse suffered from a similar fate, except that every time you started moving the mouse from a rest, the mouse right-click behavior would execute. Plus, right clicks would also randomly occur.
Email to IOGEAR support wasn't much help. Their response was: 'At this time, wireless keyboards and mice are not supported for our products.' This, of course, failed to address the issue with my wired keyboard. I would replace my mouse with a wired one if I could get the keyboard working. Too bad.
This product probably works OK for generic, wired, input devices.
Bottom line: This dog don't fetch.
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