|
|
|
Keyboard / Video / Mouse - Switch, 1 Consoles, 4 Computers, Video Resolution: 1920 x 1440 pixels, Refresh Rate: 85 Hz |  |
|
| Product Reviews from Amazon.com (Rating System 1 to 5) |
| Review | Rating | Last Updated | Here's everything you need to know...
What are the two big things with KVM switches?? How many computers does it let you control and how is the video resolution.
Now, everyone in the world talks about "the video resolution is decent", but no one is every specific. I have been through MANY KVM switches over the years and yet to find a decent one, until now.
I got this, hopes that the good reviews were right - and that this could handle a higher resolution. It can - and it's flawless!!
In my particular case, I have a 24" widescreen monitor and wanted to control 3 machines. My preferred resolution is 1680x1050. I plugged in my machines and the picture quality, at that resolution is THE SAME as when the cable is plugged directly in. I am particularly finicky as I use my computer a lot. And I'm telling you, this KVM has virtually no impact to video quality - which I've never seen before in a KVM.
ONE BAD THING:
Just like most of the other home/small-business use KVM, they still require use of PS/2 style mouse and keyboard connections. I don't have a PS/2 mouse OR keyboard anymore - and also, the PC's don't have those connections either. So that meant a handful of little adapters. EXCEPT - the keyboard USB to PS/2 - something is screwy with it, it won't acknowledge the keyboard. I tried multiple machines and multiple keyboards. So, I'm going to have to go and try to find a classic PS/2 style keyboard as USB keyboards don't work with these units (doesn't work on the 4-port D-Link either).
BOTTOM LINE: if you are getting a KVM and your primary concern is video quality, get this one!! | 4 | Today | Linksys disappoints
I had been using a Linksys 2 port KVM switch for years without a single problem so when it came time to add another computer, I naturally went with the Linksys 4 port model. Unfortunately, the 4 port model doesn't work nearly as well. The softkey controls on the 2 port model was a simple double click of any ctrl key. The 4 port model is a confusing and often times unsuccessful ctrl+alt+shift+<number>. Not only that, the keyboard and mouse appear to 'blink' out pretty regularly. Mostly the mouse, which will often freeze. This is quite annoying and I'm ready to throw this piece of product right into the trash bin. And I'm being nice! | 1 | Today | LOOKOUT: It doesn't work with IBM
I've used KVMs over the years and this is the first one I've seen that doesn't work with IBM PCs. The manual suggests it's IBM's fault. Returning this POS. | 1 | Today | Gets the job done
From a functional standpoint, this is one of the best "non-industrial" KVM switches I've used. Switches between multiple OS's (W2K/XP/Linux) with no issues. Seems perfectly happy with both my antique IBM keyboard and my brand new Logitech wireless mouse (with USB->PS2 adapter and the standard number of buttons). Ergonomically, it could be better, though. As other reviewers have noted, cables attach to this puppy on 3 of 4 sides. When set up with the max of 4 machines, it has 15 cables attached to it. Since it weighs all of a half-pound, it's pretty much sitting where ever the cables want it to be, not where you want it to be. I was able to get it to stay where I want it without an utter mess by careful routing of cables and use of lots of cable ties. Also, again because of the light weight of the device, you need to hold it in place while depressing the selector button, or it tends to walk away from you. And finally, I'm not a fan of the hotkey combination required to activate the device: Alt, Ctrl, Shift, PC#(1-4), Enter. Five keystrokes - you've gotta be joking! I'm a much bigger fan of the Belkin way (ScrlLk, ScrlLk, Up/Down). Pity their current products are so dicey. | 4 | Today | good, simple and cheap
This is a very simple KVM. Lacking the fancy bells and whistles of the more expensive untis, this one does it's basic tasks. | 4 | Today | Took some trouble shooting to get it to work
I just got this KVM and hooked it up to my three computers: 1) Dell Dimension 2400 2.8 GHz, Windows Xp Professional (1 month old). 2) Home built Linux computer with all brand new parts(1week old). 3) Dell Dimension 4100 866 MHz (3+ years old) Monitor: Dell 2001FP Mouse: COMP USA branded PS2 optical Mouse. Keyboard: Dell PS2 Keyboard that came with the Dimension 2400 computer. Right out of the box I started having problems. I would loose the signal from the Keyboard and Mouse. I would be able to switch between computers two or three time, and then I would loose the mouse and meyboard signal. After a lot of troubleshooting and just short of sending it back I replaced the new Keyboard with my oldest PS2 keyboard, that originally came with the Dimension 4100, and all of a sudden all my problems went away. Evidentally this KVM does not like the new Dell Keyboard. I've been using the old keyboard for a day and so far so good. The picture quality on my 2001FP monitor seems sharp on with all three computers. I do not perceive a loss in picture quality. | 3 | Today | Really bad product and even worse support
I purchased this instead of the Belkin soley on name recognition and good past exeriences with Linksys routers. Unfortunately, their good name doesn't transfer to their other product lines. First, the video cables were M-F rather than M-M like most other switches so I had to buy new cables just for this thing. Second, after hooking up all the cables, I see how awkward it is to place this on a desktop with cables sticking out in 3 different directions (same complaint as another reveiwer). Third, the switch's hot keys would not switch between computers - instead, it would just rotate my screen 90-180 degrees! Forth, I called Linksys support and after about 5 "please wait while I look something up" I got transferred to their sales department and they said I had to buy their cables. After I told them that was unacceptable, they offered to sell me a new router... Ugh! I'm returning this POS as soon as possible. | 1 | Today | OK, but Belkin product better
I bought both the linksys and belkin 4-port kvm products. On the linksys, I had problems with mice being recognized and having mouse clicks missed. On bootup, I could not have my laptop attached if it was not on port 1, since it would then think the mouse was not attached no matter what mouse or trackball I used. I have none of these problems with the Belkin product. Also, from an ergonomic point of view, the belkinproduct is set up much better, with the cables all attaching from the back (except the console mouse/keyboard cables). Also, the belkin product is less expensive. Obviously, I would suggest forgetting the linksys and buying the belkin kvm. | 2 | Today | Fixes Video Problems!
I used an older manual Data Transfer Switch, and began noticing Ghosts on my monitor. After purchasing all new cables which didn't solve the problem, I figured it was the switch. Sure enough, this fixed my ghosting problem I was having immediately. This is an easy to set up thing, and I love the ability to switch between systems with the keyboard. However, like the other fellow stated in here, the plugs are MALE VGA. Most of us probably are converting from older equipment, which had female AT and VGA plugs. This has Female PS2 and MALE VGA plugs, as well as female PS2 Mouse plugs. ...You'd save half of that if you only have to convert the VGA plugs. However, one important note, the Plug that goes to your main Monitor is a standard Female VGA plug, so you don't need an adapter for that. When assembled (especially with the gender changers), the thing takes up a huge amount of space because the plugs are mounted on the side. If you plan on switching manually it will take a serious effort to keep all the cords hidden. But rest assured the keyboard switching method works just as well as the manual one. Simply hit and release, one at a time, the ALT, CTRL, SHIFT, Computer Number, and ENTER. Switches over like magic. So you can easily hide the whole thing behind your desk now (which is probably better anyway). There is even a LAST/NEXT mode but that doesn't make a lot of sense since the keyboard is locked until you get out of that mode. At any rate, if you're using an older switch, and notice Ghosts appearing on your screen (windows which have their white or brighter areas showing shadows of nearby window objects), this will fix your problem, but be prepared to spend a bit on gender changers. You may want to go ahead and just switch the entire cables out for new ones, but that could be a lengthy process depending on your setup, but only a bit more expensive than all the gender changers you'd need. ... | 4 | Today | A great product at a great price!
Extreamly easy to setup and operate. Best of all, it doesn't need (yet another) wall transformer to power it. The little power it needs, comes from your connected PCs. Switching between PCs is a simple matter of pressing a few keys in sequence, or pushing a button on the KVM box. This little item is a most welcome addition to my home office! :) | 5 | Today |
 We thought you might be interested in other BEST DEALS that we found for you: |
| *Pricing and product information listed is obtained from the merchants and is subject to change without notice. Shipping costs are estimated based on UPS ground within US, unless specified otherwise. While we try to validate this information,we cannot assure its validity and therefore disclaim any responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. Always check the latest price, availability, shipping, tax, and product information directly on the merchant web site before purchasing. |
|
|
|
|
Shopping Directory:
| | 
|
All Rights Reserved - AimLower.com - 2008-08-21Read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy
Powered by 
|
|
