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IOGEAR 2-Port DVI KVMP Switch with Audio and Cables (GCS1762)
From IOGEAR

The IOGEAR DVI KVMP Switch GCS1762 switch charts a revolutionary new direction in KVM switch functionality by combining a 2-port USB KVM switch with USB peripheral sharing capability at the same time as it provides an interface for a digital monitor (DVI). As a KVM switch, it allows users to access two computers from a single USB keyboard, USB mouse, and monitor, and any peripherals such as printers and scanners. The GCS1762s independent (asynchronous) switching feature, allows the KVM focus to be on one computer while the USB peripheral focus is on another. This eliminates the need to purchase a separate USB hub as well as the need to purchase separate stand-alone peripheral sharers - such as printer servers, modem splitters, etc. The GCS1762 further improves on previous designs with DVI (Digital Video Interface) connectors, and the transfer of keyboard and mouse data to the computers via a fast, reliable USB connection. DVI supports both digital input (flat panel displays, data projectors, plasma displays, digital TVs and set-top boxes) and analog video input (traditional monitors and TVs).

• Brand: Iogear
• Model: GCS1762
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 9.00" h x 4.00" w x 11.00" l, 1.76 pounds
• CPU: AMD Athlon 1 GHz
• Memory: 128000MB DRAM
• Hard Disk: 1GB
• Processors: 1
• Native resolution: 640x480
• Display size: 669.2913385827

A few fatal flaws
This product would have been the answer to all of my problems if it weren't for a few fatal flaws;

1) It does not support 'multifunction' keyboards...their technical support informed me this includes any keyboards that include volume control, internet buttons, etc. You know, the kind that come with most modern PCs sold today. I don't use those buttons and keyboards are cheap - I'd be willing to just buy a new one except:

2) Mice with wheel buttons are not supported (according to their tech support, this also constitutes a 'multifunction' device)...so if you are a gamer (or just like the wheel button), prepare to replace your gaming mouse with a plain vanilla 2-button mouse.

3) Their tech support is pretty awful; They seem to have a checklist of devices that are unsupported (despite being pretty standard with most PCs on the market today), and seem more interested in finding a reason why your configuration is unsupported (thus ending the call) than actually working with you. My mouse was working on both PCs but was just a little choppy on one, but once the support person latched onto the fact that it had a wheel, they were unwilling to waste another second talking about what might be causing the problem and if anything at all could be done to fix it.

It's too bad, it's even a slick looking little device. I give it two stars because it does indeed switch back and forth between the two monitors.

It works ok if you work at it...
I'm switching a pc and a mac on an apple cinema 23" display at 1920x1200. The switching works fine with the mac but sometimes the display won't immediately show the pc. Not the fault of the kvm, apparently -- switching the DVI cable has the same effect. BUT you can solve that problem by putting the pc display to sleep quickly. When it wakes up with the focus already on the display, it works fine.

The keyboard is another story. First, there are two usb ports on the front, one for the keyboard and one for the mouse. Using my mac keyboard with the mouse plugged into it (it has a small hub in the kbd), the mouse will not work when the two are just plugged into the kbd usb port on the KVM. So, I plugged them both into the mouse port on the KVM. This works perfectly -- except -- the keyboard hotkeys do not work. In order for the mouse to work, it MUST be attached to the mouse port. For the keyboard hotkeys to work, the kbd MUST be attached to the keyboard port. But this leads to other problems. Apparently the firmware is a little buggy because the keyboard gets to acting oddly from time to time, slow typing, stuck keys, etc. This is because the keyboard port interprets the data for the keyboard, looking for hotkeys and/or mapping mac keys to pc keys. I turned off the mapping, and so far so good except for an occasional hiccup which can be fixed by using the 'reset usb' hotkeys. Of course, plugging both kbd and mouse into the 'mouse' usb port works perfectly, and you can switch the focus using the front panel switches.

Nice package, horrible product
I got this KVM switch yesterday and hooked it up to my laptop and my old desktop. The laptop would display properly on the monitor, but the desktop wouldn't. Plugging the desktop in directly confirms that my DVI port works. Also the switch would tend to lose the connection with my keyboard. I spent 3 hours repeatedly rebooting my computers, but I could never get the switch to work properly.

   

STARTECH.COM SV431USB 4 Port Starview USB KVM Switch
From STARTECH.COM

This 4 Port rack mountable USB KVM Switch Kit offers simple control of four Mac or PC computers from a single monitor/display and USB peripheral set (keyboard, mouse).The USB KVM switch features an integrated 4 port USB hub, allowing you to share connected USB peripherals between the four controlled PC/Mac computers as though the devices were connected directly to the computers.Ensuring convenient placement and installation, the KVM switch features a 1U, rack-mountable (optional) form factor and offers rear-port connection to master and slave computers, allowing you to make the necessary device connections without disrupting your workspace.A cross-platform solution, the KVM switch supports high resolution applications at up to 1920x1400 display resolutions, and provides a smooth operating experience when controlling Mac/PC combined work environments.If you wish to use the integrated USB hub with high powered devices such as scanners, USB mass storage devices, or Multimedia Keyboards, the optional power adapter may be required.

• Brand: StarTech
• Model: SV431USB
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 3.90" h x 7.60" w x 9.90" l, 1.98 pounds

Doesn't work out of the box
This KVM is advertised to work without a power supply under Mac and PC (as specified on the startech.com website) but doesn't. It has a 5v recepticle but doesn't even include a cheapo wall wart. The 5v voltage is not even common enough for Radio Shack to carry them so they are expecting a lot from the end user.

The specific problem is I get a warning from my Macs about too much power being drawn and then the keyboad and/or mouse gets disabled.

I have 2 differnt setups where it fails to work. One consists of a PowerMac G4 and a PowerBook G4 with a ViewSonic 20" monitor, Apple Pro keyboard, and Microsoft Optical Mouse.

The other setup consists of a PowerBook G4, Old Micron Linux box, Sony 17" LCD, Apple Pro keyboard, and a Logitech Optical mouse.

These seem like common configurations so I am wondering if it is defective or unrealistic about its power requirements. I have written startech.com about this issue. I will update this review once I get a response.

============
UPDATE

Startech sent me the power adapter needed when connecting to Macs. BTW, its not included. Seems to work as advertised but I have noticed that if I don't switch to a Mac for an extended period it wont wakeup.

Mac Users Beware
If you're planning on using this switch with a Mac keyboard: Beware. Although is says "For PCs and Macs" on the box, this switch will NOT work out-of-the-box with a keyboard that has extra USB ports (which all modern Mac keyboards have). It needs the AC adapter, which is not included.

Forget about finding a generic adapter at Radio Shack. The SV431USB requires an output of 5V DC at 2 Amps, which is next to impossible to find (except on the StarView website of course).

This switch looked impressive, but I'm going to have to give it 1 star since I wasn't even able to get the keyboard going. If you have a regular keyboard and don't plan on connecting a USB hub or laptop to it, it might be worth a try.

excellent quality, easy to set up, then it broke
This product is great. The picture quality on the monitor is excellent, even without a power adapter. This is the only switch I could find for under $100 that supports USB. Most switches in this price range only support PS/2 mouse/keyboard, but my printer is USB-only, so I needed a switch that supports USB. Startech also makes some cables ...that have monitor and USB bound together which I also bought.

I use this switch for a desktop & a laptop. When I connect my laptop, I just need to plug in the monitor & USB, and I'm ready to go! It's so easy. I just wish it could control audio as well, though there's probably some USB device out there that you could plug into this switch.

The cable setup was a snap and there were no drivers to install. My system recognized the devices automatically.

On the down-side, my laptop (WinXP) is a little slow to recognize the mouse & keyboard when I switch to it. It usually takes about 3 seconds, but can be up to 20 seconds on occasion. Generally it's not long enough to bother me.

On my desktop (Win2000), it recognizes the devices much more quickly, but occasionally crashes the system when I switch to it. I think this only happens when I try to move the mouse or type on the keyboard before it has recognized those devices. Now, I just switch to it, wait a second until I see the mouse's cursor appear on the screen, and I haven't crashed it since. A little annoying, but now that I know how to use it, it's no problem.

Dec 7, 2005: Not sure how long ago I wrote the review above. I *was* really happy with this product. Then, it broke, so I got another one, since it was under warranty. When the replacement broke, I gave up and bought a similar model from IOGEAR (model G-CSIO4U), which has worked flawlessly ever since. I wish amazon would let me reduce the number of stars I gave this thing...

   

2port KVM Switch Controllerusb/VGA for Pc & Mac
From Compucable Manufacturing

CompuCable's USB/VGA manual KVM switch is the simplest and most cost effective way to share one VGA monitor, USB keyboard/mouse and USB peripherals between any two computers with USB ports, Mac or PC. This simple switch reduces cost and desktop clutter by eliminating having a second set of peripherals for the second computer. The KVM switch is built with high quality components thus effectively prevents ghosting at high-end video resolutions.

• Brand: Compucable
• Model: USBMS2-AB
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Great USB/VGA switcher
I have used this switcher for several years with a Mac and Windows PC tower. It offers fast switching with a sturdy knob. It's kind of light weight for so many cables being connected to it so you will need something heavy on top or tap it down. The video quality good. I had one before that distorted the video at higher resolutions but this one looks fine at any resolution.

2port KVM Switch Controllerusb/VGA for Pc & Mac
2port KVM Switch Controllerusb/VGA for Pc & Mac

Does just what it is made to do. Excellant product.

Do Not Buy
This product claimed to work with both PC and MAC. It did not. I comes with nothing to install it onto your computers and it comes with nothing to actually connect your computers to the product. You end up spending more money and it still doesn't work.

   

IOGear 2-Port MiniView Micro PS/2 KVM Switch with 2 Cables GCS62
From IOGEAR

IOGEAR MiniView Micro KVM Switch GCS62 - 2-Port MiniView Micro KVM switch for PS/2 computers.Introducing the two port MiniViewMicro KVM Switch (GCS62) from IOGEAR - simple solution for those with more PCs than hands. Use one keyboard, one mouse and one monitor to control two PC or Macintosh systems. This self-powered KVM switch features mouse keyboard emulation to ensure smooth operation, as well as support for Plug-n-Play monitors and most wheel mice. Our patented VSE Video Signal Enhancementtechnology provides rich, 32-bit color at resolutions up to 1920 x 1440. With KVM cables molded into the unit, all you need to do is to plug it into your computers, and youe got the complete KVM solutions from IOGEAR.

• Brand: Iogear
• Model: GCS62
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 2.10" h x 4.30" w x 9.40" l, 1.00 pounds

Introducing the two-port MiniView Micro KVM switch from Iogear--a simple solution for those with more PCs than hands. Use one keyboard, one monitor, and one mouse to control two PC or Macintosh systems. This self-powered KVM switch features mouse and keyboard emulation to ensure smooth operation, as well as support for plug-and-play monitors and most wheel mice. Iogear's patented Video Signal Enhancement (VSE) technology provides rich, 32-bit color at resolutions of up to 1,920 x 1,440 dpi. With 6-feet long KVM cables molded into the unit, all you need to do is to plug it into your computers, and you've got a complete KVM solution from Iogear.

Note: Macintosh support requires Iogear's Mac adapter.

I Can See Clearly Now ...
This is an excellent KVM switch!

I purchased this item because the new KVM switch I got a week before did not provide the performance I expected or required.

The earlier KVM switch was manual and provided a terrible video signal -- full of shadows and ghosts. Granted, this was probably due to the cheap cables that came with the unit but the costs of 2 new sets of cable would have been more expensive than this new switch!

Thus the IOGEAR KVM Switch. For the cost of new cables I got a new automatic switch with integrated and upgraded cables. The video signal and picture quality is excellent, the compact design fits neatly on my desk, and the molded combo cables mean less clutter for my cat to get tied up in -- what more could anyone want?

If you're looking for a KVM Switch that'll help you lose those unwanted pounds, become more attractive, and make you the envy of all your friends and relatives -- this is it!

Finally, a great, cheap KVM for ordinary people
This product has been needed for a while. I've had two complete systems on my desk for almost a year, and it's been a nuisance. But every time I researched KVM switches, I got dismayed by pricing, apparent problems, set up complexity including having to go out and get your own cables (for more money), poor physical design and so on.

But Finally IOGear listened to the market, which is probably considerable, and designed just the right product. It comes with its own integral cables; in fact, there's little more to it than cables; it sits behind the computers or on the floor, off the desk and out of the way; installation is as minimal as possible, just shut down the computers, unplug the existing devices and plug the switch's cables in in a totally obvious way; it works great with both systems; it has a (finally!) sensible control-key combination, namely two hits on scroll-lock, a key I haven't used in years, so it will never happen by accident; there's no physical switch, but with a good control-key combination, who needs one, and who wants another box on the desk when the whole idea is to save space.

Oh, did I mention that it just works. Well, it does -- mouse, keyboard, and monitor all work perfectly on both systems. And considering the cost of cables, the price is incredible.

This should sell tens, if not hundreds of thousands. It simply nails the market niche. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

Now, when is IOGear coming out with their 3- and 4-port models? ;-)

Iogear KVM 2 computer Mini-micro switch
I just got a new computer for Christmas and needed a KVM switch to use my keyboard, monitor and mouse on both my old and new computers. I was looking at other KVM switches, but saw this one at Fry's and bought it for $.... It is a great product. Worked fine first time, every time. No s/w to install. Controlled only by a keyboard hot key. No moving parts to break or wear out. And when you consider that it has 2 sets of 6 ft. cables built into the switch it is much cheaper than the competitors switches (have you seen what they charge for 2 sets of 6 ft. KVM cables these days!). Takes up almost no space and can be positioned under the desk if you wish. Great simple design, reliable, and inexpensive, considering 2 sets of cables are built in. Highly recommend it.

   

D-Link DKVM-4K 4-Port KVM Switch
From D-Link Systems, Inc.

D-Link DKVM-4K 4-Port Desktop KVM Switch with Cables

• Color: Silver
• Brand: D-Link
• Model: DKVM-4K
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 4.00" w x 7.00" l, .66 pounds

The D-Link DKVM-4K is a 4-port PS/2 based KVM switch for controlling up to 4 computers using a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The DKVM-4K minimizes clutter on your desktop with its sleek, compact design. The DKVM-4K requires no drivers and is compatible with all Windows Operating Systems. Super convenient and simple to use with features such as: at a glance LED indicators for computer status, hot keys and push buttons for switching between computers, included two 6’ standard cables, and an autoscan mode for automatically detecting computers connected to the switch. You get added flexibility with the DKVM-4K’s hot plug capability—add or disconnect computers simply by unplugging the cables without having to power down your computers. Versatile, portable, and convenient, the D-Link DKVM-4K can be easily integrated into your existing desktop environment at home or in the office.

Features and Benefits

• Compact in size, making it fit into virtually any workspace
• Add flexibility and convenience to your home office
• Frees up your desktop space, minimizing wires and extra devices
• Super easy Plug and Play
• Includes two 6' Standard KVM Cables

fine with mouse and keyboard, sucks at images
Purchased one from Amazon/Tigerdirect. It comes with 2 sets of cables. Installation was easy and intuitive and it worked like charm for both keyword and mouse (I used both USB keyboard and mouse and had USB-to-PS/2 adaptor for both). However, it gave me highly blurry image output (LCD 1600x1200) compared to direct linking from the computer. I tried to downsize the display resolution but the blurriness was still visible. Decided to return it!
The good thing about it? (If you really do not care about the image quality which I dont think so). Easy installation, no power supply needed, free 2 sets of cables, easy hotkey from the keyboard, stylish design etc.

Good, solid KVM switch
The D-Link DKVM-4K is a solid PS/2 KVM switch that supports monitor/keyboard/mouse sharing between up to 4 PCs. It is ideal for home users with multiple computers, or for use on a troubleshooting bench. Switching between PCs is accomplished either by pressing the button on the device, or by pressing a series of keys (scroll lock + scroll lock + computer number). Switching works well, and I have noticed no degradation of video. The only minor complaint that I have with the unit is that it comes with only two sets of cables, which is not mentioned in the Amazon description, so if you need to use it with 4 pcs (as it was designed to be used) be sure to buy two extra KVM cables.

Blurry Image
I'm using an Eizo S2100 lcd monitor and an ATI FireGL V3100 adapter. At 1600x1200, the image is noticeably blurry compared to connecting the monitor directly. Using the phase adjustment on the monitor, I could clean up the image enough to be usable, but it is still not as sharp as before. If image quality is important to you, you will probably want to choose another KVM.