This switch simply works. No complicated setup, no software to install. Just turn off both computers. Plug the shared keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers and microphone into the switch, connect the included cables into the switch and the two computers. Then turn on the first computer, the one you want to designate as #1. After the first computer boots up and everything is okay, then push the #2 button and boot the second computer. That's it. From then on, you just push the button #1 or #2 to make the switch. It switches instantly, if both computers are not asleep. If one is asleep, it gives the signal, and then the PC takes only a few seconds to wake up.
I read a lot of reviews and I'm glad I did. Other switches seem to need software to work well, and rely on keystrokes to change. Because this switch has a button, it just truly switches over without any need to install software, making it the most generic. For PCs, you can use the scroll-lock+scroll-lock key combination to elicit the switchover. But it's simpler just to teach my kids to select button 1 or button 2. TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit with Audio (Includes 2x KVM Cables) TK-209K (Blue)
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.
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.
This little switch works almost perfectly with our Macintosh G4 Digital Audio tower and Intel Mac mini. Keyboard is the Apple USB keyboard provided with the G4; mouse is the wireless Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer, using the USB Overdrive X driver on both Macs. Monitor is an old Radius 15" LCD with VGA connector, which is connected to the Mac mini using the latter's included DVI-to-VGA adapter.
Once, after using the switch to go from the G4 to the mini, the mouse buttons weren't recognized correctly. The left button acted like a control-click, and the right button was non-responsive. The problem went away after I simply used the KVM's buttons to switch to the G4 and then back again to the mini. This was an isolated occurrence.
The only down side is that the wires sticking out of the KVM are a bit messy. Since the KVM itself is quite small and light, the stiffness of the video cables and their weight make it difficult to keep it sitting straight in our preferred location atop the G4 tower's case. This can make it tricky to remember where the buttons are when reaching under our desk, and to find them by feel. Given how well the switch works, it's a very minor inconvenience.
After reading about the difficulties of finding a good KVM switch, especially one that works with a wireless mouse, I was a little nervous about trying this inexpensive product. I bought it based on my father-in-law's good experience with a Trendnet wireless router, and reading the recommendations here and on Apple's discussion forums. This has left me with a good impression of Trendnet, and I'd readily consider their other products in the future.
KVM itself works great, but if ur using a usb 2.0(powered) device, such as a lighted keyboard, or super fancy mouse, it delays when switching from one pc to another sometimes.
it also sometimes stops responding altogether, leaving u helpless aside from manually forcing your computer off, and repowering it, to attempt to repower the KVM.
All in all, it works pretty good, and since there are situations when u really don't have many other options, I would still reccommend it. - Kvm - Usb Kvm - Usb Kvm Switch - Trendnet'
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