Advantages: Build quality, flexibility Disadvantages: Too few USB ports, a bit pricy
to switch from one machine to another.
###################
## In the Box
###################
The CS1774 is a small but pleasingly heavy device that support up to 4 different computers. As well as the basic KVM function, it also includes a 2 portUSB hub, stereo out and microphone in and an Ethernet hub that accepts both 10 and 100Mbps links.
The kit includes a full compliment of leads for 4 PCs, a firmware upgrade cable, external PSU and full printed manuals along with a quick start guide.
The build quality is excellent with quality connectors and a solid metal case. The CS1774 is well designed with all the leads connecting at the rear except for two USBports making it easy to keep everything nicely tided away. It is also designed to stack with similar units if desired. The keyboard and mouse connectors are USB although ...
Advantages: Cheap, all in one solution, audio support Disadvantages: No manual overide
It's surprising how many people have more than one PC at home although even more surprising is that many of them each have their own screen, keyboard and mouse.
In many cases this makes perfect sense but sometimes, you know you'll only ever use one or the other - perhaps one is your general PC and the other your music workstation. In these situations you can save a lot of space and money by investing in a KVMswitch. KVM stands for Keyboard, Video and Mouse and allows you to use one keyboard, mouse and screen shared between two PCs.
This particular unit from Belkin is unusual in that it also includes audio support and also comes with all the leads permanently attached instead of being supplied as a separate cabling set.
Wiring it Up
Installation is simply a matter of taking each of the two main cables and plugging the sets ...
Advantages: easdy to use,USB connections,up to 4 pc's Disadvantages: not pretty,
,most previous switches used ps2 connectionsfor keyboard and mouse which was a real pain,the move to USB is both obvious and overdue and really puts the switch into the must have bracket for multi users.
Im no lover of Belkin products,they often run hot and have poor documentation but the KVMswitch is quite simpe to set up and dead easy to use so the manual is not a problem and as a switch it has no real heat problem.
Its not a pretty thing,but switches rarely are, they have by definition 'untidy wires' sprouting out of them so they are best hidden away.
The Belkin switch makes a good effort to be easy to use via your keyboard and easy to handle as far as cable plug ins go. The second point is a bit unnessary as once its set up u can forget it.
Most KVM's handle only two pcs but this one will do up to four(although i havent tried more than ...
Product Information for "ATEN Petite CS-64U - KVM / audio / USB switch - 4 ports" »
Kvm
Keyboard / Mouse Interface
USB
KVM Local Users Qty
1 local user
Max Resolution
2048 x 1536
Manufacturer's product description
A leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor in the IT industry, ATEN creates cutting-edge solutions for the industry and its computer users. Dedicated to its mission: "Contributing Knowledge - Creating the Future", ATEN vows to provide its customers with the most efficient, reliable, and user-friendly products. PRODUCT FEATURES: New USB KVM generation; Controls 4 USB computers; Hotkey selection for OS and keyboard language; Supports multimedia USB keyboards; Multiplatform support; compatible with all operation platforms: PC, Mac, Sun and Linux; Compact design, Built in 6' cables; With speaker support; USB ATEN ASIC Inside.
Related tags for ATEN Petite CS-64U - KVM / audio / USB switch - 4 ports »
