The AdderView GEM is the ultimate in desktop KVM convenience and allows up to four computers to be controlled from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. All connections are made at... more
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The AdderView GEM is the ultimate in desktop KVM convenience and allows up to four computers to be controlled from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. All connections are made at the rear and with Adder's own high specification VKVM cables, your whole installation can be completed within minutes. GEM offers the user many choices for channel selection. Keyboard hot key, mouse switching, front panel operation, RS232 and optional RC1 remote control switching are all provided as standard and access to connected computers can also be restricted using the GEMs security password protection feature. GEM is extremely compact and takes up very little space on your busy desktop or in a crowded server room. Available in either two or four channel models GEM is designed for ease of use and maximum compatibility with new and existing computer systems. Often low-cost is associated with low-specification, but not in the case of the GEM. Like all Adder switches GEM features SmartBoot, which intelligently allows all connected portable or desktop computers to boot as if they had their own dedicated keyboards and mice attached. It also supports PC/AT and PS/2 systems and provides high video bandwidth with low distortion at screen resolutions up to 1900 x 1440. This makes the GEM the ideal choice for use with larger monitors in CAD or DTP environments. The latest monitors equipped with DDC interfaces are also supported and this facilitates true "Plug-and-Play" compatibility.
Miscellaneous
Rack Mounting Kit: Not available
Compliant Standards: CE, FCC Class A certified
Software / system requirements
OS Required: Microsoft DOS, UNIX, Microsoft Windows 3.x/95/98, Novell NetWare, Linux, Microsoft Windows 2000 / NT4.0, Microsoft DOS, IBM OS/2, UNIX, Microsoft Windows 3.x/95/98, Linux, Microsoft Windows 2000 / NT4.0, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft DOS, IBM OS/2, UNIX, Microsoft Windows 3.x/95/98, Microsoft Windows 2000 / NT4.0
Advantages: Quick and easy to set up Disadvantages: Video may get interference
...I've had this KVMswitch for a number of years now, since my previous one only had two ports. I found this one fairly cheap somewhere. You're supplied with all the VGA and PS2 cables for each of the 4 connections. You can then plug these cables into your computers. The button on the top allows for quick switching.
But as well as using the button for switching between computers, you are also able to use keyboard shortcuts. These are pretty common in KVMswitches, and belkin manage to do it the same way as everyone else. Great for people that are already used to using a KVMswitch. The KVMswitch has a useful beep, which can be helpful to understand when a command was received by the switch.
The switch also has a port for plugging in power. This helps improve the quality of the picture as there is more power behind it. Most of the time...
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Advantages: Take 3 monitors, keyboards and mice off your desktop. Disadvantages: Not recommended for newer (all USB) devices.
...Overall a frustrating experience with some machines and as a result cannot recommend this device, particularly when using newer machines.
I have a number of these devices and all exhibit the same problem, which suggests a common fault, in that some newer Dell machines do not seem to synchronise with this device when switched to.
Ironically, older machines (Dell GX150/260/270/280) work with this device without any problems, even though they are intended to have a PS/2 keyboard and mouse.
Newer machines, such as the GX620 and 745, which are all USB machines (no PS/2) have problems synchronising when switched to. There is no response from the keyboard and mouse on screen, although the keypresses to switch to another port on the KVM seem to work, yet if a USB keyboard and mouse are plugged in to the machine in question then everything...
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Advantages: easdy to use,USB connections,up to 4 pc's Disadvantages: not pretty,
...KVMswitches are,i think, a very underrated component and are not often seen in use. This i think is because untill recently they relied on pretty much old tech as far as connections were concerned.
Just to make it clear at the start what a KVM dose for those not familier with them,a KVMswitch performs the very useful function of alowing more than one computer to use the same keyboard,monitor, mouse,and sometimes(and in this case) speakers.
Be warned though,a KVMswitch is simply an input/output switch it dose NOT link the pcs in any way,when one is on the others are off,no movement between computers just access between you and several pc's.
For those of us who need to use more than one PC on a regular basis this is a major bonus both in space saving and speed of use.
This belkin switch is a big step forward in KVM...
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