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: Advantages: Cheap, all in one solution Disadvantages: No manual overide or audio support
has USB connections for the keyboard and mouse although Belkin do a range of KVM's so you can probably find a PS/2 equivelent if you have that sort of mouse/keyboard. The PS/2 models also include PS/2->USB adaptors so you'll also need those if you have a USB mouse and PS/2 keyboard. This particular model has no support for audio so if you need to also have your microphone and speakers switch from PC to PC, look elsewhere.
The monitor, keyboard and mouse are then connected to the KVM to complete the set up. One bugbear is that like the vast majority of KVMs, this Belkin unit has cables going in one end and out the other making it difficult to place on a desktop without having cables hanging out everywhere. However, there is no reason why you can't just tuck it out the way out of sight as it has no parts you'd normally need to access ...
Advantages: Build quality, flexibility Disadvantages: Too few USB ports, a bit pricy
to switch from one machine to another.
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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 2port USB 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 USB ports 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 ...
Product Information for "Avocent SwitchView MM2 - KVM / audio switch - 4 ports" »
Kvm
Keyboard / Mouse Interface
PS/2
KVM Local Users Qty
1 local user
Max Resolution
2048 x 1536
Manufacturer's product description
Avocent SwitchView MM2 4 Port PS/2 and USB 2.0 KVM Switch with built-in USB 2.0 Hub and audio. Independent switching for KVM and four USB 2.0 hub ports; Multiplatform support for USB or PS/2 systems; Integrated USB hub for sharing USB peripherals/devices; Audio feature share speakers and a microphone; Multimedia key mapping for USB keyboard; Compact, space-saving KVM switch eliminates desktop clutter; 2048 x 1536 high VGA resolution ideal for desktop graphical applications; Auto scanning allows easy monitoring of attached computers; Color-coded cables and connectors provide quick installation; Easily add computers without powering down the KVM switch or attached computers; Error free boot up with keyboard and mouse emulation.
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