Kramer VP-4X4 - monitor/audio switch - 4 ports

Advantages: Build quality, flexibility
Disadvantages: Too few USB ports, a bit pricy

...In a world where server virtualisation and remote login is becoming increasingly common, it's all too easy to forget the humble KVM (Keyboard/Video/Mouse) which allows a single keyboard, monitor and mouse to control two or more PCs. For home users with a number of PCs or small to medium sized businesses, there's still a need to control multiple machines from one place without cluttering the place up with all the related paraphernalia. Furthermore, KVMs remove some of the security risks that can arise when enabling remote access. Here at home I have various PCs I use for testing, editing and so on so I was pleased to get my hands on a new 4 port KVM from Aten. The Masterview CS1774 is rather more than the basic units you might find at PC World though - it has a number of interesting and useful features over and above the basic ability... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap, reliable, simple to use
Disadvantages: None.

...I liked this switch so much, I bought two of them. Netgear have a reputation for cheap and reliable networking equipment, and this 5 port unmanaged switch is no exception. When I bought my two, they were retailing online for approx £35 each - but these days you should be able to get one for approx £25 (inc VAT.) The switch is more or less the size of my hand (yes, I have big hands). With 5 ports on the back - all are auto-sensing, as is the gigabit standard, so you don't have to worry about crossover cables if you're daisy-chaining switches... The only other port on the back is for power, which is the usual "wall-wart" plug in transformer you get with most home networking equipment. Given the switch is unmanaged, you can just plug desktop computers, laptops, XBOXes, network printers straight into the switch, and not worry... Read review

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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... Read review

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