StarTech.com StarView SV431USB - KVM switch - 4 ports

Advantages: Quick and easy to set up
Disadvantages: Video may get interference

...I've had this KVM switch 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 KVM switches, and belkin manage to do it the same way as everyone else. Great for people that are already used to using a KVM switch. The KVM switch 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... Read review

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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... Read review

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Advantages: easdy to use,USB connections,up to 4 pc's
Disadvantages: not pretty,

...KVM switches 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 KVM switch 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 KVM switch 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... Read review

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