Manage all your computers from one convenient location with a StarTech KVM switch. This ... more
versatile hybrid KVM switch let you connect 8 USB or PS/2 computers using only one PS/2 keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Convenient push button and hot-key commands al...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Manage all your computers from one convenient location with a StarTech KVM switch. This ... more
versatile hybrid KVM switch let you connect 8 USB or PS/2 computers using only one PS/2 keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Convenient push button and hot-key commands al...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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: Cheap, all in one solution, audio support Disadvantages: No manual overide
of leads in to each PC. The F1DL102P has PS/2 leads for the keyboard and mouse but a USB version is also available. The audio support is limited to a single stereo jack and microphone input but given the market this is aimed at, I can't really see the lack of multi-channel audio support to be a problem.
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. The leads were of a generous length allowing some room to manoeuvre on PC placement.
Features
As noted, the Belkin supports ...
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 "StarTech.com 8 Port 1U Rack Mount USB PS/2 KVM Switch with OSD - KVM switch - 8 ports" »
Kvm
Keyboard / Mouse Interface
PS/2
KVM Local Users Qty
1 local user
Max Resolution
1920 x 1440
Manufacturer's product description
This hybrid KVM switch lets you control 8 USB or PS/2 computers using only one PS/2 keyboard, mouse, and monitor.A versatile KVM solution, the switch is compatible with PC, Mac and Sun Servers and Systems and offers hot-pluggable operation, allowing you to add or remove computers without having to shut down the KVM switch.Providing scalable KVM control, the USB+PS/2 switch delivers control of up to 64 computers/servers by cascading 8 additional KVM switches. Plus, the switch can be rackmounted into 1U of cabinet space and features rear panel cable connections, eliminating mess and tangle while saving valuable workspace.
Related tags for StarTech.com 8 Port 1U Rack Mount USB PS/2 KVM Switch with OSD - KVM switch - 8 ports »