Aten Masterview CS1774 KVM Switch

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

...to switch from one machine to another. ################### ## In the Box ################### 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 2 port 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...

ilaskey 31.08.2007 · Read review
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Review of ATEN Master View Dual-View CS-1744 - KVM / audio / USB switch - 4 ports

At last,a low price KVM switch with a USB platform

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...

coppinpr 05.08.2008 · Read review
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Review of Belkin OmniView SOHO Series 4-Port USB KVM Switch with Audio - KVM / audio switch - 4 ports

Belkin 2-Port KVM Switch With Built-In Cabling

Advantages: Advantages: Cheap, all in one solution
Disadvantages: No manual overide or audio support

...stops autoscanning and lets you use the currently selected PC. The Belkin claims support for scrolling mice but I did find sometimes one PC would start up without recognising this facility if it wasn't the currently selected one when booting up and in extreme cases, wouldn't recognise the keyboard and mouse at all. Previous KVM's I've used send the PC fake 'There's a keyboard and mouse here' messages when not selected and it seems this unit does not, which is a pity. Conclusion The Belkin 2 port KVM is a well built unit that works nicely and provides a great way to save desk space and the cost of a second monitor, keyboard and mouse. The long leads are useful and despite the niggles with scrolling mice and the lack of manual switch. I'd say this unit is worth considering at this price if you can live with those shortcomings...

ilaskey 21.03.2007 · Read review
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Review of Belkin 2-Port KVM Switch with Built-In Cabling - KVM switch - 2 ports

USB KVM that works best with PS/2 machines.

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...

dvdlcs 29.01.2008 · Read review
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Review of LINDY CPU Switch Lite - KVM switch - 4 ports

Belkin 2-Port KVM Switch With Audio Support

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 KVM switch. 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...

ilaskey 26.01.2007 · Read review
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Review of Belkin 2-Port KVM Switch with Audio Support and Built-In Cabling - KVM / audio switch - 2 ports

A room with an OmniView

Advantages: Cheap, Supports PS/2, Doesn't need a Power Supply
Disadvantages: Cable layout, Flimsy Construction

...I'll let you know from the start, this review will be moderately technical and only of any real interest to folk that have multiple PCs in the same room. The reason for this is that the purpose of a KVM switch is to share a single Keyboard, Video Display and Mouse among a number of computers. If you don't have a number of PCs in the same room, you're simply not going to need one of these little beauties. Sadly, I do have a number of PCs in the same room. The investment in terms of initial outlay, desk-space and electricity to run a separate Monitor, keyboard and mouse for each one was not something to relish. I'd used KVM switches at work so I set about looking for one for my home office. PC-World had the answer to my questions. A 4-port KVM switch from Belkin that supports PS/2 keyboard and mouse sharing with VGA video between 4...

LegendaryMrDude 23.12.2006 · Read review
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Review of Belkin OmniView SOHO Series 4 Port KVM Switch - KVM switch - 4 ports

Too many PC's and Too little Space: A Solution?

Advantages: Allows 4 PCs to share one Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor
Disadvantages: Switching regularly can be a pain. PS2 Only

...In my job I use a lot of PCs. I have 3 main PC's, and a further 7 tied to my desk. I use at least 3 different operating systems, on 4 different models of PC, from 2 different manufacturers. I also like having a large monitor, preferably 19" or 21" minimum. Now how do you get three PC's, three 21" Monitors, three keyboards and three mice onto a desk no bigger than a kitchen breakfast bar? The answer is simple: You don't. What you do is invest in something like this Belkin Omniview E-Series 4-port KVM Switch, which provides the ability to use a single monitor, keyboard and mouse on up to 4 PCs. The Belkin OmniView I have been provided with did not come with connection cables, so make sure that if you are getting one of these, you cost in the price of cables to each of the PCs on your desk. Once I had got the necessary cables...

memorekz 15.07.2004 · Read review
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Review of Belkin OmniView E Series 4 Port KVM Switch - KVM switch - 4 ports

Useful accessory for those with multiple PCs.

Advantages: Can dispose of 3 monitors, keyboards and mice.
Disadvantages: Not future proof. USB only machines may not work.

...specifically selected port, not just the adjacent one, would have been an improvement. [Hint: If there are two machines that are used most often or switched between frequently, plug these in to ports 1 and 3 (or 2 and 4). Two clicks will switch between these in either direction.] The other thing I would say is that my device at least does not like power cuts, producing a single high-pitched tone when power is restored until the Select button is pressed. A 4-way KVM will probably cost around £100 new plus I suspect that a lot of the new devices will be all USB connectors, which will needlessly occupy two of the USB ports on your PS/2 machine, which may only have 2 or 4 USB ports to begin with. Either find a USB to PS/2 adapter that works or choose the KVM depending on whether you are buying multiple new machines or intend to administer your...

dvdlcs 17.05.2007 · Read review
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Review of Belkin OmniCube KVM switch - 4 ports

Great value

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...

webspot 11.11.2007 · Read review
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Review of Belkin OmniView SOHO Series 4 Port KVM Switch - KVM switch - 4 ports

D-Link DSL-504 ADSL Router 4 Port

Advantages: Pick up a bargain ?
Disadvantages: Only 4 ethernet ports ?

...Another review from me for a discontinued item, but may be useful if you're loking to pick up a bargain item on ebay... The D-Link DSL-504 ADSL Router has a built-in ADSL modem - plugs directly into your ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)-enabled phone line, and with its 4 port 10/100Mbps ethernet switch, allows connections to lots of things (check out my other reviews for what it's connected to...). The DCHP server allows automatic allocation of IP addresses to all your network gubbins too - although I've set the IP's for my wireless accesspoint & print server to allow easier access to their brower based interfaces. The DSL-504 has a browser admin interface too for easy installation and setup, just type in the IP address (the default 192.168.0.1, as with most routers, but if it's changed you can always use the command line...

matt_fantastic 03.04.2006 (05.04.2006) · Read review
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Review of D-Link DSL-504 ADSL Router 4 Port