Belkin 2-Port KVM Switch with Bundled Cables (F1DJ102P-B) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The two complaints most often leveled against KVMs are: (1) video degradation, and (2) hardware incompatibility. I have not encountered either in using the Belkin F1DJ102PB for the past month.
I am running 2 Dells, one with W98 and the other XP-Home, through the Belkin to an Optiquest/Viewsonic Q95 monitor at 1152x864 and 85hz. The keyboard is a vanilla Dell keyboard and the mouse is a Microsoft Wheelmouse Optical. There have been zero problems.
I work with Excel spreadsheets all day long, staring at endless rows and columns of small font numbers. This makes me VERY fussy about video issues like ghosting, fuzziness and blurring. I can detect absolutely NO difference in video quality when using the KVM as opposed to running straight from PC to monitor.
The switch's maximum video bandwidth is 200Mhz. If you are using very high screen resolutions with high refresh rates (say something higher than 1600x1200x100hz=192Mhz), this could become an issue.
The mouse worked immediately on the Dell on which is was originally installed and, once I installed its drivers on the other machine (a step that I think many forget - and then complain about hardware problems), it worked fine there as well.
The unit itself is small and has cable connectors on all 4 sides. Once everything is connected, this arrangement can be somewhat ungainly - a big electronic spider. I have placed mine on the floor underneath my desk. This means I must use the keyboard shortcut to change between machines rather than the button on the switch itself, but I think I would do that anyway - its so easy. Hit the ScrollLock key twice and then either the up or down arrow key (BUT - only the arrow keys in the cursor keypad - not the ones under the '8' and the '2').
Every time you change from one machine to the other, the KVM emits a little chirp. I would like to strangle that little chirp, but this is my only complaint about the unit. It is an inexpensive (especially when you consider that Belkin has included the cables) but entirely satisfactory piece of equipment. Highly recommended.

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Belkin 2-port KVM Switch is an affordable switching solution that saves workspace while giving you control of two PS/2 computers from one console. It frees up desktop space and draws power off the keyboard, eliminating the need for a power supply. The Switch includes such features as mouse and keyboard emulation, to ensure smooth boot up and operation, as well as hot key functionality so you can switch ports easily through simple keyboard commands. The unit supports high-quality video resolution of up to 1920x144065Hz (through a 200MHz video bandwidth) when used with the included coaxial VGA cabling. Its auto-scanning functionality, LED indicators, and PC99 color connectors make operation and organization easy.

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TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit (Includes 2x KVM Cables) TK-207K (Blue) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I initially dismissed this product because it looked cheap, and seemed to be priced accordingly. But after reading some of the reviews, I decided to buy it and risk a whopping 24 bucks. It was a great buy.
What it does - It switches your VGA monitor between two computers, along with your USB keyboard and USB mouse. It has two buttons on the device to control the switching. It has two USB ports that go to your keyboard and your mouse. It has three VGA ports. One goes to your monitor (you use the cable you already have). Two go to your two computers. Interestingly, the KVM-to-computer cable, a special cable that is included (two of them), also carries the USB signal. The cable splits at the computer end and you connect the VGA connector and the USB connector to their respective ports on your computers.
What it does not - It does not switch audio. It is not designed to switch additional USB devices, although it may work for some devices that do not need high bus-power, if your keyboard acts as a unpowered hub. The device itself is powered by the computer's USB bus and it does not have a separate power supply.
This is exactly what I needed. KVM stands for keyboard, video, and mouse. That's all I wanted to switch between two computers (a Mac and a Linux PC laptop). I considered other KVM devices, and they had more features such as audio switching and special software, but they cost much more than this simple device. The package comes with software for switching, but it is for Windows only. The docs say it has a hot key, the scroll lock key hit twice in succession, that controls the switch. However, it did not work for me, probably because of my Mac keyboard which does not have a dedicated scroll lock key. However, the device is sitting next to my keyboard, and I just hit the appropriate button (1 or 2) to switch. It is quite small. The switching is nearly instant. What could be more simple than that?
A few things I have tried... It works fine at 1600x1200, 75 Hz. My normally used Mac resolution is 1280x960 at 75 Hz. My Linux laptop is old and can only externally output 1024x764 at 60 Hz, which also works fine. I do not see any degrading of picture quality going through this KVM. My monitor is 19-inch CRT.
In summary, the Trendnet TK207K 2-Port USB KVM Switch works great at a great price. If a simple two-way KVM for VGA/USB is what you need, I recommend this one.

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The 2-Port USB KVM Switch lets you manage two PCs with just one set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse. Switch between two PCs with a simple press of a button Separate sets of KVM cables are included with the KVM Switch, so users can start controlling 2 PCs instantly. The KVM cables also provide power to the KVM Switch, eliminating the need for a power adapter. Hot Key operations provide immediate access to features such as computer switching, and auto-scanning. With its Hot-Plug, and Audible Feedback, the 2-Port USB KVM Switch is the perfect choice for managing multiple PCs.

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