( 7 reviews )
-
Posted: Jul 1 2009
If you are playing PC game, don't use it. You can never win the game with it due to the slow response. Sometimes it freezes your mouse. After a few days, I put it aside.
-
Posted: Jun 23 2009
It should be said first that I like this switch for what it is. First the technical side of the review, I'll list the features and functions of this KVM switch. The GCS612A accommodates two computers via keyboard switching with audio support. This means you are able to use one keyboard, mouse, and set of speakers for two separate computers. The GCS612A has two modes of switching. Manual switch via the SCROLL LOCK key and auto-switching via Left Shift & Right Shift. You can program the auto-switch function to a set amount of time. Note during auto-switch you can not use the keyboard / mouse unless you press the spacebar key, so it's strictly useful for monitoring computers automatically. It's also a backup just in-case you somehow don't have a SCROLL LOCK key or your SCROLL LOCK key is broken. The Iogear GCS612A is essentially a budget KVM switch meant for use on some older hardware. It's relatively compact and small, and the cables are high quality. It is very basic and has no programmable options, no remote controls, and no other bells and whistles. First and foremost for KVM people is the compatibility with adapters and converters. PS/2 to USB is the first thing that comes to mind, and I have successfully gotten this switch to work with such adapters. Like others, I felt it was the KVM itself being faulty when I couldn't get my 2nd computer to recognize the mouse or keyboard. It turns out the adapters I were using were of poor quality, so when I had switched to a better brand of PS2 to USB adapter, it worked without a hitch there after. So there's a lot of room here for trial and error, I would advise those having similar issues to take a good look at your adapters rather than the KVM switch itself. The GCS612A does not have button switching. This means you are strictly dependent on keyboard switching using the SCROLL LOCK key. Logitech people - be warned. Some keyboards produced by certain manufacturers omit the SCROLL LOCK key, and you will not be able to switch between computers without resorting to the auto-switch function with the left shift + right shift combination. My biggest issue with this KVM switch is the video resolution reset. Should your computer reboot at any time while the switch is active on the other monitor, there's a good chance the switch will default your other monitor to VGA basic (640x480 or 800x600) resolution. It's a minor problem, but for those who have to reboot often or work in situations where reboots are required, it's a very big issue and can be frustrating. Apparently the switch sticks to the resolution during boot-up (Bios load) and doesn't auto sense to switch when Windows (or your OS) loads. The quality of the output signal isn't also the sharpest, so those who need high fidelity or color rendition should definitely avoid using this switch. Think of the GCS612A as pure practicality in terms of KVM switches. You should be able to find this switch today under $20 at most electronic stores. Due to the aging PS/2 format and the increasing move over to DVI / HDMI video outputs, there's not much life left in this KVM switch outside of aging hardware. At the end of the day however, the GCS612A KVM switch works as intended and there's little else to criticize outside of that. If you are looking for something that just fits the bill enough for regular work usage, go ahead and take the plunge.
-
Posted: Jun 14 2009
This IOGEAR 2 Port KVM Switch (GCS612A) is a great switch if you have simple needs to share a monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse with two desktops. I bought this to help with the upgrade process when I recently bought a new PC but kept my old monitor. It is very easy to use, and the directions that come in the package are very straightforward. There are clearly marked inputs for each component with a corresponding set of connectors for each desktop. After connecting everything, a simple double hit of the "Scroll Lock" key seamlessly transfers control between the two machines. After reading some negatives on sound quality, I decided to do a test and compare the sound on my new PC between using the switch and directly connecting the speakers to the desktop. My speakers are nothing to write home about, but I could not tell any substantial difference between the direct connection and going through the switch. You mileage may vary depending on your speakers. One item to note is that the switch only workers with externally powered speakers. The speakers on my old PC plugged in through a special port that powered them so they did not work. Luckily I already had another set that had its own power source. The one thing the switch will not do is connect the microphone on my monitor. I really don't use it so this is not a problem for me. When choosing a KVM switch, you should make sure that all of the components that you want to share have a connection on the switch. Overall, this is a very solid product for the limited scope that I needed.
