( 73 reviews )
-
Posted: Aug 15 2009
Item works as described. I use a usb mouse and keyboard (not wireless) and switch between a Mac Mini and a Windows machine. I don't use the video port on the switch because it's not DVI and my monitor already has 2 ports. Seamless switching between the two stations, even when windows is booting or Mac is shutting down. One thing I have noticed is some signal noise from the speaker jack through my speakers no matter which machine I'm using (annoying), though it didn't start happening until I installed a new graphics card so its possible that triggered it. All in all, worth the money, especially with free shipping (or Amazon Prime free 2 day delivery). Beats anything you'll find for the price at Be$t Buy or Comp U$A.
-
Posted: Aug 13 2009
I've used several other USB KVM switches and the lengthy lag while it reconnects the mouse/keyboard makes them incredibly annoying to use. I bought this unit specifically because it supports emulation and it did not disappoint. Switching is almost instant and the ability to use a keyboard shortcut (without having to load a driver on both PCs) is awesome. I know reviewers have complained about it not supporting some wireless mouse/keyboard combos etc and I do appreciate that Iogear could have, perhaps, been more forthcoming in explaining that not all mouse/keyboards are supported. However, you can't have it both ways: You either have the KVM emulating a mouse/keyboard and talking to your mouse/keyboard directly (and can switch instantly), OR you have to wait 10 seconds when you switch while the PC reloads the drivers for your mouse/keyboard. You aren't going to be able to load a 3rd party driver on the KVM itself, so if your mouse and/or keyboard REQUIRE a special driver, you may not be able to use it with this KVM. I have a Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro and Microsoft Comfort Optical Mouse and everything works perfectly. So, no more pulling out my hair waiting for my older non-emulation KVM to switch PCs. No more switching and then switching again when my mouse or keyboard isn't reloaded properly. Two taps of the scroll lock key and I'm switched over instantly and my mouse and keyboard also work instantly. Nice job, Iogear.
-
Posted: Jul 13 2009
This KVM works great in the correct situations. If you want to hook a basic keyboard and mouse up between two computers then you should be just fine. However, if you use a docking station for a laptop it may not work. Apparently it draws more power than hooking up the same keyboard and mouse by themselves. This makes sense, but it seems to draw more than the power supply for the dock can provide. This resulted in the keyboard not working. The solution was to bypass the docking station and plug in directly to the laptop. That defeats the purpose of the docking station. This device also cannot handle special keyboards with multimedia features or special buttons. None of this would be a very big deal if it was made clear on the packaging. However, the package mentions none of these limitations, nor does the manufacturer website. I see others have had the same problems from some of the reviews, so beware.
