IOGEAR GCS712U MiniView Micro USB Audio KVM Switch with Cables
From IOGEAR
Introducing the two port MiniView Micro USB Audio KVM switch from IOGEAR the simplest way to manage two PCs or Macs from a single PS/2 keyboard, monitor and PS/2 mouse and share the multimedia speakers among them. This self-powered KVM switch features mouse and keyboard emulation to ensure smooth operation, as well as support for Plug-n-Play monitors and most wheel mice. Our patented VSE Video Signal Enhancement technology provides rich, 32-bit color at resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. With KVM cables (6 long) molded into the unit, all you need to do is to plug it into your computers, and youve got a complete KVM solution from IOGEAR.
- Brand: Iogear
- Model: GCS712U
- Original language: English
- Dimensions: 1.00" h x 5.00" w x 2.00" l, .88 pounds
From the manufacturer
Introducing the two port MiniView Micro USB Audio KVM switch from IOGEAR – the simplest way to manage two PCs or Macs from a single PS/2 keyboard, monitor and PS/2 mouse and share the multimedia speakers among them. This self-powered KVM switch features mouse and keyboard emulation to ensure smooth operation, as well as support for Plug-n-Play monitors and most wheel mice. Our patented VSE Video Signal Enhancement® technology provides rich, 32-bit color at resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. With KVM cables (6' long) molded into the unit, all you need to do is to plug it into your computers, and you've got a complete KVM solution from IOGEAR.
Features
- The smallest 2-port KVM switch available with audio support
- Use one keyboard, monitor and mouse to control two computers
- Share multimedia speakers among two computers
- 6’ long molded-in cables to simplify setup
- Support for Microsoft Intellimouse, Logitech FirstMouse+, MouseMan+, and most PS/2 mice
- Port selection through convenient Hot Keys
- PS/2 mouse emulation for error-free boot-up
- Saves space and reduces desktop clutter
- Plug-n-Play monitor support
- Supports video resolutions up to 2048 x 1536
- No software required
- Built in AutoScan mode
- LEDs allow for easy status monitoring
Almost junk
I give it 2 stars because, when it works it works great. I have had 2 and both have the same problems. On the first one, the keyboard on one side died and would restart after totally disconnecting the cables. Within a few days, it would do it again. The second one does the same but waits weeks before dropping the keyboard. I tried returning them but got nowhere.
I do not recommend this product.
Update Oct 8, 2006: The sound is now having major problems. One channel is dead on one cable and real weak on the other.
I *really* don't recommend this product.
Good but losses keyboard connection occasionally
I have had this unit for about 1 year now using it between my iMac G4 and a Dell Optiplex. Everything works fine except about once a week the keyboard and or mouse will stop responding. I have tried multiple mice, keyboards, and I have had a new PC and it still acts up. The IOgear website says that it is because it is not getting enough power from the USB connection. I just learn to live with it but I am a tolerant person. I have their PS2 version and have never had an issue with it.
Great for use with Apple Powerbook
I recently bought a 12" Powerbook G4. The small size is great for portability, but sometimes the ergonomics of it (the small screen, especially) are a little tiring. That's where this KVM switch works so well.
I bought it intending to use it only to toggle my monitor (an older 15" Envision CRT) between my Windows desktop and the Powerbook, so that I could occasionally bring the Powerbook into the office and easily plug in to the bigger display.
This use alone is worth the price of admission - suddenly the desktop becomes huge, since the Powerbook allows you to use one display as an extension of the other. Playing with the resolution settings allows you to magnify a little bit on the bigger display, too - makes text easier to read.
Then I hooked up the USB cable to the Powerbook, too, and was suddenly and unexpectedly pleased by the comfort of using my old mouse and bigger keyboard (with numeric keypad and all of the other miscellaneous extra keys).
I'm very satisfied - just by plugging or unplugging three bundled cables, I can either curl up on the couch with a tiny laptop, or quickly set it up in a more ergonomically proper manner.
Setup was extremely simple - had one false start with the switch right out of the box, but then I actually read the instructions (four very short steps) and was off and running.
In short: if you've got a laptop that supports the use of two screens, this product will turn it into a great desktop computer in a matter of seconds.
