Kinamax KVM-USB2 2-Port USB 2.0 and VGA/SVGA KVM Switch Box with 2 Sets of Cables
From SABRENT
This compact 2-port USB KVM switch lets you manage 2 Computers with just one monitor and one set of keyboard and mouse. Three different USB devices can be shared by all computers. Two sets of KVM cables are included for your convenience. Save your precious desk space by having only one set of keyboard, monitor and mouse while working on 2 separate PCs. No need to waste table space, money on 2 keyboards, 2 monitors, and 2 mice and time re-cabling in order to use your KVM on other system. This high quality data transfer switch box allows users to use one set of peripherals on multiple systems and provides an economical solution to costly peripheral devices. Sturdy, reliable construction and easy to use, this switch will save you space, money, time. Use one keyboard, monitor, and mouse to control Two computers Two computers can share 3 different USB peripherals. No software required Push Button for easy computer selection; Hot swappable. No Powering down the KVM Switch or PC Support SVGA, VGA, and Multi-sync Monitors Supports keyboard and mouse plug and play Auto-Scan & LED display for easy status monitoring Keyboard and mouse emulation for simultaneous PC boot-up LED displays monitor status KVM cables are included No external power needed (draws power from USB) Shares USB device such as USB Printer, USB Scanner, USB Flash Drive, USB Card Reader and etc High quality cable support Max. Resolution: 1920 X 1440 Computer Ports: 2 Console Port: 1 USB Ports: 5 (2 to connect to computers + 3 console ports for keyboard, mouse, printer, etc...) Computers Supported: 2 Keyboard Emulation: USB Mouse Emulation: USB Mouse Input / Output: USB VGA Input / Output: High Density D-Sub 15 pin LED indicators: 2 Compatible with: Microsoft Windows 3.x/95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP/Vista Linux DOS Novell NetWare 4.x/5.x Unix Retail Package Content : 2 port KVM Switch Box 2 Sets of KVM cables User Guide
Great device for the price.
I just needed a basic switch to go between my two boxes I have at my house. One is a XP Professional, and the other is a Fedora 11. Both are shared now to my Dell monitor, keyboard and mouse. I didn't need anything fancy, and with the way my household is having to "tighten the belt", something cheap.
I'm very happy with this, sure it has a slight delay of a couple of seconds but it gets the job done. Which is why I gave it 5 stars. Plus the fact you don't need any power source for it as it gets it's power from the system that's active at the time.
Perfect
The installtion is so simply. Plug the included cables into your 2 devices. Plug your monitor into the switch.
Thats it! It works perfectly, I switch back and forth between my PC and 360. There is no loss in quality, no ghosting, etc.
Not only that but I have my USB keyboard plugged into the switch, and whenever I switch from PC to 360 (by a push of a button) it also switches the keyboard over. So I can type messages to my friends without the hassle of changing cables. Honestly worth every penny!
Hooking up the Kinamax
I hooked up an older computer that had PS2 mouse/keyboard and a newer one that uses USB mouse/keyboard. Basically, it works, but the PS2 computer doesn't recognize the USB mouse/keyboard at boot up until you confirm the keyboard is hooked up by pressing F1.
The VGA monitor is hooked up with a DVI to VGA adaptor on both computers, and then feeds into the Kinamax. Although the Kinamax supports higher resolutions, it defaults to 600x800 on the newer computer, a problem for me because I use Photoshop and Premiere that recommends higher resolutions. But if I boot the computer with monitor directly hooked to the computer, then physically unhook and plug the monitor into the Kinamax, it'll display the higher resolution. This isn't a problem with the PS2 computer. I can't figure out why this is.
In short, the Kinamax works. If I boot then hook up the monitor through the Kinamax, I can switch with ease between the two computers. The mouse/keyboard hook up doesn't have any real problems except for pressing F1 during booting on the PS2 computer.
