TRENDnet 4-Port USB KVM Switch Kit (Includes 4x KVM Cables)
From TRENDnet
The 4-Port USB KVM Switch lets you manage four PCs with just one set of keyboard, monitor, and mouse. Switch between four PCs with a simple press of a button! Separate sets of KVM cables are included with the KVM Switch, so users can start controlling 4 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 4-Port USB KVM Switch is the perfect choice for managing multiple PCs.
- Brand: TRENDnet
- Model: TK-407K
- Dimensions: .35 pounds
It might be good if you are not using VMWare
I've seen many comment on its placement of the connections, one each side making it a pain. Ok, that's true. My problem is I use VMWare often. When I move my mouse into the VM the KVM thinks I did something and it changes to the next computer. I then have to press the button on top switch.
Even with the slight hassle of hitting the button now and then after going into a VM, it's still worth it.
Other than it's funny plug locations on all sides, and the VM issue, its fine.
Good performance for the price
I have had this KVM switch for about 2 months now. No problem encountered so far. Compared to 2-port IOGear KVM I used in the past, it is comparable in performance while cheaper.
I have 2 Windows XP machines and 1 Ubuntu connected to this switch.
For some reason, I have to hit Num Lock instead of Scroll Lock when
switching out of Ubuntu. That's no problem as long as it works.
It seems to take about 2 seconds to switch between machines, which is acceptable though a bit slower than IOGear.
One thing I found out is that if a machine is down, you cannot switch out of it until it completely boots again. This may be more than an inconvenience. I am not sure if that was the case with IOGear, or all other KVMs.
All in all, this KVM works for me well, and the price was right.
In any event, that would be bad if a machine
Good KVM switch for the price
Our company purchased this item to switch between two G4 Power Macs and two older PC's. The Macs work perfectly--flawlessly--with this switch. Switching is almost instantaneous and we've not seen an error yet. However, the older PC's (running Windows 98) are a little squirrely in that they do find the USB keyboard and mouse, but when they are switched off for another computer for a while they lose track of the KVM switch, thus can't be accessed, and we have to hard restart them. I think this has more to do with the age of these PC's and their OS. If we had newer PC's running XP I think they would behave better. In the meantime, we will simply leave a keyboard & mouse plugged into each PC so we can restart them when they get lost.
There is one caveat about this switch: Trendnet uses a proprietary cabling system. The cables are NOT standard USB & VGA cables, but are an odd combination that will only work with the Trendnet switch. If this switch were to fail in the future, we would either have to buy another Trendnet switch or replace it with a different brand along with cables ($).
If you don't mind the cables, this switch is definitely the best bang for the buck.
