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So, I'm going to have to go and try to find a classic PS/2 style keyboard as USB keyboards don't work with these units (doesn't work on the 4-port D-Link either).BOTTOM LINE: if you are getting a KVM and your primary concern is video quality, get this one. I am particularly finicky as I use my computer a lot. How many computers does it let you control and how is the video resolution.Now, everyone in the world talks about "the video resolution is decent", but no one is every specific. I plugged in my machines and the picture quality, at that resolution is THE SAME as when the cable is plugged directly in. So that meant a handful of little adapters. EXCEPT - the keyboard USB to PS/2 - something is screwy with it, it won't acknowledge the keyboard. I have been through MANY KVM switches over the years and yet to find a decent one, until now.I got this, hopes that the good reviews were right - and that this could handle a higher resolution. My preferred resolution is 1680x1050.
And I'm telling you, this KVM has virtually no impact to video quality - which I've never seen before in a KVM.ONE BAD THING:Just like most of the other home/small-business use KVM, they still require use of PS/2 style mouse and keyboard connections. I tried multiple machines and multiple keyboards. What are the two big things with KVM switches. It can - and it's flawless.In my particular case, I have a 24" widescreen monitor and wanted to control 3 machines. I don't have a PS/2 mouse OR keyboard anymore - and also, the PC's don't have those connections either.
This is quite annoying and I'm ready to throw this piece of product right into the trash bin. And I'm being nice. Not only that, the keyboard and mouse appear to 'blink' out pretty regularly. The 4 port model is a confusing and often times unsuccessful ctrl+alt+shift+. Unfortunately, the 4 port model doesn't work nearly as well. I had been using a Linksys 2 port KVM switch for years without a single problem so when it came time to add another computer, I naturally went with the Linksys 4 port model. The softkey controls on the 2 port model was a simple double click of any ctrl key. Mostly the mouse, which will often freeze.
The manual suggests it's IBM's fault. I've used KVMs over the years and this is the first one I've seen that doesn't work with IBM PCs. Returning this POS.
Pity their current products are so dicey. Since it weighs all of a half-pound, it's pretty much sitting where ever the cables want it to be, not where you want it to be. Switches between multiple OS's (W2K/XP/Linux) with no issues. When set up with the max of 4 machines, it has 15 cables attached to it. And finally, I'm not a fan of the hotkey combination required to activate the device: Alt, Ctrl, Shift, PC#(1-4), Enter. Five keystrokes - you've gotta be joking. Seems perfectly happy with both my antique IBM keyboard and my brand new Logitech wireless mouse (with USB->PS2 adapter and the standard number of buttons). As other reviewers have noted, cables attach to this puppy on 3 of 4 sides.
I was able to get it to stay where I want it without an utter mess by careful routing of cables and use of lots of cable ties. I'm a much bigger fan of the Belkin way (ScrlLk, ScrlLk, Up/Down). From a functional standpoint, this is one of the best "non-industrial" KVM switches I've used. Ergonomically, it could be better, though. Also, again because of the light weight of the device, you need to hold it in place while depressing the selector button, or it tends to walk away from you.
This is a very simple KVM. Lacking the fancy bells and whistles of the more expensive untis, this one does it's basic tasks.
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