Belkin 2-Port KVM Switch
... with Audio Support and Built-In Cabling.
I picked up one of these at CompUSA today and I must say I'm very pleased with the design and functionality. Since we've moved, we are consolidating my old basement office and the family room computer into the new den. This meant two PC's, since I don't really feel like turning my game/work rig into the family PC, complete with Winnie the Pooh and Dora the Explorer. Since I also didn't want monitor's wall to wall, massive amounts of network gear, flashing lights... ahem.. strike that and edit to read, "Since my *wife* didn't want..."
My solution was a single monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard, and a KVM. The PC towers are cleanly hidden away, and the singe console can be used for either PC. I've used Belkin business class KVM's before, but I hated having to deal with cabling (that was often more expensive that the switch itself). I also wanted to use USB for mouse and keyboard, and speakers would be nice too.
This model does it all. Two USB ports, though I'm only using one - the wireless mouse/kb combo base unit - and excellent VGA signal quality. I don't see any degradation at all. And as an added bonus, the KVM comes with, that's right, built in cabling. That means the box has two 'tails' that connect to each PC, including a usb plug, VGA, microphone and speakers. You then plug the appropriate devices into the front of the KVM and you are good to go. One caveat - you must plug the USB portion of the tails into the PC's even if you aren't using them, since they supply power to the switch. That's right, no AC/DC brick either. That was a nice bonus.
Overall, this product is perfect for any SOHO user that needs an economical way to control two PC's.
I picked up one of these at CompUSA today and I must say I'm very pleased with the design and functionality. Since we've moved, we are consolidating my old basement office and the family room computer into the new den. This meant two PC's, since I don't really feel like turning my game/work rig into the family PC, complete with Winnie the Pooh and Dora the Explorer. Since I also didn't want monitor's wall to wall, massive amounts of network gear, flashing lights... ahem.. strike that and edit to read, "Since my *wife* didn't want..."
My solution was a single monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard, and a KVM. The PC towers are cleanly hidden away, and the singe console can be used for either PC. I've used Belkin business class KVM's before, but I hated having to deal with cabling (that was often more expensive that the switch itself). I also wanted to use USB for mouse and keyboard, and speakers would be nice too.
This model does it all. Two USB ports, though I'm only using one - the wireless mouse/kb combo base unit - and excellent VGA signal quality. I don't see any degradation at all. And as an added bonus, the KVM comes with, that's right, built in cabling. That means the box has two 'tails' that connect to each PC, including a usb plug, VGA, microphone and speakers. You then plug the appropriate devices into the front of the KVM and you are good to go. One caveat - you must plug the USB portion of the tails into the PC's even if you aren't using them, since they supply power to the switch. That's right, no AC/DC brick either. That was a nice bonus.
Overall, this product is perfect for any SOHO user that needs an economical way to control two PC's.
posted by DFMerrick at 22:01
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