Installation

Let me say, installation is incredibly easy! I decided to hook this thing up to my Barton and Duron boxes. I turned the computers off, and disconnected their cables. I then connected my keyboard, mouse and monitor to the small KVM switch box as seen below.

It doesn't get any easier than this!

I connected one of the KVM cable sets to my Barton box, and the other set was plugged into the Duron. When everything was in place, I booted up on both boxes and the KVM worked instantly. Hitting CTRL twice, followed by either hitting "1" or "2" (depending on which computer you wish to use) gives you full control over the chosen PC. There is no driver installation and it works on all operating systems. Now that's what I call plug and play!

In use

I have been using this device for about a week now and swapping between both computers has never been easier! I previously used a software tool called Real VNC to obtain access to my secondary computer through my primary computer, but this is much easier - and while Real VNC control is slow and sluggish, using the KVM switch is just as fast as controlling a single PC; there are no delays what-so-ever. The KVM Switch has an autoscan feature (that automatically toggles between the computers at a user defined interval) that may be of use to some and it seems to work fine.

Swapping between computers only takes a second and the image quality is great. I see no reduction in quality on my 19" ViewSonic monitor (1600x1200, 32), neither in Windows or in games.

On the switch box itself there are two small LEDs that shows you which computer you are controlling, in case you are in doubt. :) The only real draw back I see is the lack of a key mapping option. There is no way to change the keys used to swap between computers. However, a key mapping option would probably create a need of some sort of software installation or expensive firmware, so I can live with the predefined settings.

Conclusion

This is an absolute must for people with 2 computers standing close to each other, but only room for one monitor/keyboard/mouse, especially if both computers are used regularly. Installation couldn't be any easier, both image and build quality is high and using the switch doesn't take an expert. If you are looking for a simple, economy KVM switch for just two computers, I highly recommend that you go and buy this one.

Thanks to StarTech.com for letting us review this product. A direct link to the product is here.

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