"Problems, and wearing out after one year" I have been using an Iogear MiniView KVM USB 4-port switchbox for the last year. I was never very happy with it because sometimes the system I was switching to would not wake up. I'd have to restart the system. Sometimes a Windows Restart command wouldn't even work, nor the Reset button on my Dell computer. I'd actually have to pull the power plug out of the back of my Dell to turn off the hung computer.
That was bad enough. Now, after just one year of admittedly heavy use of the switch button, the button has started to fail. It skips past one or two of the 4 ports, and I have to cycle around all 4 ports a couple of times hoping that I'll land on the port I want.
So, I'm now looking for a replacement KVM. I just so this User Ratings item and thought I'd warn others about my disappointing experience with this KVM unit. From Mark Walsen, June 16, 2003
"works well, slow switching" I've been using this KVM for months now. I switch an old Mac clone w/ added USB card and a Gateway laptop. I've had no problems with the switch itself. Video quality is good - I usually use 1280x1024 and see no degradation.
The only issue I have with it is that it takes an annoying long time for the keyboard/mouse to come "alive" after a switch; 3-5 secs going to the Gateway, 5-10 secs going to the Mac... The machines have to "discover" the keyboard and mouse each time.
I also switch a USB printer with the keyboard&mouse and only have problems when I forget and switch while printing... From Hugh Hoover, August 07, 2001
"Worked flawlessly... as promised" Great Product ... I give it an 8 out of 10.
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USB hub functionality within KVM switchbox -- allowing you to not only share a console (KVM) but also three other devices.
I had some initial trouble setting up this switchbox, however it was mainly due to the fact that I normally used a standard (non-USB) keyboard and mouse. After forcing my W2K boxes to "accept" the USB keyboard and mouse by directly connecting them to each CPU separately. Afterwards, the KVM USB Switchbox was able to accurately present the devices to each CPU.
Curiously -- I wonder if I can print a large job from CPU A to my USB printer, while I access CPU B through the console. Hmmmmmm.
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PROS:
1. Plugged it in and it worked!
2. Option to use AC power if req'd
3. IOGEAR incl'd high quality cables
CONS:
1. Could use a more secure method to
mount the unit under a tabletop
2. Option to use soft switching key
such as the PRINT SCREEN key
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From Norman Schneider, April 01, 2001
We're currently upgrading our user review system; so we won't be accepting new reviews for now. MiniView USB 4-port USB KVM Switch Specs
Interface(s)
Original USB
Released date
December 1969
Platforms
All Windows and Mac platforms
# of computers supported
--
Audio support?
--
Cables included?
--
Power source
Self- or bus-powered
Warranty
Three years
Where to buy IOGear MiniView USB 4-port USB KVM Switch?
