<autodeletespam@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:1136485860.096342.9620@f14g2000cwb.googlegrou ps.com...
>I am look for a KVM switch with the following characteristics:
> 2-port
> Dual DVI displays
> USB mouse (I realize that I could use a USB to PS/2 connector but would
> prefer native USB)
> USB keyboard
> Audio switching (both speaker and mic)
> Extra integrated 2 port switching USB hub
> Under $300
>
> I do NOT need dual link (1600 X 1200 is more than enough for me).
>
> Most of the kvm switches out there seem to be designed for computers
> circa 1999-2000. Surely I cannot be the only person in the known
> universe that has purchased 2 computers after 2002 and needs a
> up-to-date switch? I am not trying to sound snobby cause at this point
> neither of my machines is anywhere close to state-of-the-art, but I
> swear that I saw some of the switches that I have recently researched
> in that moive "Wargames" from the 80s. Do they even make mice with
> PS/2 connections any more? :)
>
> Do you know of a KVM switch that meets my needs (described above)? If
> not, what types of software do you typically run and what KVM switch
> are you using? And what has been your experience? I am definitely
> interested in reliability/performance data. Can you point me to a site
> with a comparative review of new KVM switches. Other than a single
> model "first look" type article, it looks like Tom's has not done a big
> review in about 2 years and it is even longer for AnandTech.
>
> The StarTech SV231UADVI is close but only supports one display.
> The StarTech SV221DVIDD has dual display but lacks most the rest.
> The NTI KEEMUX-P2V-2 looks like a rebadged but more expensive (?)
> StarTech SV221DD (which also will not work).
> The Cables to Go C184-32562 also looks like a rebadged (but less
> expensive) SV221DD.
> The Aten CS1762 is also close but also only supports one DVI display.
> The Aten CS1742 is also close but has VGA rather than DVI display (and
> I am not sure if it really switches audio).
> Belkin does not have anything that fits the bill and I have read
> nothing but bad reviews of their switches.
><snipped>
They actually do exactly what you want. The F1DH104U (and possibly the 102
for dual machine only). I have had three of their units over the last few
years, and this is the first that is really good (the older units had
software problems, that made them a pain at times...). Be careful on sites
for these. Most list the 'DD104U', as the DVI version, but for dual
monitors it is the DH. The cables required, are the hard part to find, you
need the F1D9201 (then hyphen, the length in feet, either -6, or -10).
Most people only do the VGA '9501' cable.
The only 'caveat', is that the keyboard, must be only an ordinary USB
keyboard. Basically, the device that is plugged in as a keyboard, if it
has extra features (like a scroll wheel), these won't work. The keyboard
will work with these features, if you plug it in to one of the other USB
ports, but you cannot then screen switch from the keyboard. There is an
optional software version, which prevents the box beeping, because it does
not have a keyboard.
I found one review of this switch in this mode, when I was searching, and
it had it beating the only competing units which cost over twice the
money. I'd agree entirely with this.

Best Wishes

Best Wishes