<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.
> The IOGear GCS1762, like the SV321UADVI and CS1762 is very close but
> lacks the dual display support.
> Adder does not have anything close in the price range.
> The Avocent 2SVDVI10-001 is another possibility but again only supports
> one display.
> The TrendNet TK-204K, a very low cost alternative, is missing several
> needed parts.
> The Gefen EXT-DVI-422 is probably the closest match that I have found
> but it is grossly overpriced.
>
> Running Windows XP on both machines (although one of them is actually
> configured to also run Linux). Monitors are Dell 2005FP and Dell
> 1905FP. Using an nVidia card in one and an ATI in the other.
> Keyboards are Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite and an old plain IBM
> keyboard (not sure if it has a name or model number but this is the one
> that I will dump anyway unless the Natural will not work). Mice are
> Logitech and a generic cheapie model. Speakers are generic 5.1. Not
> sure what brand the mic is. Don't think that it matters but one rig
> has an ASUS mainboard and the other is DFI LanParty.
>
> Might also consider a 4-port (if it is not too much more expensive and
> meets the requirements above) to get my Thinkpad T42 into the mix.
>
I have been looking for this for a couple years and nothing fit the bill.
The Belkin one wouldn't accept anything but a standard USB keyboard.
Anything with additional features on it (i.e. volume control, web, email
buttons, etc) wouldn't work.
IOGear has one:
http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS1762
And last time I emailed them they were working in compatability with a lot
of USB keyboards to support extra features. You could run it on one of the
switchable USB ports, but then you would use keyboard switching. For now I
am using a dual PS/2 keyboard/mouse and DVI that I found at newegg.com a
couple years ago. Until I know for sure that popular USB keyboards along
with DVI and audio are available, I will stick with what I got. This IOGear
device looks like the best option.