IOGEAR 2Port USB KVM Switch+cable

VISTA (July 2011 - AND WINDOWS 7) COMPATIBILITY:
With the named equipment below, the IOgear switch has performed consistently, regardless of the status (sleeping or standby) of the Vista computer and after updating it to windows 7.

SET-UP
Firstly the chosen "console" USB mouse and "console" USB keyboard were connected independently with each computer in turn to check that they worked, which they did. Set up of the switch was then very simple - the supplied instructions are clear and easy to follow. No additional items were needed, as the computers were close enough together (less than about 1.5 mtr). The connecting leads require a monitor port in addition to two available USB ports on each computer. Other KVM switches use only one USB port on each computer. The unit is powered from the USB connections and does not have an external power supply. Underneath the desk the main part of the switch can be positioned to allow the user to see the two LED indicator lights that show which computer has been selected. Checking the lights becomes irrelevant when, very quickly, you become confident of the switch's reliability.

OPERATION:
Changing between computers is straightforward using the small wired remote switch that sits on the desk surface and has a rubbery sole to help stop it from moving around. You will need velcro or double-sided tape (not supplied) for securing it to a vertical surface. There is no option for activating the switchover from the keyboard.
When the remote switch is depressed, the screen briefly goes black before displaying the image from the incoming computer. Sometimes there is a further small delay while the computer recognises the keyboard and mouse. In total the changeover takes between one and three seconds before the incoming computer is ready for normal operation. While some users may find this annoying, I feel this is tolerable and a very small compromise compared with the convenience of the switch function.
At switchover, the monitor reports "No signal" if the incoming computer is "sleeping". It wakes up immediately if either the keyboard or mouse is operated.

OVERALL:
Good value for money (paid under �[])
Simple set up and operation
Works with Vista
Small (tolerable) delay during switchovers.
Requires monitor port & 2 USB ports on each computer
No option of keyboard-activated switching.

EQUIPMENT USED WITH THE SWITCH FOR THIS REVIEW:
Fujitsu-Siemens desktop with Vista Home Premium operating system (Now with windows 7).
HP desktop with XP OS
Acer LCD VGA Monitor.
Wired USB Keyboard
Wired USB Mouse

IOGEAR 2Port USB KVM Switch+cable

Just received this today. Great piece of kit.

Mysetup; Desktop XP PC. DVI out split to a DVI monitor and a VGA Monitor.
I occasionally want to connect a laptop to the keyboard, monitor and mouse whilst still using the desktop, hence this purchase.

The pictures in the item description arent great and I wasnt sure what was on the other end of the leads. Fortunately it was exactly what I was hoping for. To confirm; there are two bunches of 3 cables coming from the switch (plus the wired control). At the end of each bunch are two USB connectors and the VGA Connector.

Setup is easy. Whilst my setup is not complicated its not easy to describe. From my desktop PC is DVI cable which splits into female DVI and VGA connections. The DVI goes straight into one Monitor and the VGA then connects to one of the bunches connected to the switch. The laptop then connects to to the other bunch from the switch. It all works very well.

The Control is good and the keyboard and mouse register on each PC much quicker than I expected. Have looked a a few different KVMs at different price ranges. Am now glad that I didnt go for a pricey option as this fits the bill perfectly.

All I needed was a nice simple KVM switch, just to take a USB keyboad and mouse and two computers with VGA graphic outputs (as opposed to digital) and these outputs to one monitor, and that's exactly what this small unit does.

Quality is perfectly acceptable, and the fact it has a remote control switch means you can have the switch itself hidden away on the floor somewhere and still be able to easily switch between systems (I have the switch attached on my keyboad with some self adhesive velcro).

There is no intelligence in this switch (which in my eyes is a very good thing, keeps things simple) so when you switch it, it in fact physically disconnects the keyboard/mouse from one comuter (you can hear windows make the usb device removed sound) and physically switches the input to the other machine (again you can hear windows usb device connected sound).

No problems at all, out of sight and very convenient. And for a fantastic price.