Kensington ShareCentral 5 for USB Device Sharing (K33901US)
by Kensington
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Our Price: $39.99
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: KensingtonModel: K33901US
Product features:
- Easily share access to USB devices between two computers⿿LED lights indicate which computer has access
- Gain instant access to your USB devices by plugging one USB cable into your computer
- Simply press a button to switch individual USB devices from one computer to another
- Both computers have direct access to the printer thanks to Automatic Printer Sharing
- Plug and play set up and easy to use with no network required
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (3.3 Feet/1.0 Meter)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to Mini-B Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters)
- Western Digital Scorpio Blue 500 GB Bulk/OEM Hard Drive 2.5 Inch, 8 MB Cache, 5400 RPM SATA II WD5000BEVT
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Kensington ShareCentral 5 for USB Device Sharing (K33901US)
Customer Review: Great Device, Great Value for both Home and Work Computers
Summary: 5 Stars
I asked for and got a Kensington Sharecentral 5 for Christmas, and I've enjoyed using it every day. It has worked flawlessly just as in the product description. Its sturdy, well made. Truth be told, its really a super duper powered USB hub with the built in feature of being able to switch periperherals between two computers. I previously used several traditional powered 4-7 slot USB hubs purchased here on Amazon, but I had the same two common problems:
(1) when I plugged in more than three peripherals, the hubs would constantly shut down and start back up ever 5 minutes
(2)they were thinly made and the power cord would never stay connected (e.g. cheaply made).
The Kensington5 doesn't have these problems. I've connected peripherals to all the slots and it has handled all the peripheral combos I've needed. And the power connector stays connected - just like the cord on a well-made appliance.
And just so you know, if you have a USB powered drive that draws significant power, they work fine with the Kensington5. I've got both a LaCie and a Signature Mini portable drive connected to it right now, and it keeps both powered with no problems so far.
I noted two folks here seemed to have problems with computers not waking up properly, or having to unplug cables to get things going. I can just tell you I've had none of those problems. I also don't use the "automotic" switching mode which seemed to cause problems for one reviewer. I just use the manual mode - meaning when I want to use peripherals on a computer, I just have to push the buttons which takes all of 10 seconds. That may be a reason for the problems in computers freezing when they start up - the interface with the automatic detection mode (where the Kensington5 automatically "detects" which computer you're useing) may be finicky. Just use the manual mode - its a breeze. There's a switch on the bottom of the unit that lets you choose automatic or manual mode - easy to set.
FYI: I'm running Windows XP on all my computers. I use the Kensington5 to share multiple desktop hard drives (4) and a printer between my desktop unit and my laptop. I head up an environmental consultancy, so I'm no computer tech person. It took all of 10 minutes from the time I opened the box to the time I had the software installed on both computers and had the Kensington all connected and working. And I'm not the most patient guy in setting up tech hardware, so I can do it, anyone can.
Lastly, if you travel for work like I do, the Kensington5 (and I'd expect the Kensington1 and 2 models) are easy to carry along as portable powered USB hubs. I bought an extra unit and carry it in my computer case when I'm away from home for more than a day - I can set it up to connect a keyboard, mouse, and external hard drive, and flash drive in a hotel room. I prefer using an external powered USB hub vs. connecting all those peripherals to my laptop since it does not pull any power from the laptop and thus it does not heat up. I've bought 4-5 external USB hubs I now don't use because they seem to not be able to handle the work - they're all in a box in my closet now. I've replaced them with Kensington units.
Hope my comments help. I've benefited from many of the reviews here on Amazon, so I thought I'd do my part and share what I've learned about what I think is a good product.
Description of Kensington ShareCentral 5 for USB Device Sharing (K33901US)
Finally, an easy solution for sharing USB devices. Now you can share USB devices between two computers without all that plugging and unplugging. Simply push a button and the ShareCentral(TM) 1 automatically makes the swap. With the Kensington ShareCentral(TM) 5, two computers can share a printer, hard drive, scanner⿿any five USB devices⿿and switch between them with the touch of a button. It reduces cable clutter, too! No software required for basic features.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
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