TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit (Includes 2x KVM Cables) TK-207K (Blue)
by TRENDnet
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List Price: Our Price: $17.67 You Save: $18.32 (51%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $12.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
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for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit (Includes 2x KVM Cables) TK-207K (Blue)
Customer Review: It works!
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this in a retail store for ten dollars more than Amazon is selling it for, and I still think it was worth it. (Though I'm kicking myself for not getting it here, lol.)
I'm using this switch to connect a 19" LCD monitor and the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 to my Mac mini and Gateway PC. (I thought I saw a review that said it didn't work with wireless keyboards, so I want to emphasize that -- for me -- it has been working splendidly.) I've been nothing but pleased with the quality and performance so far. I can't speak for the included software, as I haven't tried it.
It was an absolute breeze to set up -- I just connected the cables and it worked... on both the Mac and the PC. No software needed. There are two buttons on the unit that can be used to switch between computers. Since I keep the switch out where it's easily accessible, this is just as convenient as having hot keys (which the software is supposed to let you set up).
Some things to be aware of:
- This KVM switch is best used if your two computers are fairly close -- the cables included are not that long.
- Even as small as it is, it's kind of awkward finding a place on the desk for it. Cables stick out every which way, so it looks a bit sloppy. (Not a huge deal... but if you're tight on desk space, it's something to consider.)
- There is a small delay switching -- only a couple of seconds. Not a terrible thing.
- Be aware that there is no audio switching. If you're looking for something to share one set of speakers between computers, this is not it.
Overall, I'm thrilled with this little guy. I've freed up a ton of space on my desk, and can easily switch between my Mac and my PC in almost no time. I didn't need the audio switch, so this was a perfect fit and reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
Customer Review: Good budget KVM switch
Summary: 3 Stars
Pros:
I don't think you'll find a better budget KVM switch. It is very easy to setup. The software is quite simple; very basic/no frills. Exactly what I expect from a something in this price range. The KVM switch itself is not cheap looking by any means. It's made of good quality plastic and the cables that are sent with it are pretty good too. It takes about 2-4 seconds to switch between PCs. Quite acceptable from a USB KVM switch. If this were a PS2 connection I'm sure it'd be much faster.
Cons:
It looks like it was designed to be smaller and take up less space, however because of the positioning of the ports the cables make this thing about 4-6 inches in diameter. I would have preferred it be wider and all the ports be in the back. Also, there is no way to mount it to a surface. So you're stuck with leaving it laying on your desk with the wires going everywhere. You could leave it laying behind your desk but I like using the buttons on top of it versus the keyboard. It also does not work well with my Logitech MX300 mouse. The scroll wheel works intermittently. All other features on my mouse work fine including middle mouse button click via the scroll wheel. I contacted tech support on through their online help desk. Their responses were professional but did take a few hours. They could not offer me any solutions and suggested I try a different mouse. A microsoft optical mouse works just fine. While they did not offer to fix the KVM they told me I would need to purchase a different mouse. No big deal, I need a new one anyway. :)
Summary:
Despite the mouse problems and the mediocre port design this is a very good budget KVM. It suits my needs and gets the job done efficiently. The age old question to the salesman is "Would you recommend one to your parents?". Yes, indeed I would.
Customer Review: Works well, but must use carefully with Mac OS 9
Summary: 3 Stars
I use this to flip back and forth between a Windows XP machine, and a Macintosh (actually, I'm half-ashamed to admit, a Mac using OS 9...) What I find with the Mac, is that when switching to and from using this device, it is best to be in the Finder, not to be within an application. Some applications freeze if they're frontmost during the switch. What's more, when I switch to and from any machine, it is wisest to wait a few seconds after hitting the "switch" button before you begin to use the new computer, or else you might crash the computer! So, I have to think, and be patient, every time I use this to switch between the 2 computers. Another Mac OS 9 glitch: whenever I start my Mac, in order for it to configure the monitor's resolution properly, I must start with this switch SET to the Mac... in other words, I can't be using the PC during the minute or so that the Mac is starting up, and must devote the entire system to the PC.
So, given all this, I'd say that it's not really a good accompaniment to a Mac in OS 9. Sorry, I have no idea about OSX, I so rarely boot up in that OS.
Given these constraints, I must admit it's great to have a single monitor, mouse, keyboard (wish there were also a USB port that would switch too!) I'm almost always on the Mac, but I use the PC for a few long & boring tasks, so it's a useful item to have... if you're careful every time you use it.
By the way, it was very easy to hook up to the two machines. A very small box, that can be easily positioned on one's desktop. It has two small buttons on top... one to switch to one machine, the other to switch to the other machine. Indicator lights tell which is "on", etc. Well thought out, simple device. There's also a software switching system available, that I never tried.
Customer Review: Does what it's suppose to, but doesn't play nice with virtuals
Summary: 3 Stars
I have had this switch for about 4 months now. It's main purpose is to switch between two computers using the same keyboard, mouse, and monitor. In that purpose, it works perfect. The switching it fast, and can be done by pushing a button on the device or using a hot-key. Only a few times have I had to unplug everything from it and reboot my machines to get it working. My main problem is that it doesn't play nice with virtual machines. I run Windows 7 Pro and initially setup a virtual Windows XP Pro using Microsoft Virtual PC 2007. Whenever I would turn on the virtual, it would automatically switch the input to my other connected desktop. Not a super big deal, but still a pain to have to switch back every time. For this reason (among others), I migrated my virtual environment to VMware Workstation 7. Not only does it do the exact same thing, but after I switch the input back I am unable to use the mouse and keyboard. I unplugged them from the switch directly into my desktop and they started working again. I picked this up at a local retailer for under 10 bucks, so I really can't complain. I think I am going to use a wireless keyboard and mouse for my main machine and run digital video, then use analog for the other machine. Then I can just switch the inputs on the monitor and not have to use the switch anymore.
If you don't use virtual technology, I am sure this product will be the perfect solution for people with 2 desktops. And who knows, maybe the problems I am having are just me. If anyone else has had similar problems and has a solution, please comment on the review. Otherwise, I am probably just going to ditch the switch.
Customer Review: Mostly works
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had this KVM switch for over a year. I just use it for keyboard and mouse, not video, so I can't comment on that aspect. I've used several other KVM switches in the past and this unit works pretty well. 98% of the time, I don't even notice it, which is what you want. It has hotkey switching and a physical button, which is nice because most of the time hotkey switching is easiest but when things don't work right, that physical button can sometimes help you recover. It doesn't actually emulate the keyboard and mouse for Windows, so when you switch it sounds like you are unplugging a USB device on one of the computers and plugging one in on the other and it takes a couple of seconds for Windows to recognize. Every once in awhile, a computer will stop recognizing it. It may be the computer more than the KVM switch because it definitely happens more often on one of my computers than the other. Once this happens I have to reboot the computer to restore functionality, which is a pain because I no longer have a keyboard and mouse hooked up to the computer. So I have to unplug them from the KVM switch and plug them directly into the computer. I run PC virtualization software on one of my computers and when mousing quickly between virtual PCs, the KVM switch will switch physical PCs. I just have to hotkey back to the original computer.
There are probably better KVM switches out there, but probably not at this price. If you can afford a higher end model, it may be worth the cost to save the occassional frustration, but only if you can find one that really works 100% of the time.