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KVM posts

Elecom's USB hub shares devices, not feelings, with your spouse

by Thomas Ricker, posted May 8th 2009 at 4:11AM

Here's a 7-port USB hub for the hardcore-singles or corporate-couples amongst you. The ¥7,035 (about $71) AC-powered U2SW-B27SBK hub from Elecom lets you share up to seven USB 2.0/1.1 devices simultaneously across a pair of USB connected computers; Mac or PC, makes no difference to Elecom. While it'll share a USB keyboard and mouse between machines, there's no video-out so it's not a true KVM. It does, however, include a little change-over switch that's supposed to allow for a nag-free swap-out of computers. A welcome solution for couples toting laptops back and forth from the cubicle farms. At least it will be when it begins shipping in Japan starting mid-May.

[Via Impress]

Ask Engadget: Best DVI KVM switch?

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 19th 2009 at 11:06PM

Look out -- it's that time of the week again. What time, you ask? The time when brilliant readers like yourself get a moment to shine as their inquiries are posted up here at Engadget. Feel free to send yours in to ask at engadget dawt com, but first, have a glance at John's dilemma below:

"I've been searching for a good DVI KVM switch for a long time. Most of the ones I've read about are either too expensive or have gotten horrible reviews. I was hoping you guys could shed some light on what the best DVI KVM switch you've come across is. My only requirements are high resolution (1,680 x 1,050 or higher), USB for keyboard and mouse and (preferable, although not required) and dual monitor support."

We'd say the challenge is pretty clearly laid out. Now it's on you to think up a good reply and comment below.

IOGEAR intros first HDMI-compliant KVMs: 1080p, lossless audio supported

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 9th 2009 at 8:12AM

We've been waiting for something like this for pretty much ever, and thanks to IOGEAR, we've finally got it. Here at CES, the company has introduced new 2- and 4-Port HDMI KVM switches with USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing (GCS1792, GCS1794), which are HDMI 1.3b and HDCP compliant. As if that weren't enough, both boxes also support 1080p resolutions, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. In related news, the 4-Port DualView Dual-Link DVI KVMP Switch (GCS1644) also saw the light of day today, and everything mentioned here should be up for sale in Q1. Oh, but don't think these suckers will come cheap -- prices range from $299.95 for the 2-port HDMI KVM to $679.95 for the DualView sibling.

ThinkLogical debuts Velocity USB KVM -- with a 25-mile range

by Nilay Patel, posted Dec 11th 2008 at 10:56PM

Okay, we can't actually think of a single reason why you'd need a KVM switch with a max range of 25 freaking miles, but we do know it's pretty insane that such a product even exists. Built on top of an Icron ExtremeUSB chipset, the ThinkLogical VelocityKVM can pipe two 1920 x 1200 DVI signals, USB 1.1, serial, PS2 and stereo audio up to 40 kilometers over single-mode fiber with no loss in quality, and can be upgraded to support USB 2.0 as well. ThinkLogical doesn't even begin to list prices on its site, which probably means you'll need some deep pockets to get in on the action -- uh, yeah, we'll stick to VNC for now, thanks.

[Via Wired]

IOGEAR's DVI Net ShareStation networks one display for multiple users

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 2nd 2008 at 12:01AM

While we imagine that some folks are sick and tired of fighting over the sole display in the house, some people out there are looking for a reason to quarrel over the biggest one. IOGEAR's DVI Net ShareStation is here to help, providing one display with an Ethernet connection so that any and all computers on the same network can ~~battle for it~~ share. Debuting at CEDIA, the tiny box includes a DVI / VGA adapter and an Ethernet jack, and it supports streamed resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200. Furthermore, users who just want to add an external display to their system can do so by simply connecting the device to a USB port. It's available now for $199.95, and the release can be seen in full by clicking through below.

Continue reading IOGEAR's DVI Net ShareStation networks one display for multiple users

IOGEAR's USB Laptop KVM Switch provides your portable with impressive new powers

by Paul Miller, posted Aug 25th 2008 at 11:45AM

Despite the best attempts of computer manufacturers, most of us still need two computers to make it through the week: perhaps a laptop for the daily grind and a desktop for transcoding h.264 files... whatever works for you. IOGEAR is looking to cash in on this trend with its new USB Laptop KVM Switch, which, unlike traditional KVMs, allows you to use your laptop's keyboard, mouse and display to control a second computer over USB. Setup couldn't be simpler, with a USB 2.0 plug on each end of the widget, and a USB port in the middle for hooking up to printers or external drives and such. You can drag and drop files between environments, and obviously switch on the fly between the two computers. Only trouble is that it only works with Windows operating systems -- no cross-platform switching -- and it'll run you a steep $130.

AdderLink X-DVI KVM sends DVI / USB over single CAT6 cable

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 16th 2008 at 6:41PM

Apologies for the onslaught of acronyms up there, but here's the skinny: Adder has just loosed its AdderLink X-DVI, which claims to be the "world's first extender to send both USB and DVI signals over the same CAT6 cable." Reportedly, the KVM supports the extension of USB keyboards / mice and high-definition video over distances up to 165-feet, and just in case any updates make their way down in the future, the unit is "fully flash upgradeable." There's nary a mention of price, but it should be available through various worldwide distribution partners this fall.

IOGEAR intros Dual-Link DVI KVMP switch alongside two others

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 29th 2008 at 11:14PM

Eager to get busy with multiple workstations on a single monitor, are you? If so, IOGEAR's providing three more ways to get you there, starting with the 2-port GCS1802 and 4-port GCS1804. The $199.95 / $299.95 KVMP (Keyboard, Video, Mouse, Peripheral) switches each enable USB 2.0 peripherals to be shared, and you'll also find support for 2.1 audio. The real winner, however, is the 4-port GCS1204, which handles dual-link DVI with nary a grumble. Granted, that one will set you back a stiff $449.95, but at least it -- along with those other two -- is available right now.

IOGEAR's PCPortal remote desktop KVM is a little less virtual

by Paul Miller, posted Mar 10th 2008 at 4:27PM

Remote desktop clients are great for those one-in-a-million scenarios when your computer is working well enough to connect to the internet and run a remote desktop app, but still requires technical assistance. In contrast, IOGEAR gives IT types full control from boot with the spendy-but-useful PCPortal GCN1000. The internet-connected KVM switch is completely hardware-based, meaning the computer you're controlling needs no working operating system to be taken control of, and IT people have about as much control over the remote PC as they would if sitting directly in front of it. You can also plug the GCN1000 into regular KVM switches to manage multiple computers remotely, as well as use the Virtual Media port to give remote users data straight from whatever's plugged into the USB port. Unfortunately, all this hotness comes at a cost: the GCN1000 is available now for $500.

[Via Blast]

Belkin dishes out SOHO KVM at CES

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 7th 2008 at 11:25AM

Continuing on with its invigorating list of CES releases, Belkin is cranking out its SOHO KVM, which unsurprisingly enables users to "share one monitor, keyboard and mouse between two or more computers." Nothing here we haven't seen before, but it does include a handy USB port on the front for connecting up your iPod (Belkin's suggestion, not ours) while switching between computers. The unit itself is available in VGA or DVI / PS/2 or USB flavors and ranges from $159 to $269.

Raritan intros smart card-reading KVM switch system

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 16th 2007 at 9:02AM

The days of casually interfacing with uber-secure servers without unduly amounts of red tape holding you back could be coming to an end, especially if you work at a government or financial institution that has a contract with Raritan. The latest paranoia-curing gizmo to escape its labs is the Paragon II KVM Smart Card Reader solution for a KVM switch, which supports the US Federal HSPD-12 standard and aims to "enhance an organization's security approach" by requiring smart cards to be inserted before access is granted to machines via KVM. More specifically, the all-in-one solution "does not store or cache card data, requires re-authentication when changing targets, and allows access of servers by only one user at a time." So much for snoopin' on your lunch break, eh?

IOGEAR intros MiniView Micro DVI PS/2 KVM switch

by Donald Melanson, posted Aug 14th 2007 at 9:04AM

IOGEAR already has more KVM switches to its credit than most, but it looks like the company has managed to find a bit more room for improvement, today introducing its new MiniView Micro DVI PS/2 model. As you may have surmised, this one will let two computers share a DVI monitor (at up to 1600 X 1200 and 60Hz) along with a PS/2 mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, and a set of speakers. To switch between computers, you simply press the small button that can be placed on your desk, leaving the remaining jumble of cables free to be discreetly tucked away. If that sounds like the KVM switch for you, you can grab one now for $160.

Belkin Flip Wireless KVM with remote control

by Marc Perton, posted May 1st 2006 at 10:48AM

Belkin's Flip KVM is an attempt to put a stylish spin on this plain, utilitarian piece of gear, presumably so that users toggling between, say, a Dell XPS M2010 and a Mac mini won't have to compromise on decor. And with the $79.99 wireless version, due out in June, Belkin goes even further, adding a small RF remote that allows users to switch systems from anywhere. Frankly, we prefer to use a keyboard shortcut to switch systems, and that feature's included on most popular KVMs. Still, we suppose the Wireless Flip could find a niche market with presenters who need to toggle between systems without having to use a keyboard, or for that rare user who has set up dual-platform media servers, and wants to switch back and forth from the couch.