The affordable new OmniView™ E Series 4-Port KVM Switch from Belkin allows you to control four computers from one console. Designed to work with your PS/2 platform, it reduces desktop clutter and provides a simple, reliable solution at a lower price.
The E Series also supports high-quality resolution of up to 2048x1536@85Hz when used with coaxial VGA cabling, offering uncompromising display quality.
It requires no additional power supply and standard features include hot key functionality, keyboard and PS/2 emulations, and a Belkin Two-Year Warranty.
The OmniView E Series 4-Port KVM Switch from Belkin is the simple solution for controlling four PS/2 computers with one keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
The Belkin Advantage:
- Enables control of up to four PS/2 computers from one keyboard, monitor, and mouse
- Supports video resolutions up to 2048x1536@85Hz through a 400MHz bandwidth
- Features hot key switching and manual push-button port selection
Features:
- 10-second AutoScan function
- Keyboard and PS/2 emulations for error-free boot-up
- PC99 color-coded connectors for matching cables to appropriate ports quickly and easily
- LED indicators
1 Problems with modern mice
I have this device and a 2-port Linksys. Frequently with this one, I get a delay in or totally lose my mouse control when switching between computers. I'm using a MS optical mouse that is natively USB, with a USB-to-PS2 converter attached that could be a problem. Just a warning to those with similar configurations that they may get similar results. The Linksys KVM has no problems with my setup.
2 Works Sometimes
This KVM is very affordable and works great, most of the time. However, if you use a Logitech Mouse, do NOT buy this KVM. Your mouse will seriously mess up. This KVM is designed for use with Microsoft mice. I would frequently switch between Windows and Linux and this would confuse it greatly. Windows would forget what my keyboard repeat rates were and the mouse would move erratically for the first few seconds. Linux was even funnier and would frequently refuse to work until I restarted X-Windows using Ctrl-Alt-Backspace as trying to move the mouse at all would result in a plethora of random movements and mouse clicks. Of course, restarting X-Windows caused me to lose everything I had open. So if you have an Intellimouse, this should be fine, but if you use anything else, go with something else. Linksys, for instance, works great with Logitech.
3 Good KVM for a Good Price
I have been using this KVM switch every day for a month. I use it for constant switching between two PCs. So far, I have never been "locked out" of my PC after switching channels like I have been with other KVM switches. There are two ways to switch: the scan button on the top which moves left-to-right between ports (which will stop on all ports even if there is no signal), or you can press Scroll Lock twice on the keyboard followed by the up and down arrow. The second method provides fast switching between two PCs on adjacent ports and avoids empty port scans.
One neat feature is that if all ports have no signal, and you turn on a PC, the switch will select the active port. Other switches will always select port 1 at power up, but this auto-port-select saves time by selecting the active port.
One drawback I can think of is that the unit emits an audible "chirp" sound when you first turn it on, and when you switch ports. I haven't found a way to turn it off. Also, there is no way to switch more than 1 port at a time. For example, you can not switch from port 1 to port 3 without switching to port 2 first (or port 4 if you go the other direction via the keyboard).
This unit does not come with an AC power adapter. The unit is powered by the PS/2 connection to the PC. Thus, if you use this switch for monitors only (no keyboards or mice) then you will need to buy the AC adapter in addition to the switch.
4 Don't buy it
After returning my first one after 6 months (the #3 port just stopped working) My second unit quit on me the other night (all ports stopped working). These things are not reliable. I bought an IO Gear, and it works GREAT. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON BELKIN.
5 Standard KVM Cables Do Not Fit It
I purchased this unit to replace one that my customer was using, only to find that I had to buy Belkin cables because standard KVM cable sets do NOT work with this switch. I am awaiting the cables and then I will rate the product function.
6 Would Recommend. Even works with my optical mouse
Very good product - kept going back and forth over Linksys and Belkin and opted for Belkin because in the past I had a problem they responded quickly. Great product - the cords are on the back instead of the side which is convenient and makes it less of an eye sore. Works Great. Can flip back and forth manually or conveniently via alt/numlock and then 1-4.
It says it doesn't support optical mouses - but mine works.. even the scroll feature. I use a MS/Blue Optical mouse.
7 Better than the linksys product
I reviewed the linksys kvm compared to this one (I own both) and found the universality and ergonomics of the belkin product better (also the belkin product was less expensive). No trackball attachement problems as there were using the linksys (the linksys product dropped clicks, and sometimes failed to recognise the trackball at all), and the belkin product is laid out better in terms of how the cables attach to the unit.
