With the ProConnect KVM 2-Port Switch Kit from Linksys, you can take instant command over two desktop or notebook PCs. Ready to run right out of the box--with no software or extra cables required--the ProConnect KVM 2-Port Switch Kit lets you connect two CPUs to a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. It comes with everything you need--a switch and two cables. Just hook it up and go.
The ProConnect KVM 2-Port Switch Kit from Linksys lets you take instant command over two desktop or notebook PCs! Ready to run right out of the box with no software or extra cables required, the ProConnect KVM 2-Port Switch Kit lets you connect two CPUs to a sin-gle keyboard, monitor, and mouse. The KVM 2-Port Switch Kit comes with everything you need - a switch and two cables. Just hook it up and go.
1 Cost Effective
The cost effectiveness of this item is superior.
Occasionally the double tap of the CTRL button does not work, but that is easily solved by pressing the button on the box.
The cables were of good quality and color coded for today's PC's.
Only drawback is that it's not expandable.
2 so far so good..:)
I've only been using this for a couple of days, but it works seamlessly so far. With the computers I have, both running XP, I have to boot # 1 up first through this device and then # 2. But all works great like that and sure does make it much easier to go from one computer to the other. Both of my computers do have PS2 ports for mouse and keyboard. This unit does come with adapters, but I couldnt tell you how the unit works with older computers that need them. Anyway, I'm very pleased so far with this unit.
3 Defective KVM cable...
I would have given this item a 5 but I received a defective KVM cable. After purchasing another KVM cable from a local computer store and attaching it to the switch box, the system is performing well as expected. I like the easy feature of switching PCs by a simple keyboard touch. Not to mention, I purchased the item on sale... If you have 1 AT model PC and PS/2 PC, the Linksys KVM100SK ProConnect is the way to go.
4 Cool Product, But Not Perfect
KVM Switch: what a cool product: enables controlling two computers (or more, but this specific product is limited to two) by one set of monitor, keyboard and mouse. This is a perfect way to save space. However, it's not perfect, meaning, sometimes when I boot both machines at the same time, one of them loses the link to the mouse and keyboard. This can only be fixed by rebooting the machine again, and in general, rebooting machines separately. Also, I am still unsure whether there is a graphic degradation. I would probably think there isn't one, but after reading other people's reviews I think there *might* a very weak grpahic degradation. But overall, I think it's a good tool, and I definitely recommend buying it.
5 lINUX AND THE lINKSYS KVM
I get the Linksysy kvm, and the first time it, work great in a Compaq Proliat running Windows 2000 Server and in Compaq Presario running Linux Red hat 7.2.
but when I restart the linux bos for th first time, the mouse din't came back, it was really crazy, making stranges moves, but I resolve the problem edint this two files
File path /etc/X11/XF86Config
I changed the section entitled "Section "Pointer"" and the line below to:
Protocol "IMPS/2"
File path /etc/X11/XF86Config-4
I changed the section entitled "Section "InputDevice"" and the line below to:
Option "Protocol" "IMPS/2"
This solved both the erratic mouse pointer problem and enabled scrolling.
6 KMV under Linux
I use the KVM in Compaq Proliat Server runnign Windows 2000 Server and A Compaq Presario running Linux Red Hat 7.2, the kvm work fine most of the time, but if I need to restart the linux box, I loose the mouse, the mouse move really crazy on the screen, and I hav to turn off both servers, and start first the linux box, and when the mouse is fine, I had to start the Windows Server.
the problem, is that some time I can't restart de Windows Server becouse alot of people in the office are using it.
7 Good, with some bugs
I have a desktop and a laptop that I use this KVM for. Works fine with the desktop; it uses ps/2 connections for the mouse and keyboard. My laptop (a Dell) makes it a little more interesting. Since there's only one ps/2 port on the back for a keyboard OR a mouse, I use the serial port to hook the mouse up via the provided ps/2 to serial adapter. This makes for strange mouse operation, as I think the emulation is a bit off. If I click something, I have to move the mouse before the click "takes effect". Also, the mouse doesn't move nearly as fluidly as when I plug one directly into the ps/2 port or usb port (I have both kinds). Once in a while, the KVM switches randomly to the other machine which can make playing games a little stressful. The cords provided with the KVM are very rigid; they don't flex very well and can make it difficult to hook up sometimes.
Overall, it's an ok product; I'm just glad I got my company to pay for it and not me.
8 Great Product - easy to install, compact size!
I am using this switch with one P-150 MHz and a P4-1.4 GHz with a non PS/2 keyboard... no problem connecting the keyboard through the adapter included in the kit. Switching between computers is easy. Before buying the kit I was concerned about possible ghosting/other deterioration in graphics display quality...... Did not see any change with the kit.
Initially, I made the mistake of buying the PS/2 version (PS2KVM) - it does not work unless both computers have PS/2.
Overall: great product, easy to install, comes with all parts needed and good instructions, and is very compact in size.
9 My NYC apt is too small for two monitors!
I hooked up both computers and was up and running in 5 mins. Hit the CTRL key twice to switch monitors. The biggest problem, as many other reviewers noted, is the KVM switch tries to capture the double CTRL key press. This causes a delay before the CTRL key is detected by your computer. Since I hold the CTRL key down to select multiple items from Explorer and other apps, this can be somewhat annoying. Also, I now have to be careful not to press the CTRL key fast twice by mistake which happens alot when I'm playing a game or doing multi-select. I would have preferred a configurable switch and the ability to turn CTRL key switching off.
Other than that, this is an excellent KVM switch for the price. I've had no problems with ghosting at 1024x768 resolution. Comes with nice space saving cables.
The ports only accept PS/2 style mice and keyboards. However, the kit comes with a serial-to-PS/2 adapter. You might be able to get a USB-to-PS/2 adapter. I got a new DELL computer with a USB keyboard and mouse but I had to use my old PS/2 keyboard and mouse instead.
10 ***It's the Best Value***
This device works great. The best thing is the kit comes with everything that is needed in order to make the switch work immediately. There is no need to buy additional cables with this product.
11 Mediocre product and poor support
This product does not work well with mice through a serial adapter. I attempted to contact their tech support by e-mail for a possible resolution to this issue, but have not recieved a response at all. This product comes with a PS/2 to serial adapter, but it is not until you read the user manual (ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pdf/kvm.pdf) that you find that mice which switch between PS/2 and Serial emulation are not supported.
This is the second LinkSys switch I purchased and the second I had problems with. The first, a PS/2 only model, I couldn't use with my laptop because it only had one PS/2 port. LinkSys advertises this product as a solution for laptop users, however I feel the ad is erroneous given the product doesn't work well with serial emulation, and most laptops can only support a single PS/2 device, which you must use for the keyboard.
12 Works as advertised
Quite simply, this product works as advertised. Setup was simple and the cables provided are high quality and well marked. I had it installed in less than five minutes. The hotkey switch (pressing Ctrl twice) is easy and works well. My two machines are a P2 266 and a P3 1000, both with PS/2 style connectors.
13 Couldn't be more satisfied
I wanted to buy Linksys's "compact" KVM switch, because I thought the case looked cooler, and I wanted to be able to switch between PCs by pressing my CTRL key twice. However, one of my two PCs uses a serial mouse and AT keyboard, so I had to get this one (which includes ONE set of adapters) instead, because the "compact" switch only supports PS2 mice and keyboards. Much to my surprise, it uses the same keyboard hotkey as the compact switch (although I never saw that feature advertised ANYWHERE). Because of this, I was able to drop the switch (which really isn't very big at all) behind my desk, out of sight -- I never have to touch it! If there's any degradation to my high-resolution screens, I can't tell.
14 Excellent!
I've been using a KVM switch for over 2 years with a Linux and Windows box and I thought it was just the best way to go. I've gone thru two analog switches (the ones with the tangle of wires inside) and I bought a bunch of cables. I originally bought cheap monitor cables but the ghosting was terrible.
My old system worked fine at 1024x768 except occasionally it would lose the keyboard but the fix was to simply reinsert the keyboard plug.
I recently started working with a much larger monitor (running 1600x1024 under windows, 1600x1200 under Linux) and my old setup just couldn't handle the video bandwidth; the ghosting was terrible. So after checking out the reviews here I thought I'd give this one a try.
Its great. There might be a tiny bit of ghosting, but its too hard to say if its just the monitor itself. The only problem I've noticed, is that I can't get the mouse to work well under Linux/X windows. For some reason the resolution of the mouse just isn't great so the motion is a bit jerky. But its a small problem albeit annoying. The keyboard toggle between PCs works flawlessly and I've never lost the mouse or keyboard and the video is always centered (although thats probably a function of the monitor).
If you're using two PCs or a laptop and a PC this product is worth its weight in gold (its very light, as its sold state not the clunkly switch of old :)
15 Great KVM Switch
I have this switch for 6 month now -- perfect picture on 19", 1024X768 @ 100Mhz monitor, professional quality cables, can be controlled from the keyboard. I am very happy with it.
16 Not bad for its cost
I have plenty of monitors, so not seeing any ghost effect or anything. Only using it to share the keyboard and mouse between two computers, keyboard works great, almost instant switching, but have to wait for about 3 second to use the mouse. Otherwise, this thing works great, the cables are long enough, and it comes with AT/ps2 and serial/ps2 converters, overall, pretty happy with this thing.
17 Ghosts
Using this product, I see signal degradation that produces a very slight "ghost" effect. It's very slight, and some people might not notice it. But since I stare at my monitor all day everyday, I will be returning this product and trying another brand.
18 More features then listed!
They supply everything in this kit. The cables are professional grade and 4ft. long a piece. It come with one set of PS/2 to Keyboard/mouse connectors. Swithching can be done with keyboard strokes so you can hide the box. I was very glad I picked this one up! It is a must buy if you need to switch between 2 PCs.
