IOGEAR MiniView Micro USB Plus 2-Port KVM Switch (GCS632U)
2 x 1 - 2 x Type A USB, 2 x HD-15 Video, 2 x Stereo Audio Line Out
Description
Introducing the two port MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM switch from IOGEAR - the simplest way to simultaneously run and share audio among two computers with a single USB keyboard, monitor and USB mouse. This self-powered KVM switch features the unique USB sniffing technology for USB mouse and keyboard emulation to ensure smooth operation, as well as support for Plug-n-Play monitors and most wheel mice. Our patented VSE Video Signal Enhancement technology provides rich, 32-bit color at resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. Another big plus is the MiniView capability to provide audio support, it allows you to share your multimedia speakers among the two connected computers. This switch also offers multi-platform support; it is compatible with Windows and Mac computers as well as Sun Solaris workstations. IOGEAR delivered a huge breakthrough in KVM operation to Mac and Sun users by enabling functionality for the special keys on these systems. When using a PC keyboard, a special set of hot keys are designed to emulate the special keys on Mac and Sun machines. With 6' long KVM cables molded into the MiniView Micro USB PLUS, all you need to do is to plug it into your computers and you have got a complete KVM solution from IOGEAR.
Main Features
- A VGA, SVGA, or Multisync monitor capable of the highest resolution that you will be using on any computer in the installation
- A USB Keyboard
- A USB Mouse
- The following equipment must be installed on each computer that is to be connected to the system:
- A VGA, SVGA or Multisync card.
- A USB type A port
Package Contents
General Information
Product Type | Analog KVM Switch |
Brand Name | IOGEAR |
Manufacturer | IOGEAR, Inc |
Product Name | MiniView Micro USB Plus 2-Port KVM Switch |
Manufacturer Part Number | GCS632U |
Manufacturer Website Address | www.iogear.com |
Marketing Information | Introducing the two port MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM switch from IOGEAR - the simplest way to simultaneously run and share audio among two computers with a single USB keyboard, monitor and USB mouse. This self-powered KVM switch features the unique USB sniffing technology for USB mouse and keyboard emulation to ensure smooth operation, as well as support for Plug-n-Play monitors and most wheel mice. Our patented VSE Video Signal Enhancement technology provides rich, 32-bit color at resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. Another big plus is the MiniView capability to provide audio support, it allows you to share your multimedia speakers among the two connected computers. This switch also offers multi-platform support; it is compatible with Windows and Mac computers as well as Sun Solaris workstations. IOGEAR delivered a huge breakthrough in KVM operation to Mac and Sun users by enabling functionality for the special keys on these systems. When using a PC keyboard, a special set of hot keys are designed to emulate the special keys on Mac and Sun machines. With 6' long KVM cables molded into the MiniView Micro USB PLUS, all you need to do is to plug it into your computers and you have got a complete KVM solution from IOGEAR. |
Technical Information
Video Signals | SVGA |
Number of Computers | 2 |
Graphics Resolution | 2048 x 1536 |
Operating Range | 1.83 m |
Scan Intervals |
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Number of Users | 1 x Local User |
Cable Length | 1.83 m Built-in |
Interfaces/Ports
Computer Ports | 2 x Stereo Audio Line Out |
User/Console Ports | 1 x Line Out |
Environmental Conditions
Humidity | 0 to 80% Non-condensing Relative Humidity |
Temperature | -4°F (-20°C) to 140°F (60°C) Storage |
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions | 26 mm Height x 81 mm Width x 69 mm Depth |
Weight (Approximate) | 408 g |
Miscellaneous
Certifications & Standards |
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Compatibility |
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System Requirements |
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Platform Support | Linux |
Package Contents |
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Additional Information |
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Warranty
Standard Warranty | 3 Year Limited |
No additional software needed to install
Works with XP Home & Pro to Vista Home Basic & Premium (unsure of other OS's)Cons: no micGood quality for an inexpensive KVM w/audio switch
No additional software needed to install
Works with XP Home & Pro to Vista Home Basic & Premium (unsure of other OS's) no mic Bought this in July '09 has been in daily use since then switching multiple times a day fast response between switchings about 2 sec's or less on average occasionally a little longer
At boot, either one or both computer would hang when they reached the point where they checked for usb devices. It did not matter what pc the KVM was set to. When I completely removed one of the machines from the switch, the other would STILL hang. The switch is back in the package, and I am getting an RMA.I guess it is better to pay a few bucks more and get one that provides separate usb plugs for the keyboard and mouse.None I should have known there would be potential issues after seeing that there was only one USB output with two usb inputs.
At boot, either one or both computer would hang when they reached the point where they checked for usb devices. It did not matter what pc the KVM was set to. When I completely removed one of the machines from the switch, the other would STILL hang. The switch is back in the package, and I am getting an RMA.I guess it is better to pay a few bucks more and get one that provides separate usb plugs for the keyboard and mouse.
No manual switch over-ride.
Need to tweak the hot-key for Mac use. Bought this about a year ago and eventually the hot key wouldn't switch between machines. The only way to switch was to shut down one machine completely, and boot up the other (it would recognize if a signal was present on only side or the other). Since there is no manual switch, this rendered the product useless. Hopefully, I can RMA this under warranty if I can find my receipt.Low price. Stopped working.
Video signal is simply not as crisp/sharp as when directly connected to either machine. There is no background mechanical noise from my speakers when directly connected to either machine; it is loud enough to be an annoyance, and cause me to silence the speakers, but doesn't interfere with listening to audio.Does what its supposed to do in terms of switching, switches quickly, audio support. Slight degrade of video signal, background noise introduced to audio signal.
Video signal is simply not as crisp/sharp as when directly connected to either machine. There is no background mechanical noise from my speakers when directly connected to either machine; it is loud enough to be an annoyance, and cause me to silence the speakers, but doesn't interfere with listening to audio. Manual states "2 piece speakers only" and I am using a 2.1 set. Don't know why that would cause an issue, but it would have been nice to know that up front.
and the price was rightCons: None yet. about two weeks of operation.Easy install, operates as described
and the price was right None yet. about two weeks of operation.
It seems not to care about wireless -- but the inability to use both a keyboard and a mouse makes this device absolutely useless to me.
While I didn't play around with it too much, I believe that my multimedia keys on my keyboard would not work, either (again, it emulates a standard keyboard, rather than passing through the actual device you own). In short - if you have a keyboard/mouse combo and/or a keyboard with extra keys, this device is not for you.
If I find a KVM switch that works for me, I'll try to come back here and update this review. Until then, I'd have to recommend staying away from this particular device to those who have a combined keyboard/mouse, and recommend caution to anyone with enhanced keys (such as multimedia).
The only draw back is that it does not work with a "wireless keyboard & mouse" combo as one reader stated...
switch input devices. if your KB doesn't
have one you are going to have fun
re-programming the unit.
2. The unit has problems working with wireless
keyboards and mice. Don't know why. Don't
care. USB is USB. Shouldn't have a problem.
3. USB is ONLY v1.1. DOH!
4. Sound started flaking out and then
Loses resolution setting -When it works, it is compact and seamless. Loses mouse - forcing reboot
Loses resolution setting -
Doesn't work reliably with linux box - plain USB mouse stutters, jumps around and runs to screen edge; plain USB keyboard drops characters and goes into auto-repeat mode randomly and often. Just unusable.Video switching is fine and works well with my Mac Mini Audio through this unit is noisy and reduced in frequency response.
Doesn't work reliably with linux box - plain USB mouse stutters, jumps around and runs to screen edge; plain USB keyboard drops characters and goes into auto-repeat mode randomly and often. Just unusable. Iogear support (actually talked to a person, so that was really good) suggested adding a separate PCI USB card, which of course would not allow booting. Not a great solution.