IOGEAR 4-Port USB KVM Switch (GCS634U)
4 x 1 - 4 x Type A USB, 4 x HD-15 Video
Description
Introducing the four port 4-Port USB KVM switch from IOGEAR - A simple solution for those with more PCs than hands. Use one USB keyboard, one monitor and one USB mouse to control up to four USB computers. This self-powered KVM switch features the unique USB sniffing technology for USB mouse & 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 of this switch is the 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 Macs and Sun Solaris workstations. IOGEAR made a huge breakthrough in supporting Mac and Sun, by allowing Mac and Sun special keys to be functional, either with the Mac or Sun keyboard as the console keyboard, or with a standard PC keyboard. When using a PC keyboard, a special set of hot keys are designated to emulate the Mac and Sun special keys.
With all KVM cables included with the unit, all you need to do is to plug in your computers, and you've got a complete KVM solution from IOGEAR
Main Features
Package Contents
General Information
Product Type | Analog KVM Switch |
Brand Name | IOGEAR |
Manufacturer | IOGEAR, Inc |
Product Name | 4-Port USB KVM Switch |
Manufacturer Part Number | GCS634U |
Manufacturer Website Address | www.iogear.com |
Marketing Information | Introducing the four port 4-Port USB KVM switch from IOGEAR - A simple solution for those with more PCs than hands. Use one USB keyboard, one monitor and one USB mouse to control up to four USB computers. This self-powered KVM switch features the unique USB sniffing technology for USB mouse & 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 of this switch is the 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 Macs and Sun Solaris workstations. IOGEAR made a huge breakthrough in supporting Mac and Sun, by allowing Mac and Sun special keys to be functional, either with the Mac or Sun keyboard as the console keyboard, or with a standard PC keyboard. When using a PC keyboard, a special set of hot keys are designated to emulate the Mac and Sun special keys. With all KVM cables included with the unit, all you need to do is to plug in your computers, and you've got a complete KVM solution from IOGEAR |
Technical Information
Video Signals | SVGA |
Number of Computers | 4 |
Graphics Resolution | 2048 x 1536 |
Number of Users | 1 |
Interfaces/Ports
Computer Ports | 4 x Male Audio |
Other Ports | 2 x Keyboard/Mouse/VGA |
User/Console Ports | 1 x Female Audio |
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions | 25.45 mm Height x 109 mm Width x 97 mm Depth |
Weight (Approximate) | 800 g |
Miscellaneous
Package Contents |
Warranty
Standard Warranty | 3 Year Limited |
Recently moved back to a Microsoft Natural Pro Ergonomic kybd and was worried about incompatibilities and loss of = control keys.
Solved it by taking auto-detect off of the Mini port and specifying Mac OS, now [CTRL] [2] or [3] handles the volume control thanks to the KVM switch. The Natural Pro is a PS2 kybd with a USB converter and it isn't recognized by the MS Control Panel so I couldn't remap any keys. No solution on the web. Thanks IOGear!Cons: None for me.Wanted to post an update to my previous review. Still working like a charm controlling my Mac Mini, Windows XP machine, xbox 360, and the 4th port dangles out front for computers that need service.
Recently moved back to a Microsoft Natural Pro Ergonomic kybd and was worried about incompatibilities and loss of = control keys.
Solved it by taking auto-detect off of the Mini port and specifying Mac OS, now [CTRL] [2] or [3] handles the volume control thanks to the KVM switch. The Natural Pro is a PS2 kybd with a USB converter and it isn't recognized by the MS Control Panel so I couldn't remap any keys. No solution on the web. Thanks IOGear! None for me. I've used a lot, too many, KVMs and this is the best of the lot.
Sad to see some folks have got some defects. If you get one that works hang on to it.
2.)Works like advertised.
3.)Does not require power source.Cons: None!1.)Has all the cables needed to hookup 4 Computers.
2.)Works like advertised.
3.)Does not require power source. None! It's a PRNP-->Plug-Read-N-Play
Sometimes there can be some slight video banding / distortion detected (in the background - easily ignored), BUT I do not fault the product - I fault the VGA standard this product is based on. This unit does exactly what it can do with-in the limitations of the tech it is based on.Small, easy to setup, easy to use, just works. Continues to work in a win/mac setup after 2+ years of constant use. Great value for the price. VGA vs DVI?
Sometimes there can be some slight video banding / distortion detected (in the background - easily ignored), BUT I do not fault the product - I fault the VGA standard this product is based on. This unit does exactly what it can do with-in the limitations of the tech it is based on.
Works well between XP Pro and Vista home Premium
easy to cycle between comps or from say #1 dircetly to #3 without going to #2 first or any combo for most cases does not require software to install the switch which is a real plus if you don't have admin acess I work for the military and I have multiple computers I have to use on a daily basis with multiple Keyboards monitors and mice to use this allowed me to get rid of some of that clutter without having to get admin rights to install additional software well worth the price!!Cons: bought my first from a retail store for more than $100 over a year ago :(4 port KVM w/ independent audio
Works well between XP Pro and Vista home Premium
easy to cycle between comps or from say #1 dircetly to #3 without going to #2 first or any combo for most cases does not require software to install the switch which is a real plus if you don't have admin acess I work for the military and I have multiple computers I have to use on a daily basis with multiple Keyboards monitors and mice to use this allowed me to get rid of some of that clutter without having to get admin rights to install additional software well worth the price!! bought my first from a retail store for more than $100 over a year ago :( Yes 2 of the 4 cables are permanent so if something happened to one of the cables you wouldn't be able to replace it without sending to IOGear however, for most cases this is not a problem since you need at
1. If you are still using a PS-2 keyboard, plan on getting a usb keyboard to go with this. They don't play nice together. Not even with a ps-2 to usb adapter.
2. If you have to re-install the OS on any connected PC (whether Windows or Linux) you should disconnect the PC from the KVM and do the install in a stand-alone situation. Otherwise, bad juju will ocur. PC won't remember custom display or mouse settings after rebooting.
I like the LED video selection indicators.
The keystroke to switch the console from computer to computer is pretty handy and second nature now.
It has not broken.Cons: Remembering all the different keystrokes needed to do all the fancy things the KVM is capable of is problematic.
I keep the PDF manual from IOGEAR on my desktop for reference.I have had the device almost a year.
I like the LED video selection indicators.
The keystroke to switch the console from computer to computer is pretty handy and second nature now.