9.5

2-Port KVM Switch with Audio Support and Built-in Cabling, USB (Part #F1DL102U)

KVM (Keyboard Video and Mouse) are nifty little devices that let computer users switch between computers without the need for additional items such as keyboards, mice and monitors. The Belkin 2-Port KVM Switch with Audio Support and Built-In Cabling (now known as KVM for this review) allows people to use two computers with only one keyboard, mouse, monitor and a set of speakers.

Advantages

• Installs easily

• Requires no additional cables

Features

• Offers a complete compact solution with audio support and built-in cables

• Includes switching software (for Windows® OS only)

• Features a manual port selector

• Supports multiple operating systems

• Supports video resolutions up to 2048x1536

• Requires no power supply

• Features LED indicators

This device came at a great time when impulsegamer recently received a copy of Windows Vista and rather than fiddling with two sets of monitors, keyboards and speakers, the Belkin KVM flawlessly allowed us to use two computers without the need for unplugging devices or obtaining extra peripherals.

The installation of the Belkin KVM was a breeze and to make things even more productive, the device comes with a 8-foot long cable that allows you to not only save money with cabling but also desktop space.

In order to install the device, all you need to do is plug in your monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers into the KVM and then plug the remaining cables from the unit into your computers. That was it! There were no need for tricky drivers or fiddling with cabling, the Belkin KVM installed perfectly.

To switch between computers, the user just needs to press the large button on the KVM and it flawlessly changes the screen to the next computer. By installing the software that comes with the unit, this can also be achieved through the software but this is not compulsory.

If one computer is turned off, the device will automatically detect the signal, so both computers need not be turned on. However, in order to use the device, both ends must be plugged into the USB ports on both computers in order to power the unit. This way, if one computer is turned off, the unit can still obtain power from the other USB port.

The quality of the KVM is perfect and it even supports video resolutions of up to 2048x1536 through its high quality Belkin coaxial VGA cabling. Unfortunately there was a software issue on one our XP machines that kept flicking between computers. We had to uninstall the software to fix this issue, however this issue was not repeated on the other Vista or XP Professional machines.

In conclusion, the 2-Port KVM Switch with Audio Support and Built-In Cabling, USB by Belkin is a recommend computer peripheral for those that wish to use two computers with only one set of input (keyboard, mouse, microphone) and output devices (speakers). Great stuff!