Specifications and Features
Enables control of up to 4 PS/2 or USB computers (or both) from one PS/2 keyboard, VGA monitor, and PS/2 mouse
Offers audio and microphone switching
Supports video resolutions up to 2048x1536@85Hz through a 400MHz bandwidth
Provides built-in cable management design
Features hot key switching and direct-port access button
Flash upgrade firmware support
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
Limited 5-Year Warranty
Free Technical Support
The first thing that caught my attention was the USB support. Most KVM's today control computers through the PS/2 ports for the keyboard and mouse, and this KVM also supports this traditional method. However, you can also control a USB-enabled computer through one of its USB ports from the KVM, even if your keyboard and mouse aren't of the USB breed! One distinct advantage of this is that it does simplify wiring a little. Instead of having to deal with two PS/2 connectors and the video cable, you just have a single USB cable and the video. Another feature that is unique to this KVM is the audio/microphone switching. This enables you share one set of speakers, and one mic with the up to four computers that are connected to the KVM. Other features that are notable are the firmware-upgrade capability that will give Belkin the ability to address any problems with the KVM's features and the 5-year warranty. The video bandwidth available seems to be more than adequate, but we'll see if any distortion to the video signal resulted from usage of the KVM. Although this unit does not require power, as it draws power from the PS/2 or USB ports of the computer(s) that are plugged into it, there is an option to use a 9v DC external source to power the KVM, though such an AC adapter is not included.
Installation
Installation is very simple. After all, a KVM has always been a hardware device that hasn't required any special software or drivers. For PS/2 installation, you simply power down the computer, disconnect your monitor, keyboard and mouse, and connect them to the console ports of the KVM. You then use a set of KVM cables to connect your computer to the KVM. Connecting a computer via USB to the KVM is a bit different. In this case, you must power on the computer, and then connect the KVM to the PC via USB. Most modern operating systems will detect the KVM and install the appropriate drivers. In the case of Windows 2000, it identified the KVM as two HID's; a mouse and a keyboard. You then power down that computer, and then connect your monitor to the KVM, and your PC's vidcard to the KVM. One thing to note is that while you can connect a PC to the KVM via USB, your keyboard and mouse must support PS/2.
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