eddiey18's Full Review: Belkin (F1DK102P) Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Switch
This is so embarrassing. I consider myself a gadget freak and a geek; I did not even know the solution of one of my problem is so easily solved. Like most people, I replace computers every few years and I am faced with the problem of what to do with the old ones. I religiously saved my files, including tax files every time I switched computers. To be honest, I do not know if I would able to retrieve all my files from that pile of Zip disks and Recordable CDs.
I ended up putting the old computers in another room. Some of the older computers haven't been touched for years. This saved me from transferring my files and not having to worry about loosing my files. The problem is that when I need to get my files from my old computer, I need to go to another room. Not only I have to find room for that recently replaced computer, I have to figure how to network it so I can print stuff to my printer. I can remember the times that I have to move the old computer back so I can print from it. As stupid as this sounds, this is better than loading some old program into the new computer and trying to make it work. I do not want to run the risk of crashing and messing up my current computer.
While looking for networking equipment, I came across this 2-Port KVM Switch.
What does KVM stands for?
It stands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. It is the three main components that made up a console of a computer.
A KVM switch allows you to switch and control different computers with a single console. A 2-port KVM switch means that you can control 2 computers and a 4-port KVM switch means that you can control 4 computers with a single console.
I was not sure if it will work but the cost was cheap and worth a try. I purchased a Belkin 2-Port KVM Switch With Built-In Cabling (F1DK102P) from Gateway for about $30.00 plus tax. Shipping was free. Installation was easy; there was no software involved. Just connect the cables and I now have a single console controlling 2 computers.
I can turn either one of the two computers on and the keyboard would automatically control the computer that was turned on. If I turned on both computers, the keyboard would control one computer and switching to another involves clicking the scroll lock key twice and the up key once. Two seconds later, the monitor would switch to the other computer.
Networking is easy as the computers are next to each other. I use a wireless router that also has 4 ports. Both computers have access to my DSL line and I can print from both. Not want to mess with networking? Just switch printer cable and DSL line. Since they are next to each other, this is not a big deal.
Spending the extra time networking them is worthwhile. I can share files between them. For those who want to run two operating systems on one computer, they have to partition their hard drive. Partitioning involves backing up your files and reinstalling operating systems. It is very time consuming. Getting a program like Partition Magic is probably the way to go. This would save you a lot of time. However, the cost of the program is more than this simple KVM Switch. If you have that old computer sitting around not doing anything why not make use of it. The switch can even control an apple and a PC.
The switch I purchased works with PS2 connectors. One of my computers uses USB mouse and USB keyboard. I use an adaptor to connect my mouse but I ended using my older keyboard that uses a PS2 connector. This is no biggie but I would have purchased another Belkin KVM Switch that allows both USB and PS2 connections.
What is in the future? May be I'll get a 4 port switch that allows me to control 4 computers. I do think that is a little too much. I'll probably just install the hard drives from the older computers into the spare bays of my two computers. Getting a large drive and partitioning it might not be a big idea. I can transfer all my hard drives into the large drive. In the mean time, I am happy with my current setup.
There are other makes and other similar products; they probably would do the same thing. At $30.00, the cost of this Belkin 2-Port KVM Switch With Built-In Cabling (F1DK102P) cannot be beat. If you don't know what to do with the old computer and need to access it from time to time, this is an easy way to solve that problem. Just check the ports of your keyboard and mouse and select the KVM Switch, which would match your keyboard and mouse.
Update (07/06/04)
If you need a 4-port KVM switch. Please read my view on Vastech 4-port KVM switch.
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