Two computers but only one monitor, here is the solution
Written: May 03 '04
Product Rating:
Pros: Very compact size, built in 8 ft cables and ease of operation
Cons: none yet
The Bottom Line: This is a device that is very easy to setup and operate. I would recommend this to everyone that is looking to share two computers and only use one monitor.
opinionated3's Full Review: Belkin (F1DK102P) Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse Switch
We found ourselves in a difficult situation a while and we needed a simple solution. We had to run two separate networks in one of our work areas, but the users were limited on desk space. It was going to be very difficult to have two sets of monitors, keyboards and mice to keep the two networks separate.
So any solution we came up with had to allow us to use a single monitor, mouse and keyboard. My boss headed to our local CompUSA and came back with two KVM switches (Keyboard, Video and Mouse). This is a unique device that allows you to connect the output keyboard, monitor and mouse from two computers and connect them to a single monitor, keyboard and mouse.
He chose a two port KVM switch from Belkin model F1DK102P and it was the perfect choice for our situation. The reasons I feel that it is perfect for our situation is because it is a very simple device to setup and operate. It doesn't require any special cables or drivers to setup or load to make it work. This is because the cables already molded into the switch instead of having to connect separate cables from each computer to the back of the switch and then to the keyboard, mouse and monitor.
Setup and Operation
To say this device is easy to setup and use would be an understatement. After removing the unit from the clear bubble plastic packing all required is to connect one of the attached 8 foot cables to the back of each of your computers. The end of the cable has three molded plastic plugs; one DB15 pin SVGA plug and there are two PS/2 connectors. The DB15 pin SVGA connector hooks up to the 15 pin connector on your video card or the onboard video connector on the back of your computer. The two PS/2 connectors plug into the keyboard and mouse ports on the back of your computer, each one is colored coded to match the mouse (lime green) and keyboard (purple) this makes it easier to ensure you don't plug them into the wrong plugs. Once you have the two computers hooked up to the device you will connect the monitor, keyboard and mouse into the colored coded plugs in the front of the unit. There is no power adapter needed so you won't need to plug anything else in to make it work.
The operation of the device was so easy, unlike some of the other KVM switches that use a button on top of the KVM switch to switch between computers Belkin designed this switch to be operated by a simple key combination on your keyboard. It is as simple as hitting three keys in succession; Scroll Lock Scroll Lock Arrow Up key or Down Arrow to switch between the ports. You will know that you activated the switching when you hear a beep and then you can hit up or down arrow. Belkin included two LED indicators so you will know which one of the ports is currently active and these are located on top of the unit.
Package Content
-2-port KVM Switch w/cables molded to the unit
-User Manual
-Quick Installation Guide
-Registration Card
Specifications
Connectors
Console - PS2 mouse port, PS2 keyboard port and DB15 pin SVGA monitor - This refers to the mouse, keyboard and monitor that will be used to control both computers.
Input port#1- PS2 mouse plug (lime green), PS2 Keyboard plug (purple) and DB15 SVGA plug - This refers to the cable that connects to the number one computer.
Input port#2- PS2 mouse plug (lime green), PS2 Keyboard plug (purple) and DB15 SVGA plug - This refers to the cable that connects to the number two computer.
Belkin has created a unique design for the KVM switch instead of the typical rectangular shaped box that I am used to seeing, Belkin molded the two 8 foot cables to the end of the switch unit. These two cables connect to each of the computers. The one thing that this unique design does is make the over all weight of the unit and hefty 1.3 pounds. The dimensions of the unit is 27.5mm H x 82mm W x 81.25mm D in a tapered block shape.
Compatible Hardware
This switch is compatible with most PS2 keyboards, PS2 2, 3, 4 and 5 button mice and VGA, SVGA and MultiSync monitors. The big concern with monitors is the resolution and the possibility of video degradation. Belkin claims the ability to reach resolutions as high as 2048x1536 @65Hz refresh. We only have LCD flat panel monitors attached to these switches rated at 1280x1024. We haven't encountered any problems with video at all as of yet and I don't really expect to.
Conclusion
I really like this device, it has allowed us to use one monitor, keyboard and mouse to control two workstations that are attached to two separate networks. If we couldn't we would have had to have two monitors, keyboards and mice. You can imagine how much desk space that saved for our users.
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