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At that point this KVM becomes totally and utterly useless. I have had it lock up the OS on them (XP. Of course, since you've had to unplug one of them, the mouse will *NOT* be functional within the OS once it boots. The most irritating "feature" of this KVM is when it decides to hang up the keyboard interface, and prevent my machines from booting AT ALL.
I have had 2 of these, and the more I use it with my 2 ThinkPads at work, the more troublesome it becomes. The only reason it has gotten 2 stars is because it's quite nice to use when it *IS* working. So you then have to remove any papers or books you happen to have on the laptop, pull ot out of whatever monitor stand you have it under, and use the screen/keyboard/mouse on the laptop itself. I have the laptops attached to port replicators, and have tried multiple replicators for both (including one brand-new one) to plug this KVM into.
The only solution at that point is to unplug the keyboard or mouse from the port replicator, at which point the machines will start to boot up. And it's cheap, although it seems to embody both connotations of that word. The problem is, I can never tell when this thing is going to decide to hang up my machines. Linux, doesn't matter which is running), and I have had it suddenly decide to disable the mouse (also have tried multiple mice).
I see there are a few people who had a problem with this KVM. You can't just hook up one monitor, unless you leave the other computer on (but that defeats the switch.If you're looking to connect two PS2 (that means the green & purple plug thing off the mouse or keyboard, this is what you want. It's self powered, has two attached cables & switches effortlessly between two computers with a double tap of the scroll lock button.I will say that you want to have your monitor running at the same setting on both computers, as the monitor may not understand the new setting (like ultra contrast desktop, vs ultra large icons). oh oh.
If you have the switch out of the way, use two different wallpapers.Anyhow, make sure you want the connector style, it doesn't do anything else. Each computer runs separately, you just view one or the other. Never had a hitch.You know which computer is on, by which light is on. I hadn't needed to link it to a laptop, maybe I will & see if I can find this review & update it. The light next to the cable, is the one you are viewing. Aside from not having it list which laptop it doesn't fit, i don't see any problems.I've had mine for over six years now & it still works great.
I have both computers transferring data, or one burning movies & one on the net. Good luck I've used this with a CRT as well as an LCD monitor w/o any problems.Come 2009 & time to USB everything. I tried (so far) only one PS2 to USB converter, & it wouldn't allow me the signal to use the newer computer (using a Saitek keyboard) :(.
Every once in a while (maybe 2-3 times per week), my monitors will start acting funny due to the KVM, but I just press the Esc key on my keyboard, and it resolves the issue. Both of these model KVM's have been very reliable. I had constant trouble trying to get a USB keyboard (with PS/2 adapter) to work with it. Oh, I've been using HP keyboards for the most part (KB-0133), but I did initially use some other kind of PS2 internet keyboard on the older home system. I previously ran an older system with an ASUS K7V motherboard and AMD processor in lieu of one of the HP D530's - on this same KVM. I use this KVM at the office on my HP NC8230 laptop connected through a docking station, and my HP D530 desktop, both running Windows XP.
MAKE SURE you use a native PS/2 keyboard with it. I can think of only 1-2 instances in 2 years on either KVM where I had to physically reboot my machine due to a KVM glitch. I use it every week day, all day, and switch back and forth AT LEAST 15-20 times per day. Again, no problems whatsoever. No problems with either one. I've now been using it for about two years.
I was, however able to use a USB mouse with it.I have another one at home that I use with another 2 HP D530 computers, one running Windows XP, one running Linux.
Now the fun begins trying to get it replaced. My previous KVM switch could not deliver enough resolution for my new graphics. The IOGEAR worked perfectly for a month until the number 2 mouse port died.
Superb quality for the money. I've had it almost 3 years now, and it is still in perfect working order. Excellent product for the $$$. It worked right out of the package on day one.
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