IOGEAR 2-Port MiniView PC/PS/2 KVM Switch, GCS12

this is my second KVC switch, and i like it better than my other -- one, because i don't have to manually push a button on it to switch between computers, but just use the keyboard command. Secondly it is smaller in size. It has worked great -- no problems. My new Kinesis keyboard didn't seem to like my other switch, but i have no problems with this one.

As expected, but much more convenient than planned on being.

Bottom-Line: If you need a 2-port KVM solution that is a breeze to set up and easy to use, look no further then the IOGEAR "MiniView PC G-CS12".When dealing with the world of desktop and server support, it is sometimes necessary to have more then one computer up and running at your desk. Currently, I have two desktops and two laptops (one personal) running at my desk for various reasons. The two laptops of course are self contained, but the two desktop share a common keyboard, mouse and monitor via a two-port IOGEAR "MiniView PC G-CS12" Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) switch, or console.The "MiniView PC G-CS12" KVM Switch is a control unit that affords access to two computers from a single console. Attached computers can be accessed via a simple push button on the front of the off-silver unit; a red LED indicates to the user which PC is currently being accessed.Setup & InstallationSetup of the "MiniView PC G-CS12" is a fast and easy process (thankfully, there is no power connector): just plug the proprietary KVM cables into their appropriate ports, on the back and sides of the unit are all that is needed. There is no software to install or configure. Since the "MiniView PC G-CS12" intercepts keyboard input directly, it works on virtually any hardware platform (PC or MAC) and with all operating systems; E.G. Windows/UNIX/MAC/Linux.UsageOnce I set the "MiniView PC G-CS12" up I was ready to start using the console. As I stated above, one push button switches between the two attached computers and a red LED on the top of the switch tell you which unit you are currently working with. There is also an auto-scan mode, but with only two computers to control, it is just as easy to utilize the push button control. That is all there is to it really; the "MiniView PC G-CS12" is simple to use and maintain.You can use almost any PS/2 keyboard or mouse (including optical) with the "MiniView PC G-CS12", including those fitted with a USB connection, in you in turn utilize a PS/2 converter. The "MiniView PC G-CS12" will only accept a PS/2 connector input. And you can utilize both standard CRT and LCD monitors with the switch.KVM CablingThe one complaint I have about "MiniView PC G-CS12" is the proprietary cables one must use with the unit. Granted, the cables ship with the unit, but if they should ever need replacing, the must be replaced with IOGEAR KVM cable instead of cheaper third party KVM cables. On most KVM consoles, all of the ports (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) are female allowing one to purchase third party KVM cables (KVM cables attach the PC to the unit).ConclusionCables aside, I am very happy with the "MiniView PC G-CS12"; it saves me space and time by allowing my to run two computers from one keyboard, mouse and monitor. My one other complaint, which is minor, is that the unit is not easily placed because the cables just out from the side and can take up considerable space. And the unit is not wall mountable.