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Iogear 4 PT USB KVM W/PERIPHERAL ( GCS1734 )

Iogear 4 PT USB KVM W/PERIPHERAL ( GCS1734 )

List Price:
Your Price: $158.99
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Unlike some here, I'm very pleased
Review: I have half a dozen computers in my office and have tried out (and spent a lot of money on) a variety of KVM solutions. This device, which I've used for several months now to control four computers, is my favorite; let me tell you why.

-- I prefer to use a wireless keyboard, and I've found that "hotkey" KVMs have real problems with some wireless keyboard, often requiring multiple attempts to get it to register.

-- I'm a fast touch-typist, yet I don't find "ScrollLock-ScrollLock-<#>" or "Ctrl-Alt-<#>" to be any faster or more convenient than simply reaching over to punch a button. Your mileage may vary.

-- Video switching speed is a lot faster than, say, the Belkin KVM+audio (F1DL102P) I'm using right now for two of my computers. The Belkin also causes a audible 'pop' on my speakers each time I switch.

-- The extra USB ports have made it easy to share USB devices among the four computers hooked up to the IOGEAR.

The only (momentary) problem that I've ever encountered with this IOGEAR KVM is when I switched to a Gyration wireless keyboard+mouse. The Gyration wireless receiver has a single USB connector instead of a PS/2 pair, and plugging that into either of the IOGEAR's front USB ports (keyboard or mouse) didn't work. However, I quickly discovered that plugging it into one of the IOGEAR's general USB ports in back worked just fine and actually has a benefit: when I run down the rechargeable batteries in the Gyration mouse, I just put that mouse back in its cradle and plug a USB mouse into the IOGEAR's front USB mouse port and keep working.

In short, I like this a lot. In fact, I came here to Amazon tonight to see if there was a two-connector version, so I can replace the Belkin. Turns out there is, and I'm ordering it. But I thought I'd write this review first. ..bruce..

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Better than the alternatives
Review: I purchased the GCS1734 to use with my iBook, G4 tower, and my Linux/WinXP box. I'm currently using a Logitech Elite keyboard and Optical Wheel Mouse. The KVM switch installed quickly and easily after reading the instruction manual.

The only problems I've noticed so far:
1. My Mac's will not go to sleep and remain asleep.
2. I cannot operate the iBook with the screen closed, it will try to sleep after 5-10 seconds, then wake up, then try to sleep again. This doesn not happen when the keyboard, mouse, & monitor are plugged directly into the machine - only when using the KVM.
3. After installing the Logitech drivers the wheel mouse would not work when plugged into the USB mouse port on the front of the KVM switch. Moving the mouse to a "peripheral" port on the rear of the KVM fixed this.
4. The audio switching feature is nice, but it cuts the low frequencies off around 100-150Hz. My Klipsch Promedia 2.1 subwoofer was not thumping like usual when run through the switch, so I do not recommend using this feature if you like good sound.

All in all, I feel this KVM switch is an excellent buy. The hardware is well designed and very compact. The cables are well sheilded and I see no "ghosting" on my CRT display - a very common result of using inferior RGB monitor cables. All keys and mouse buttons are mapped correctly and as far as I can see there are no fatal flaws in this product. I really appreciate the ability to update the firmware as well.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Finally! A KVM that works...
Review: If you've been searching for a KVM that works with your USB mouse and keyboard... without having to give up the custom features of your USB keyboard and mouse... the IOGear GCS1734 is the one to get. I've ran into many problems with other IOGear as well as Belkin KVM's that support USB console and PC's... they usually work, but you usually only get basic functionality from your keyboard and mouse i.e. you don't get access to multimedia keys or volume control on your keyboard, or access to additional buttons on your mouse. The GCS1734 is the first KVM I've come across that has no problems with my Logitech Elite keyboard (volume, multimedia keys, scroll wheel etc all work fine... note I did not install any drivers... none were needed) and my Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer (4.0... the one with the tilt wheel)... both work fine. I'm using the KVM with two Windows XP machines, an IBM laptop port replicator (for the T30 series)... and a Suse Linux PC. I can switch between them with no issues. Add to that the ability to also switch sound etc... this is the KVM to buy!

Negatives? It's not cheap... an On Screen Display would be nice for what you pay.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Do not buy this product until IOGEAR fixes it.
Review: In a nutshell, they have sold you an overpriced yacht (while neglecting to tell you there is a hole in the boat!) This KVM just doesn't work properly. It won't work with any keyboard except a $5 stripped down basic and it won't work with any mouse but a PS/2 wired 1 click mouse. Even with the standards it drops the devices. You need to reset the device several times in a day. This product is so faulty. For this reason stay way until the company releases new firmware to address all the engineering issues they have. Choose any othe KVM but this IOGEAR product.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: NOT with port replicators or docking stations!
Review: Though not mentioned anywhere on the IOGEAR website, this KVM switch is useless if one of your computers is attached to a port replicator or docking station. The device will simply not be recognized by the USB port. When I contacted the tech support line, they told me that it they do not support port replicators or docking stations though their website does not say so. Even then, there is absolutely nothing they can do for you except tell you to bypass the docking station.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: HotKey Hell
Review: Works fine except... If you use hotkeys to switch between workstations (scroll lock twice) you must use the front console inputs. Also, the front console inputs dont work with my wireless keyboard/mouse combo.


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