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Madagascar, Antananarivo
1 Level
724 Review
58 Karma

Review on πŸ” IOGEAR 4-Port Dual View Dual-Link DVI KVMP Switch with Audio and Full Cable Set - TAA Compliant (GCS1644) by Eli Saumell

Revainrating 2 out of 5

So far so good: Computer Components

I was a little apprehensive about purchasing this dual monitor KVM; IMHO too expensive. But I really wanted a dual monitor setup and I have two PCs and didn't want to set up 4 monitors nor run cables between them. I've been using this for about a month and so far so good. Let me explain that I don't run both PCs at the same time at all - I usually only have one running at a time so I don't do too many hot swaps. I did it with this GCS1642 just to experiment and it worked fine, but I don't do it much. Instead, I mainly use KVM to save space, so I choose an active PC before booting up and then leave it alone for the duration of my work session. I haven't had any signal loss yet, other than noticing a slight wobble when I first unplug my (separately) attached USB hub (see below). Not a big deal and I wouldn't say it causes problems. The cables work well and reduce clutter as it is a single cable with multiple connectors and both the monitor, keyboard, mouse and USB are connected to it. from KVM to any connected computer. I have USB speakers and headphones so I didn't use the audio jacks at all so can't tell if they work or not. I connected a 10-port USB hub to the KVM's USB input and had no problems with multiple USB devices being shared through the hub (I usually have speakers, headphones and a couple of external hard drives connected). .My recommendations: - Get the HDMI option if you are unsure. I have DVI (and that's the one I've been using and considering) because it matched my existing monitors, but I think that was a mistake. Most monitors I see for sale at Best Buy etc have HDMI connections, but very few have a DVI input. Connect a USB hub to the USB input and, depending on your configuration, use a long cable to keep the hub out of the way. For some reason they placed the USB port on the front panel. So if you have this KVM in the middle of your setup like I have, any device plugged into the USB port will get in the way. There was a separate power switch. You can unplug it or plug it into a switched power supply, but it doesn't have its own power switch. - I don't like the USB port on the front - I'd be better off with it on the back. like any other port. Also, it's a USB 2.0 connection (it won't hurt me, but FYI) - (very slightly) The device select buttons are a bit hard to press. I'll probably make friends with them, but I tend to double-tap them due to their shape. - (very easily) The plug of the power supply doesn't fully insert into the DC jack (bottom left of the picture on the back of the unit. It seems to have been a hack as the edge of the case prevents the DC current This doesn't cause any functional issues as far as I can tell, but it leaves a bit of connector.. exposed (it can't be good) and it just seems a bit crappy, a bit expensive and I'd love to see an updated model , but otherwise it works fine.

Pros
  • Impressive
Cons
  • Slightly Crumpled