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1304 Review
43 Karma

Review on πŸ’» Enhance Server Room Management with StarTech.com USB Crash Cart Adapter: File Transfer, Video, and Portable Laptop to KVM Console Solution (NOTECONS02) by Alif Wills

Revainrating 4 out of 5

I like it because a) I don't have to hunt.

With the USB security issue discovered in 2014, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to trust virtually any USB device I don't own/control connected to my servers. Even before that, someone could plug a simple hardware keyboard recorder into those USB keyboards on data center emergency carts. I like it because a) I don't have to hunt for an emergency cart in the data center to find a monitor/keyboard at a customer's site, and C) it's light/compact - easily fits in my cable/tool bag. Pretty easy setup, but I'd recommend getting the latest discs from startech.com rather than the ones that come with it. since they were very outdated (I didn't even bother). I ran less than 15 minutes on a new server just shipped from Dell. To be clear, this works on Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. Works on 64-bit version. Fame speed is suitable for BIOS/Shell level operation. I mainly work with Dell and HP servers running ESXi or Linux, so that's all I need. It's as good if not better than the Dell DRAC cards or my Lantronix SpiderDuo. I wouldn't use this as a replacement for everyday remote desktop work. It is only intended for what the name implies. The screen recording capabilities are good, but I'm not sure I'll be using it much since the print screen is all I'll ever need. But it's nice to know it's there when you need it. I would recommend a long USB cable - 6ft isn't enough in my opinion. I can never find a chair to sit in the data center, so I sit on the floor all the time and my upstairs servers' front USB ports are more than 6 feet away. The price is the only thing that can bring this device down. As far as I can understand. I couldn't find a direct competitor other than trying to set up the Lantronix SpiderDuo over Ethernet, but I found it awkward and cumbersome. If it was under the $200 mark I would give this a 5th star. I haven't found a direct competitor other than trying to set up the Lantronix SpiderDuo over Ethernet, but I found it awkward and cumbersome. If it were below the $200 mark, I would give here a 5th star. I haven't found a direct competitor other than trying to set up the Lantronix SpiderDuo over Ethernet, which I found cumbersome and cumbersome. If it was under the $200 mark I would give this a 5th star.

Pros
  • Electronics
Cons
  • Slightly torn