Iogear Miniview Micro Audio KVM Switch (4 Ports)

The Iogear Miniview Micro Audio KVM Switch with 4 ports is one of my latest and greatest gadgets for getting a lot done fast!

For those that do not know, a KVM switch (KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse) allows you to attach multiple computers to the same keyboard, mouse, and monitor. So they are in no way connected, unless you network them in the normal way, but they will all show up on the same monitor. You have a box which you connect one monitor, mouse, keyboard, and in this instance your speakers to. Then there are four sets of cables which you can plug into the back of another computer. Each cable having a monitor, mouse and keyboard plug on the end. All you need is a power cable for each of the other computers. Then with this particular KVM, you press three keys in sequence and then the number of the computer you wish to be showing on your screen. CTRL, then Shift, then ALT, then 1 - 4.

If like me you fix a LOT of different computers, this thing is perfect. No more dragging out big bulky monitors, as well as another keyboard and mouse, just to see what the problem might be. When all along you know it's probably just a case of a quick Windows Update and a long boring virus scan. So all those long tedious waits that are the norm for trouble shooting become less so, because the computer can just do it's thing and you can check back in when you think about it, with minimal interruption. I used to put off certain things because it was such a pain, getting another monitor out, clearing a space and then wiring everything up, and then the constant back and forth to see what the deal was. This way I can get to it within moments. I leave the KVM cables and the power cables tucked just out of the way, so I plonk the tower down, plug the cables in and switch to that screen to begin the process.

The Iogear Miniview Micro Audio KVM Switch requires no set up, no drivers, and I have yet to have any sort of problem with it at all! It always just works. The only minor niggle was that the sound quality was noticably worse through the KVM, so I just don't bother using it. I leave my normal speakers plugged into my main PC, and then if sound is an issue with another computer I have self powered speakers I can use to check it.

I find myself working on the computers as soon as I get them, as it is so easy to plug one up and take a look. This KVM was invaluable the other week while I was cloning an entire lab! I just two machines at a time on this while being able to still use the main one. Not having to mess with extra monitors any more, just makes things MUCH easier! A must buy, if you regularly use more than your main PC.



I have the two port version of this, which reminds me, I must get it back from the person I lent it to a while ago..