Belkin Flip 2-Port KVM Switch with Audio Support (USB Connection)

by Belkin

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.5 x 3 inches ; 13 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000F8J0TE
• Item model number: F1DG102U
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (119 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #22 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > External Components > KVM Switches
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 23, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Belkin Components is the preeminent technology leader in connectivity solutions for the computer and consumer electronics user. Always ahead of the rest, Belkin Components continues to deliver niche products that make your life easier and maximize your computer or consumer electronic investment.

Laptops offer a great way to work - and play - almost anywhere. But sometimes you just don’t feel like sitting in front of a tiny display and cramped keyboard. Thanks to Flip, you can now use your big monitor and full-sized keyboard for both your laptop and desktop computer. Click. Flip.

It’s simple. Just place the remote anywhere on your desk and press to flip your monitor from one computer to the next. Flip is also great for connecting your old and new desktop computers, giving you instant access to files, programs, and games on both computers.The 2-port Flip also features audio support, which allows you to share one set of speakers between computers.

Features and Benefits

• Shares one monitor, keyboard, and mouse between computers
• Connects instantly to notebook computers
• Features a 2-color LED that indicates which computer Flip is accessing
• Includes 2 built-in cables to connect computers
• Installs in 3 easy steps with no software required

Product Description

Package Contents: Remote, base with cables, optional fastener strip, user guide The Belkin Flip Plus Audio 2-Port KVM Switch offer you a great way to work and play on your laptop, almost anywhere. Sometimes you just don't feel like sitting in front of a tiny display and cramped keyboard. Instead of dealing with that, just click and flip. Just place the remote anywhere on your desk and press to flip your monitor from one computer to the next. Now use your big monitor and full-sized keyboard for both your laptop and desktop computer. It's also great for connecting your old and new desktop computers -- giving you instant access to files, programs, and games on both computers. Simple to install -- just 3 easy steps, with no software required USB

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost perfect, June 24, 2006

By 

Geoff In SF "G" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Belkin Flip 2-Port KVM Switch with Audio Support (USB Connection) (Personal Computers)

Just what I was looking for - an easy way to run a desktop server and docked laptop with one monitor, one keyboard and one mouse.

A few things you should know before plunking down for this -

1) Make sure you are using a keyboard and mouse that are either BOTH usb, or BOTH ps2. If you mix and match, you'll need an adapter for one of them, or have to replace the one that doesnt connect. They sell this product with usb or ps2, so you can pick. My keyboard was not usb, but I bought the usb version, since my next one probably will be.

2) Switching back and forth isnt instantaneous. It take about 5 seconds for it to adjust before you can use your mouse, which is also accompanied by some "recognized hardware" noises, but mercifully, no popup announcements.

3) Another issue, is your screen resolution. Supposedly this supports up to 2048 x 1536 at 65Hz. However, after hooking it up, my resolution has been degraded. The settings are the same (1280x1024) at highest 32 bit color and 65Hz refresh, but the screen is noticeably more blurry, which is a bit irritating. Perhaps I will figure this out, but so far, no luck.

Aside from these issues, nice product. No software required, so you just plug it in and go. Some people have mentioned that this doesnt work with a scroll button on a mouse, but my MS mouse two-button with scroll works the same as ever.

Will repost if I resolve any of the above issues...

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars It don't work., November 13, 2007

By 

Lawrence Brown "Larry Brown" (HOUSTON, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Belkin Flip 2-Port KVM Switch with Audio Support (USB Connection) (Personal Computers)

My experience was similar to what several others here have mentioned. The first day I hooked it up, it worked. The next day it did not. When I hit the button to switch computers I get unreliable results...usually it switches the video but not the mouse and keyboard. I have found that by flipping it about 4 times it will sync itself and I get control of the desired computer.

You might have to jiggle the remote switch plug a little before you get contact. The light on the remote switch must glow either green or yellow. If not, jam the plug in harder.

When it was working, I did find an annoying 6 second delay before the mouse and keyboard would activate. The video is instant. I'm also trying an Airlink 101 and I find it switches instantly, so it can be done.

It's a nice attractive design and the snake style combined usb/video cable to the computer is great along with pervasive yet subtle color coding. I love the cute little remote switch button with long thin extension cable for convenient placement; it can also be used as a foot switch, which is great. I like having a dedicated hardware switch rather than hot-key only operation. Device requires no software....a major plus, but hotkey operation is available with a software download. Airlink 101 has a built in hotkey, Belkin should do that too since it allows hotkey operation with no software.

Other people here have more patience or are more forgiving of quirks....they say it's finicky. Or in my case I could say "just click it four times and it might do it." Blather....it either works or it doesn't, and it don't! A simple device like this has no excuse not to work perfectly, all day, every day. How hard can it be...we're not splicing DNA here. A first rate design at a good price, unfortunately DOA.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Works okay for me, but may not work as well for advanced users, November 24, 2006

By 

Jason Lee (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Belkin Flip 2-Port KVM Switch with Audio Support (USB Connection) (Personal Computers)

I bought this little KVM after researching some others which were generally uglier or more expensive. The Belkin Flip is one of the first KVM's I have seen where a company is at least trying to go after the average consumer with something that looks nice and has a convenient switch that can sit on your desktop (about 1-1/2 inches in diameter).

If you are simply using this to connect a desktop, laptop, monitor,keyboard and mouse that are all more or less standard, then this is for you. If, however, you are a serious gamer, have a large monitor and high screen resolution, or use an operating system other than Windows, then (based on other reviews) this KVM may be too low-tech for you and not work well with your system.

I got this mainly to be able to hook up my work laptop to my monitor, mouse and keyboard at home, without having to disconnect my desktop. And it has worked fine.

As some people have noted, sometimes the remote flip is buggy, but I found that if you plug it in and out of the base unit, that it finally "catches" and then works fine. Also, the switch is not instantaneous, it takes about 3-5 seconds, but is not bad at all.

Overall, a pretty good product, but not perfect.