Customer Reviews

Cisco-Linksys ProConnect 2-Port Compact KVM Switch

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I use this box to share a 19" monitor (plus KB/mouse) between a Win98 machine and a Linux box. All I had to do was connect the included color-coded cables to my machines and then hook up my console to it. The entire process from opening the box to using both machines took about 15 minutes. I did have some trouble at first because I didn't have the video cable to my Linux box properly secured, and it cut the red signal. If you encounter video problems, reseat the cable and screw it in.

The unit does not require any external power source as it draws all power from the computers.

Switching between systems is incredibly easy--you just push the big button on the top. The hotkey switching is awkward (LCtrl, LAlt, LShift, Fx individually) but you really don't need it.

The switch has managed to accomodate my monitor at 1024x768@100Hz, and I'm sure it could go much higher--video bandwidth is not a concern.

The only caveat is that when using a wheel mouse (such as an Intellimouse)--which do work, despite what the manual says--switching will cause a one-step roll down in whatever is active.

Beyond that quibble, I have not managed to find one thing to complain about with this box--it has finally allowed me to use the Linux terminal instead of telnet and Windows simultaneously. If you have 2 systems and don't have to see both displays simultaneously, this unit is a must-have.

This is a great buy if you need to use two computers, but don't want to get two monitors or only have the space for the one monitor. It comes with cables, and was attached and working in 5-10 minutes, there is really no need to read the manual, operation is so simple. The switch is good quality, neither computer is suffering from a bad video connection, and you get to use your favorite mouse and keyboard all the time. I highly recommend this product.

The Linksys ProConnect 2 port KVM is performing flawlessly for me. It came with the cable sets making it a real bargain. I have not found any glitches whatsoever. My wheel mouse and all it's extended functions are working perfectly. The cables are heavy grade and color coded. They are somewhat on the short side, but thats okay as the keyboard hotkeys work smoothly. I highly recommend this product.

I purchased the Linksys 2-port KVM kit. The kit includes the two sets of cables.

...

This unit does everything you'd expect from a KVM. I powered down my two computers, plugged the cables in, powered up and everything worked!!!

I've had no problems with it at all! I love the ability to switch between computers using the hotkey. Its CTRL-CTRL for the 2-port KVM. I understand the 4-port has a more complicated hotkey that may be harder to use.

I think this is an excellent product! Go for it if you need a KVM.

The device works well. I am using it at 1028x1024 connected to a flat panel. As long as I use good cables I don't get any ghosting. The manual is not on linksys website which would be a good way to really check out the product before buying it. You can switch between the two monitors by hitting ctrl twice in a row. People complain that this is a problem while gaming. The unit offers the ability to change the hot-key. Just hold down the button on the unit while hitting the key you want to act as the hot-key. I changed mine to the never used scroll-lock. Now I hit scroll-lock twice to switch to the other computer.

One downside I have noticed. When I use the unit, I have a slight delay in ctrl and shift for operations like multiple select. It does not matter if the app is explorer, imaging, or the xwindows cad software I use. I have to give a second of holding the key down before clicking on the second item. It also seems to have an effect on the repeat rate on the keyboard. I use a logitic wireless keyboard/mouse so it could be the combination, but the problem is not there when I plug directly into the computer. It can be annoying sometimes.

Works well, albeit a little slow on the switching. One can use either double Ctrl key press or the physical button on the front of the switch to select the station.
I like that the unit does not require a power supply like many other KVMs do - one less actively powered device, which will not be an energy "vampire" when PC is off.
Recommend? Sure, the price is right.

This product has some serious limitations. First there are no cables shipped with the product. The cables required are not standard PS-2 extention cables. It requires PS-2 cables with Male connectors on each end. Since there are no cables you need to buy another $50 worth of cables to use it. Next It does not support AT keyboards. It also does not support PS-2 to AT adaptors on the cable. So unless you have PS-2 ports on the PC's you are connecting this device will not work.

I thought your product was very bad. The proconnect was terrible.
I was completly unsatisfied. It did nothing of what you said it would do and it was nothing like I excpected. ...
-Emily Livingstone