IOGEAR 2-Port MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch with Audio and Cables GCS632U

by Iogear

Product Details

Product Manual [154kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 5.9 x 8.5 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001BVXI6
• Item model number: GCS632U
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (289 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #10 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > External Components > KVM Switches
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 15, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

IOGEAR 2-Port MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch with Audio and Cables GCS632U

Introducing the two port MiniView™ Micro USB PLUS KVM switch from IOGEAR – the simplest way to simultaneously run and share audio among two computers with a single USB keyboard, monitor and USB mouse. This self-powered KVM switch features the unique USB mouse and keyboard emulation to ensure smooth operation, as well as support for Plug-n-Play monitors and most wheel mice.

Our patented VSE Video Signal Enhancement® technology provides rich, 32-bit color at resolutions up to 2048 x 1536. Another big plus is the MiniView's capability to provide audio support, it allows you to share your multimedia speakers among the two connected computers. This switch also offers multi-platform support; it is compatible with Windows* and Mac computers as well as Sun Solaris workstations. IOGEAR delivered a huge breakthrough in KVM operation to Mac and Sun users by enabling functionality for the special keys on these systems. When using a PC keyboard, a special set of hot keys are designed to emulate the special keys on Mac and Sun machines. With 6' long KVM cables molded into the MiniView Micro USB PLUS, all you need to do is to plug it into your computers and you've got a complete KVM solution from IOGEAR.

*IOGEAR’s DynaSync provides the EDID support for Windows 7

Key Features

• Use one USB keyboard, monitor and USB mouse to control two USB computers
• 6' long molded-in cables to simplify setup
• Share your multimedia speakers among the two connected computers
• Full support for Mac and Sun systems
• Supports special keys on Mac and Sun keyboards
• Port selection through convenient Hot Keys
• USB sniffing technology allows complete USB mouse and keyboard emulation for error-free boot-up
• Plug-n-Play monitor support
• Support video resolutions up to 2048 x 1536
• No software required
• Built in AutoScan mode
• LEDs allow for easy status monitoring
• 3 Year Limited Warranty

How it works

Requirements:

• Computers with a USB connection and HDDB15 VGA connection
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista (32-bit/64-bit)
• Windows 7*
• Mac OS 8.6 or greater
• Sun Solaris work station
• Linux, UNIX and other USB supported systems**
• Audio: Only support 2-piece, powered speakers systems

*IOGEAR’s Display Emulation Technology provides the EDID support for Windows 7
**Additional drivers and support may be needed

What's in the Box:
MiniView Micro USB PLUS 2 Port KVM Switch, User Manual, Quick Start Guide and Warranty Registration Card

Warranty:
3-year warranty

About IOGEAR

IOGEAR headquartered in Foothill Ranch, CA, offers innovative Consumer Electronics and IT solutions that enable convergence through connectivity in the home, at the office and on the go. Founded in 1999, the company provides a broad range of products that help integrate technologies in everyday life, share resources, decrease clutter and energy consumption, and reduce electronic waste.

The company is environmentally-conscious and emphasizes conserving natural resources to employees and customers through its GREEN initiatives. In addition, IOGEAR has partnered with Trees for the Future to plant one tree for every product purchased on its Web site or by members of its GREEN initiative partner program.

IOGEAR distributes throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia.

Product Description

2port usb compact kvm switch w/built-in 6ft cable -use 1 keyboard, monitor and mouse to control 2 computers -share multimedia speakers between the 2 connected computers -port selection through convenient hot keys -full support for mac® and sun® systems -gcs42uw6 supports windows® 2000 or higher, mac® os 9.0 or higher, sun solaris® 9 or higher -easy setup and plug-and-play monitor support -no software required -3-year limited warranty...

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

148 of 153 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Iogear not upfront in product description about conflicts, January 19, 2005

By 

Amy Scarfone "Amy" (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: IOGEAR 2-Port MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch with Audio and Cables GCS632U (Personal Computers)

Despite the mixed reviews here, I decided to gamble and take a chance on the Iogear GCS632U since I've had previous success with their switches. However, I immediately ran into problems with my mouse and keyboard. (Video looked great.) When I contacted Iogear support via their online form, they sent the following blurb back to me. I'm pasting it here so those of you who are still making a purchasing decision can have this information in addition to the incomplete product description provided above:

"Please ensure that you are using a native wired mouse and keyboard as wireless devices or any types of converters/adapters are NOT supported and will not work. Also docking stations or port replicator will interfere with proper KVM functionality and special keys on multimedia keyboards are not supported and will not work."

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not for wireless use, July 8, 2006

By 

Jason Ledyard "jdl75" (Cincinnati, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: IOGEAR 2-Port MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch with Audio and Cables GCS632U (Personal Computers)

The instruction manual on the IOGEAR web site finally solved my problem - the "USB" ports on the device aren't actually USB ports. They take a USB plug, but they don't pass the entire signal - they replicate keyboard and mouse ports, and don't allow combinations to pass all data. Skip this switch if your mouse and keyboard are on one USB cable, or you are using a wireless mouse/keyboard combo. It wouldn't even work with a wireless keyboard plugged into the KEYBOARD port and a wired mouse plugged into the MOUSE port. That's right, separate ports - should have tipped me off!

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great USB Kvm, skip the audio though, August 20, 2004

By 

R. Lane (Tracy, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: IOGEAR 2-Port MiniView Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch with Audio and Cables GCS632U (Personal Computers)

Like most other reviewers, I could not get decent performance from the audio part of this KVM. But to finally get a good performing KVM that works with a USB console is worth the price and skip the audio. Good KVMs with PS2 consoles have been around for years, but USB console KVMS that don't cost you any mouse or keyboard functionality have been hard to come by. Many in fact describe themselves as a "USB KVM", but only the connections to the host PCs are USB; the actually keyboard and mouse have to be PS2, or you have to use a USB to PS2 adapter, which is where the functionality in the USB keyboard and/or mouse gets lost.

This compact unit finally does the trick and lives up to the expectations one would have of a genuine "USB KVM".

Thanks IOGEAR. This is certainly on my Product-Of-The-Year list for 2004!