Customer Reviews

KDS CD Organizer Electronic USB75-cd Capacity 1.8 Access Time

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

Being a person that is trying to be more organized, this CD Organizer looked extremely promising. However, having received the otherwise very attractive unit, I am returning it because I cannot get my computer to recognize it.

The first indication of an error was when the organizer software told me that the unit was not connected. I localized the problem in Windows XP under Control Panel / Device Manager that my recently installed "Human Interface Device" could not start. I uninstalled it and reinstalled it and the system seemed to be recognizing it normally. I then retried the software and the same conflict popped up. I uninstalled the software & the hardware device a couple more times & after a number of system freezes, the device still was not being recognized.

I then did what I should have done initially, I ran a query for users having problems with this product's USB device, and came up with a number of "hits" of people asking for help on tech boards with essentially the same problem but using Windows 98.

Thinking that KDS wouldn't dare put this product out on the market without resolving such a simple issue, I called customer support. They basically told me that, even though my computer is 2 weeks old and custom built directly from HP, my USB drivers must be outdated. No, its this KDS product & their "mickey mouse" configuration system that is outdated. This item is going back. I'll bet that the numbers on the "used" & "refurbished" systems for sale here will continue to increase.

I bought one unit and spent 2 hours trying to get it to work. Caled KDS, they told me it was because I was using a USB mouse and keyboard so I moved to my laptop with no other USB devices and same problem. An hour on with tech support, we finally determined it was an alignment problem with the sensors that tell the motor where to stop. Exchanged it for another one, this one the motor wouldn't stop running. I was looking forward to using this device to save me a lot of time, instead it wasted the better part of a day, time to go to the alternative offered by CyberGuys.

I could get the software to work with Windows XP. No link or support on the KDS web site. Will return unit tomorrow if no solution is found.

I spoke with customer service rep at 800-283-1311. Devices have a one-year warranty. I stated that I sent in the Registration card, and asked if she would look up the purchase date. She said no, "Registration and Warrany are in different departments."

She asked me to hold, and came back on the line stating that since this model originally sold in 2003, my unit went off warranty in 2004 unless I have the invoice. I called back about an hour later, after finding the invoice, and got the same customer service rep. She recognized me and belittled me for calling back and said unless I have a question, there's nothing they can do. I stated that I found the invoice as requested and she asked me to fax it to her. I did that, so far no response. We'll see if they replace the unit or not.

Just an FYI...after the one-year warranty, there are no options. The do not offer parts or service after the one-year warranty.

Even though it says right on the box supports WinXP, the software that comes with it locks my computer up. I searched all over the internet and finally found 1 link to an upgraded version 3.0. I would assume KDS would have a link on thier site and regular updates to it, but they didnt. Really, one would think on thier site, you could upgrade the software for it. The 3.0 software does work, but its extremely slow on a 1.6 gig with 1024ddr, and 50% of the time just quits responding when you try to load it.

I have had my KDS CD Organizer for about 5 years now. I have used the organizer on Windows 2000, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows XP Professional. I love it and would have a hard time using anything else.

That being said, I have found some quirks and inconsistencies with the product.

First off, if your computer only has USB 2.0 ports invest in a USB 1 card. For some reason the organizer doesn't perform well while connected to a USB 2.0 port.

Secondly, you need to obtain the last released version of the software; version 4.0.2. This software can be found at:

http://www.kdscanada.ca/

Lastly, Backup your CD Organizer Database often. The software has included backup/restore/repair utilities that work quite well.

Once all of these circumstances have been met, this product works great.

This cd organizer can hold up to 75 cds! Any kind of cd too. DVD, Games, Software, Music cds. It does not read the cds. It comes with a program which you install on your computer. Installation was very easy. Plug the organizer in to the computer via usb, hook up the power adapter, install the software on your comp, and your set. The program stores what is on the cd, and what slot its in. You can manually enter what is on the cd, or have your comp scan the disk, and tell the cd organizer software what is on the cd(it also shows whats on the cd via a folder tree), then the software will choose a slot for it(or you can), it'll open the slot, you insert the cd into the slot and your done. Later you can go back into the software, do a word search for the cd you want, and the tower will open up slot to the cd you want, you take it out, and the software will show that the cd is out. The software also has a 'borrow to a friend' option, with reminders, so you can burrow your cd's to your friends and not loose them.

Exellent when you have lots of cds. You can even hook multiple organizers up to your computer if you have that many cds. Great device. I recommend it for those you who have tons of cds like I do.

This thing is fantastic. I have three right now and have never had any trouble. The KDS webpage has links to upgrade the database software. I have never had any trouble with 4.0 or 4.1, using XP here.

The device works Ok. I'm using it to store MSDN DVDs. The software has some bugs. I sent an e-mail to the tech. support and their response was: "Unfortunately Version 4.02 is the latest software released and also the last".
You can also check http://www.itechcds.com/ for an alternative device.

I purchased two CDOs only to find out that some of the lights on one of them did not work. After 6 weeks, KDS finally replaced it. It did not cost me anything but time and frustration. After 2 months, my second one has now failed. Most of the trays do not eject. It is no longer returnable and I have CDs stuck in it. Do NOT make the mistake of purchasing even one of these. Go to K-Mart and get one of the old fashioned manual ones. You will be much happier.