Customer Reviews

PHILIPS USB 2.0 Sharing Switch, Allows 2 Computers to Share one USB Device

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

 

 

I got this because I need to share one printer to two desktops. While it works great, it doesn't switch automatically. I still have to push the button or I have to push the USB sharing button on my screen to switch and print from a specific computer. It's a good little gizmo, but it doesn't do what it says, switch automatically. Also, it comes with a small (3") disk not a full size.

I and my wife wanted to share our HP LaserJet printer but, we were tired of unplugging it from one computer to the other. This little switch makes it now possible to share without unplugging and plugging the USB cable to the printer any more.

You install the software on each computer and then plug each computer into the switch along with the printer USB cable.

The only problem is that the switch only comes with one USB cable, a type-A to type-B USB printer cable. This is a standard USB printer cable so I had an extra for it. So connecting the two computers to the switch is easy. Connecting from the switch to the printer requires the purchase of another USB printer cable. I feel that it should include 2 USB cables, not just 1, so be aware, you will need to have a 3rd cable.

The software and documentation claims that you can switch computers via keyboard shortcut keystrokes. I found that this did NOT work. The switch has two indicator/buttons to indicate which computer has connection to the printer. Pressing the buttons to make the switch is the only way we have gotten this to work and that's okay with me.

The switch arrived as expected and works very well for the last three months. I did not want to install the software that came with it (and did not have to), so all I have to do is to press the right or left button on the switch before turning on the printer so that the computer detects the USB device (printer).

Victor

It's like an A-B switch only automatic. Easy to install/hookup. A very useful product in an office setting where you share printers between two computers!

If you need a simple switch like I did this thing works fine. you can either manualy switch it over or use the program in the toolbar. IT IS NOT AUTOMATIC and it never will be as it has not been supported by the company for years. I e-mailed and they had no record of the product. i sent them a picture. Oh that product. We don't make that anymore.
To recap:
If you have 2 computers side by side and don't want to switch usb cables, buy this, it's one of the cheapest.
If you want something automatic and compatible with vista or windows 7, look elsewhere and spend more.

For me it works, but is not really auto sharing. You can press the buttons on the top for the "A" side or "B" side. For my printer/scanner, I hooked it up and it works fine, although on my Win 7 PC, the amount of ink doesn't show up any more (may be a different problem)

This device does not work. It switches manually not automatically and does not allow me to print. Every time I try to print it says error. I've worked with/on computers for over 4 years now and this is a bad buy. I then tried to contact Philips TECH support and they said this model was discontinued. I wonder why? In short guys pay the extra 15 dollars for a better one.

-Adam