Customer Reviews

SOHO 2-Port KVM Switch; DVI & USB

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

 

 

I'm usually a fan of Belkin products, but the F1DD102L is a real disappointment. It just doesn't work most times. After working fine for a little while, an attached computer that's powered on and running will suddenly have no video when you switch to it. There's no way to get the video back, including disconnecting the switch, removing cables, etc. Yet the computer is running fine, and if a display is directly connected to it, you see the video. The only way to get the switch to recognize it again is to reboot the PC - which is hard to do if you can't connect to it!

The switch doesn't work with some mice, including a Microsoft Intellimouse that I had. I contacted Belkin about this, and they blamed the mouse. Okay. Lately now the Belkin isn't recognizing the keyboard after a while now. Again, pulling cables doesn't help. I'm ready to toss this thing and find another brand.

Appearance wise, it's a nice unit. The cables are high quality, and the buttons function smoothly. It seems to be well built overall. But if it doesn't work when you need it, what's the point?

The Soho will not work with Avant Stellar(Northgate) or Logitech programmable keyboards. This is the fourth KVM DVI/USB I have purchased (Trendnet, IO Gear, and Belkin's less expensive model), and none have worked. They can only handle standard 101-117 keyboards and will not operate the additional F and G keys. What upsets me, is that I went out of my way to contact Belkin CS to make sure the Soho would work with my configuration. I was told yes. After I got it, Belkin CS told me, no it won't. Logitech's CS told me that they do not guarantee their product's when used with KVM switches. Belkin is usually a reliable company but they muffed this one. Also, the unit is a bit too big and the light was way too bright. I would recommend Belkins smaller KVM switch with the remote button. That was easier to use and took up less real estate. If it had worked, I would have kept that KVM.

I needed a KVM switch that would allow me to switch between a Dell E6400 and Mac Pro with 30" Monitor @ 2560 x 1600 resolution. After doing a lot of research I decided to try this Belkin unit. It worked fine right out of the box. The only issue I had was trying to get full 2560 x 1600 resolution out of the Dell Port Replicator. Turns out I also had to buy a Display Port to Dual DVI adapter achieve 2560 x 1600. This was not a Belkin issue but a Dell issue apparently. The Belkin came with all the cables too which was a nice bonus.

The original unit that was sent to me had some sort of shielding problem which caused it (believe it or not) to interfere with my wi-fi network. Then, if that weren't enough, when I tried to set up the remote switching option (using key commands to switch computers), it stopped working altogether. The new unit they sent seems to work ok, although I'm leary to try setting up the key command function again. Belkin in general is a good company, maybe I just got a dud the first time.

I needed a simple KVM to work with two LCD's, USB Mouse and Keyboard. Concept is simple enough. Mouse and keyboard would not work on Port 2. Spent about an hour trying different combinations of cabling, restarting PC's and resetting the KVM. Spent the next hour on the phone with three overseas Belkin reps Their titles were Tech Support, but there was nothing Technical or Supportive about them. The end result was them informing me I had a bad KVM device. My option was to have an advance replacement sent (requiring a credit card), or send the defective unit back to them first. I selected the first choice and inquired about the credit card charges. The 2nd Belkin rep explained to me I would have to pay shipping for either choice. This was completely unacceptable to me so I asked to speak to a supervisor. Another complete waste of time. He informed me it was their policy for the customer to pay return shipping regardless of whether the item was new or not. I informed them of my thoughts around that policy and decided to simply buy another KVM from a different manufacturer. And the reminder to Self: NEVER, EVER BUY ANOTHER BELKIN PRODUCT.

My needs are pretty basic -- connect two computers, reduce office clutter; USB connections. This switch is fine for that. I can see that for those who are really expecting flawless performance and hi-resolution graphics, this might not be the best product.

I am about to buy my second unit-- a port on my current unit has stopped working. This, after i have owned the switch for about two years. I am a bit disappointed to have to invest another $140, but all things considered will do so.

This unit is incompatible with resolutions of 1920 x 1200. Belkin's tech-support was useless. This unit works fine with smaller monitors however. ( up to 1680 x 1050 ) It also takes up a lot more desk space than other KVM switches that actually work...

Why is it that these KVM switches re-interpret the data that goes through them?? If I had two sets of cables running from two PCs and wanted to keep plugging and unplugging them from the peripherals, then at least the peripherals would work! However, when I innocently attach them to a 'switch' that's simply supposed to toggle between the two sets of cables, then I'm hit with video rez limitations, programmable keyboard issues, etc. Who asked these people to create these boxes with circuitry in them to do this? Sometimes the computer industry just takes my breath away with its stupidity - I can't find a single thing about this issue after Googling all afternoon.

I wanted a switch that would not slide off the desk with the weight of the cables, that would have an up-front visible indication of which port is selected, did not require software installation, and supported USB switching beyond just keyboard & mouse. This switch does it all.

Anyone who is concerned about video quality is advised to connect both computers directly to a multiport display.

The biggest problem is that the otherwise nice cables that come with it are DVI-I, *NOT* DVI-D as the specs say. Consequently, they do not plug in to the DVI-D connection on my Sony VAIO docking station.
Just a frustration since I anticipated a quick installation using the included integrated USB/DVI(-I) cables and instead had to go shoppping for DVI-D cables (and separate USB cables) wasting a lot of time.

Also, I agree that the LED's that indicate which PC is connected to the monitor and which PC is connected to the speakers is too bright. If this is placed anywhere in your field of view (and of course it will be) the bright lights are very annoying. I'll have to rig some tape or paper to dim or block these.

Otherwise setup was quick and easy. I particularly like the fact that it can switch the monitor separately from the audio.

Working great at 1920x1200

Belkin: Dim the lights and really supply DVI-D cables to match your specifications and you would get 5 stars.