Price : Too low to display
2 x 1 - 2 x mini-DIN (PS/2) , 2 x mini-DIN (PS/2) , 2 x D-Sub (HD-15) -
This review is from : Belkin F1D201 2-Port Omniview Reverse Automatic KVM Switch for PS2 Mouse Only
This product is limited in scope! . The product works fine when using regular CRT type monitors but fails to provide adequate signal strength when using Flat Panel monitors. The 17" Flat Panel I tested was one provided with a Dell system. So, if you're hooking up 2 CRTs to a single system this product works very well. But if you're hooking up 2 Flat Panel monitors, it will not work. Belkin is aware of this but they don't put this fact in their advertising and marketing literature.
This product is limited in scope! . The product works fine when using regular CRT type monitors but fails to provide adequate signal strength when using Flat Panel monitors. The 17" Flat Panel I tested was one provided with a Dell system. So, if you're hooking up 2 CRTs to a single system this product works very well. But if you're hooking up 2 Flat Panel monitors, it will not work. Belkin is aware of this but they don't put this fact in their advertising and marketing literature.
Belkin F1D201 2-Port Omniview Reverse Automatic KVM Switch for PS2 Mouse Only Reviews
Does the job . This is a device that allows you to run two monitors (showing the same image), two keyboards, and two mice from a single CPU. I purchased it because we already have more computers in the house than people, but we wanted computer access in another room. Instead of buying yet another computer or carrying a laptop around the house, we are able to access one of the computers we already have in a different room using this device. The device doesn't allow 2 users to be doing 2 different things at once on using the same CPU. For that, you'll need a more expensive switch. But for our purposes this device works fine.
I was impressed when I plugged in the device that it worked right out of the box. No big battles to get it running, no software or drivers to install. Contrary to the experiences of another reviewer, I have had no problems running two flat screen monitors using this device. I have also tested it with a single flat screen and an old CRT, and the product seems able to handle the two different kinds of monitors running at once. (NEC flatscreens and Digital CRT)
The only problem I have faced when using the device is that when I hibernate the computer, the mouse freezes, and I must restart before I get it back. Also, if any required items are not plugged in, such as if you only have one mouse plugged in and not two, the mouse will not work. It seems that if any plugs are loose in the Belkin device or not plugged in, the mouse, and sometimes the keyboard, freezes and you need to plug in or tighten all items and then restart the computer.
If you already have enough computers in the house, this makes a great, inexpensive way to add a high-capacity digital photo frame to your house. Just install a quality monitor in the location where you want to view the pictures (flat-screen is fine), connect it to your CPU using this device, and run a good screen saver that draws on your photo folders. The only catch is, if someone else is using the computer for other purposes, you won't be able to see your photos with this device. On the other hand, you will have full access to your computer, not just to your photos, from whatever room you install it in.
Does the job . This is a device that allows you to run two monitors (showing the same image), two keyboards, and two mice from a single CPU. I purchased it because we already have more computers in the house than people, but we wanted computer access in another room. Instead of buying yet another computer or carrying a laptop around the house, we are able to access one of the computers we already have in a different room using this device. The device doesn't allow 2 users to be doing 2 different things at once on using the same CPU. For that, you'll need a more expensive switch. But for our purposes this device works fine.
I was impressed when I plugged in the device that it worked right out of the box. No big battles to get it running, no software or drivers to install. Contrary to the experiences of another reviewer, I have had no problems running two flat screen monitors using this device. I have also tested it with a single flat screen and an old CRT, and the product seems able to handle the two different kinds of monitors running at once. (NEC flatscreens and Digital CRT)
The only problem I have faced when using the device is that when I hibernate the computer, the mouse freezes, and I must restart before I get it back. Also, if any required items are not plugged in, such as if you only have one mouse plugged in and not two, the mouse will not work. It seems that if any plugs are loose in the Belkin device or not plugged in, the mouse, and sometimes the keyboard, freezes and you need to plug in or tighten all items and then restart the computer.
If you already have enough computers in the house, this makes a great, inexpensive way to add a high-capacity digital photo frame to your house. Just install a quality monitor in the location where you want to view the pictures (flat-screen is fine), connect it to your CPU using this device, and run a good screen saver that draws on your photo folders. The only catch is, if someone else is using the computer for other purposes, you won't be able to see your photos with this device. On the other hand, you will have full access to your computer, not just to your photos, from whatever room you install it in.
Belkin F1D201 2-Port Omniview Reverse Automatic KVM Switch for PS2 Mouse Only Opinions
KVM works w/ 2 19" Flat Panel Monitors . I purhcased this reverse KVM switch to share a PC between 2 people. It works great with the 2 19" Dell monitors that came with our PCs. I even hooked up 2 additional regular KVM switches to it so that 2 different people can share this PC as their second PC. So it our configuration, we have 3 PCs connected. Each person has a primary PC and they share a 2nd PC between the two which is hooked up with the reverse KVM. Works like a charm.
KVM works w/ 2 19" Flat Panel Monitors . I purhcased this reverse KVM switch to share a PC between 2 people. It works great with the 2 19" Dell monitors that came with our PCs. I even hooked up 2 additional regular KVM switches to it so that 2 different people can share this PC as their second PC. So it our configuration, we have 3 PCs connected. Each person has a primary PC and they share a 2nd PC between the two which is hooked up with the reverse KVM. Works like a charm.
Cons Review
Using a 2nd unit and still won't work . It's not easy to find one of the "Reverse" KVMs that are under $100.
This one was the only one I could find.
In fact, when googling for a reverse kvm, this model came back in the majority of the results.
I really needed this scenario to work; but this belkin unit just would not cooperate.
Actually,it was only the mouse port is what would not work.
I had access to several models of mice. A bunch of old legacy items.
MS ball type ps/2, MS ball type combo serial-ps/2, MS optical-USB-ps/2, kensington ball type , generic, dell, HP and none of them were recognized.
I used ps/2 roller ball mice, optical mice, serial-ps/2 combo mice.
Nothing worked.
I tried to get support for the unit. What a fiasco that was. After a day or two of waiting, I finally asked for an RMA#.
At least I got a reponse from the RMA dept.
I tried to ask the RMA dept to give me:
1. a list of approved mice
2. troubleshooting steps
(I figured we could save the hassle of an RMA "IF" belkin would just answer a couple simple questions. Didn't happen).
All I got was RMA instructions.
What a huge breakdown in customer support.
The new "replacement" unit arrived and I tried to get things setup.
All I had handy were optical USB-ps/2 mice.
But I could tell they would not work when the red LED would NOT light up.
Since the USB bus can have low power problems, I looked at the power adapter belkin supplied.
Then I reviewed the power SPECs:
The device was using 9VDC, but only getting 600ma MAX, from the belkin supplied VDC adapter.
I decided to use my own multi-function DC power adapter.
A PHILIPS model PH62099
The $30, universal, power supply that comes with 6 or 8 tips, and let you dial voltages from 3VDC up to 12VDC.
It has a 1000ma output and voltage settings for 3VDC, 6VDC, 9VDC, 12VDC.
It can power toys, MP3 players, CD players,cameras,radios,game systems, and so on.
In addition, the plugs can be oriented as TIP=positive or TIP=negative.
Tah Dah! I now have optical LEDs working, using my own power adapter, with the 1000mA output.
Too bad the mice are still NOT working; as far as moving my mouse pointer around the windows screen.
Also, the optical mice seem to power up somewhat consistently only if you do things in a certain order:
1. you start by totally shutdown the PC, and remove the power cord from the PC's power supply. (You can tell when power is completely gone when the keyboard's NUM LOCK LED goes out).
2. Apply power adapter plug to the kvm.
3. plug in power cord to PC and push soft power button to power on the PC.
4. allow PC to boot up into windows.
5. about 50% of the time the optical mice will illuminate.
Overall, what a huge disappointment and a huge time waster.
2 units and still a NON functioning kvm.
Time to look at an "industrial" KVM solution.
Though that is going to cost about $200+.
This one was the only one I could find.
In fact, when googling for a reverse kvm, this model came back in the majority of the results.
I really needed this scenario to work; but this belkin unit just would not cooperate.
Actually,it was only the mouse port is what would not work.
I had access to several models of mice. A bunch of old legacy items.
MS ball type ps/2, MS ball type combo serial-ps/2, MS optical-USB-ps/2, kensington ball type , generic, dell, HP and none of them were recognized.
I used ps/2 roller ball mice, optical mice, serial-ps/2 combo mice.
Nothing worked.
I tried to get support for the unit. What a fiasco that was. After a day or two of waiting, I finally asked for an RMA#.
At least I got a reponse from the RMA dept.
I tried to ask the RMA dept to give me:
1. a list of approved mice
2. troubleshooting steps
(I figured we could save the hassle of an RMA "IF" belkin would just answer a couple simple questions. Didn't happen).
All I got was RMA instructions.
What a huge breakdown in customer support.
The new "replacement" unit arrived and I tried to get things setup.
All I had handy were optical USB-ps/2 mice.
But I could tell they would not work when the red LED would NOT light up.
Since the USB bus can have low power problems, I looked at the power adapter belkin supplied.
Then I reviewed the power SPECs:
The device was using 9VDC, but only getting 600ma MAX, from the belkin supplied VDC adapter.
I decided to use my own multi-function DC power adapter.
A PHILIPS model PH62099
The $30, universal, power supply that comes with 6 or 8 tips, and let you dial voltages from 3VDC up to 12VDC.
It has a 1000ma output and voltage settings for 3VDC, 6VDC, 9VDC, 12VDC.
It can power toys, MP3 players, CD players,cameras,radios,game systems, and so on.
In addition, the plugs can be oriented as TIP=positive or TIP=negative.
Tah Dah! I now have optical LEDs working, using my own power adapter, with the 1000mA output.
Too bad the mice are still NOT working; as far as moving my mouse pointer around the windows screen.
Also, the optical mice seem to power up somewhat consistently only if you do things in a certain order:
1. you start by totally shutdown the PC, and remove the power cord from the PC's power supply. (You can tell when power is completely gone when the keyboard's NUM LOCK LED goes out).
2. Apply power adapter plug to the kvm.
3. plug in power cord to PC and push soft power button to power on the PC.
4. allow PC to boot up into windows.
5. about 50% of the time the optical mice will illuminate.
Overall, what a huge disappointment and a huge time waster.
2 units and still a NON functioning kvm.
Time to look at an "industrial" KVM solution.
Though that is going to cost about $200+.
Feature Belkin F1D201 2-Port Omniview Reverse Automatic KVM Switch for PS2 Mouse Only
- Control one PC or server with two keyboards, mice and monitors
- Automatically switches between consoles
- No software required
- Includes 3 foot, all-in-one KVM cable
- Convenient front access to USB and Firewire ports
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Product Details
EAN : 0722868330418UPC : 722868330418
MPN : F1D201
Brand : Belkin
Weight : 3 pounds
Height : 4 inches
Length : 10 inches
Width : 9 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Format : CD
Hardware Platform : Pc
Manufacturer : Belkin Inc.
Model : F1D201
Operating System : Windows
Platform : Windows
Publisher : Belkin Inc.
SKU : DBL972570
Studio : Belkin Inc.
Where To Buy
You can buy Belkin F1D201 2-Port Omniview Reverse Automatic KVM Switch for PS2 Mouse Only on Amazon . Click here to Read More
