Price : Too low to display
Introducing the four-port MiniView KVM switches from IOGEAR - simple solutions for those with more PCs than hands. Use one keyboard, one mouse and one monitor to control up to four PCs or Macintosh systems. These self-powered KVM switches feature mouse 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 1920 x 1440. Throw in all the necessary cables and adapters to get you up and running, and youve got two more complete KVM solutions from IOGEAR.
This review is from : IOGEAR GCS14 4-Port MiniView PC PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Cables (PS/2)
Good Value with some Compatibility Issues . The IOGear GCS14's price is quite reasonable: IOGear includes 4 sets of cables that would cost you extra with the equivalent Belkin SOHO unit. If you were to buy 4 cable sets, the price quickly adds up. Functionally, the GCS14 is a molded plastic box that's slightly longer than a 3.5" hard drive. It requires no external power. There are 5 color coded PS2 and VGA connectors arrayed on three sides of the box. The "front" of the box has a single button for manually selecting which of the four computers you'd like to see in sequence. In addition to this button, you can use keyboard hotkeys: press CTRL-ALT-SHIFT then the number, and the unit will switch.Now, the down side:(1) I have an old-school buckling spring 84-key IBM short keyboard (it has no numeric keypad). It's PS/2, but it apparently works differently than the standard 102 or 104 keyboards that most people have. I was unable to use the CTRL-ALT-SHIFT sequence with this unit, so I had to press the button on the box to switch. This makes the unit unusable for me, but most people probably have standard keyboards and wouldn't experience this problem. (2) The GCS14 (and all current IOGear KVMs, according to their web site's technical support) does NOT support USB-to-PS/2 adapters. If you're not sure what this adapter is, it's the (usually) green-colored plug that is attached to your USB mouse when you plug it into the PS/2 mouse port. Because the GCS14 doesn't work with this, a lot of modern mice (such as my Logitech MX300) are incompatible. You will need to use a "pure" PS/2 mouse that requires no adapter. On a side note, the Belkin 2-port KVM Switch with Built-In Cabling (F1DK102P) DOES work with USB-to-PS/2 mouse adapters. (3) The build quality and ergonomics of the unit are a bit on the cheap side. The cables splay out from three sides, with no built-in provision to mount the unit on a wall. The plastic, while solid, feels a bit cheap. I peeled a piece of rubber away from the unit with little effort, held on as it was with gummy adhesive.Aside from those three gotchyas, the GCS14 will probably work for most people using standard PS/2 keyboards and mice. It's a moderately good deal.
Good Value with some Compatibility Issues . The IOGear GCS14's price is quite reasonable: IOGear includes 4 sets of cables that would cost you extra with the equivalent Belkin SOHO unit. If you were to buy 4 cable sets, the price quickly adds up. Functionally, the GCS14 is a molded plastic box that's slightly longer than a 3.5" hard drive. It requires no external power. There are 5 color coded PS2 and VGA connectors arrayed on three sides of the box. The "front" of the box has a single button for manually selecting which of the four computers you'd like to see in sequence. In addition to this button, you can use keyboard hotkeys: press CTRL-ALT-SHIFT then the number, and the unit will switch.Now, the down side:(1) I have an old-school buckling spring 84-key IBM short keyboard (it has no numeric keypad). It's PS/2, but it apparently works differently than the standard 102 or 104 keyboards that most people have. I was unable to use the CTRL-ALT-SHIFT sequence with this unit, so I had to press the button on the box to switch. This makes the unit unusable for me, but most people probably have standard keyboards and wouldn't experience this problem. (2) The GCS14 (and all current IOGear KVMs, according to their web site's technical support) does NOT support USB-to-PS/2 adapters. If you're not sure what this adapter is, it's the (usually) green-colored plug that is attached to your USB mouse when you plug it into the PS/2 mouse port. Because the GCS14 doesn't work with this, a lot of modern mice (such as my Logitech MX300) are incompatible. You will need to use a "pure" PS/2 mouse that requires no adapter. On a side note, the Belkin 2-port KVM Switch with Built-In Cabling (F1DK102P) DOES work with USB-to-PS/2 mouse adapters. (3) The build quality and ergonomics of the unit are a bit on the cheap side. The cables splay out from three sides, with no built-in provision to mount the unit on a wall. The plastic, while solid, feels a bit cheap. I peeled a piece of rubber away from the unit with little effort, held on as it was with gummy adhesive.Aside from those three gotchyas, the GCS14 will probably work for most people using standard PS/2 keyboards and mice. It's a moderately good deal.
IOGEAR GCS14 4-Port MiniView PC PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Cables (PS/2) Reviews
Very inexpensive and quite decent. . I have three machines hooked up to this box and, so far, it's performing no worse than the Belkin and other boxes I've used in the past. Since those vendors charge about as much for one set of cables as this entire unit costs, that makes it fairly impressive.The only complaint I might have so far is that the fit and finish of the box feels a bit sub-par. The case is a bit flimsy looking but, I suspect, as long as it's not abused, this won't impact functionality.Video shows absolutely NO noticeable degradation, which I couldn't say about the Belkins I've used. Switching works fine. My vanilla PS/2 keyboard and mouse work without incident.I'm going to try a USB mouse with a PS/2 adaptor just for grins. If it doesn't work, no big deal since the manufacturer made no promises. But I've heard stories of them working fine.I don't regret the purchase and I'd buy it again. It's a great deal.
Very inexpensive and quite decent. . I have three machines hooked up to this box and, so far, it's performing no worse than the Belkin and other boxes I've used in the past. Since those vendors charge about as much for one set of cables as this entire unit costs, that makes it fairly impressive.The only complaint I might have so far is that the fit and finish of the box feels a bit sub-par. The case is a bit flimsy looking but, I suspect, as long as it's not abused, this won't impact functionality.Video shows absolutely NO noticeable degradation, which I couldn't say about the Belkins I've used. Switching works fine. My vanilla PS/2 keyboard and mouse work without incident.I'm going to try a USB mouse with a PS/2 adaptor just for grins. If it doesn't work, no big deal since the manufacturer made no promises. But I've heard stories of them working fine.I don't regret the purchase and I'd buy it again. It's a great deal.
IOGEAR GCS14 4-Port MiniView PC PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Cables (PS/2) Opinions
Works Perfectly . I recently bought this switch, in a package which includes 4 6-foot kvm cables, from another vendor, and I'm very happy with it. It works perfectly.Unlike one of the reviewers below, my USB Logitech mouse, connected via a PS/2 adapter, has absolutely no problems, neither with the buttons, nor wheel, nor scrolling. I suspect his mouse problem is due to the driver. I use the standard Microsoft PS/2 mouse driver. You don't necessarily need a "pure" PS/2 mouse, though the instructions indicate that serial to PS/2 will not work.The video quality is also great, no loss or distortion whatsoever. I was actually prepared to see some loss in video, so I was very pleasantly surprised.The keyboard works great too, as do the hot keys for switching ports. I even connected the mouse and monitor to a DOS machine that uses an older keyboard connection. So for that I have to swap keyboards. Nevertheless, the video and mouse still work fine.I chose this switch after much review. The decision came down to Belkin vs IOGear. Given the overall consensus and price, I chose IOGear. Also, I found that the cables are very important. So I think it makes sense to buy a package which includes cables; unless you need much longer ones, in which case be prepared to pay extra for quality. Video quality though is dependant on cable length, so shorter is better.
Works Perfectly . I recently bought this switch, in a package which includes 4 6-foot kvm cables, from another vendor, and I'm very happy with it. It works perfectly.Unlike one of the reviewers below, my USB Logitech mouse, connected via a PS/2 adapter, has absolutely no problems, neither with the buttons, nor wheel, nor scrolling. I suspect his mouse problem is due to the driver. I use the standard Microsoft PS/2 mouse driver. You don't necessarily need a "pure" PS/2 mouse, though the instructions indicate that serial to PS/2 will not work.The video quality is also great, no loss or distortion whatsoever. I was actually prepared to see some loss in video, so I was very pleasantly surprised.The keyboard works great too, as do the hot keys for switching ports. I even connected the mouse and monitor to a DOS machine that uses an older keyboard connection. So for that I have to swap keyboards. Nevertheless, the video and mouse still work fine.I chose this switch after much review. The decision came down to Belkin vs IOGear. Given the overall consensus and price, I chose IOGear. Also, I found that the cables are very important. So I think it makes sense to buy a package which includes cables; unless you need much longer ones, in which case be prepared to pay extra for quality. Video quality though is dependant on cable length, so shorter is better.
Worked perfectly . It comes with all the cables you'll need for all 4 PCs and works perfectly. No problems at all. Plugged everything in and it just works without any degredation in performance or picture quality.
It might look a little cheap, but the fact is you are going to have 15 cables sticking out of the thing, so you're going to hide it if you have any sense at all, and so how it looks will make no difference. The whole point of a KVM switch is so that you can do your switching from a single keyboard.
This is the one to buy if you have non-USB keyboards and mice. You plug your non-USB keyboard and mouse and your monitor into one set of plugs, then you use the included cables to connect the switch to the PCs you want to use (the PCs must have non-USB keyboard and mouse connections) and that's it. It draws power from the systems to which it is connected.
It might look a little cheap, but the fact is you are going to have 15 cables sticking out of the thing, so you're going to hide it if you have any sense at all, and so how it looks will make no difference. The whole point of a KVM switch is so that you can do your switching from a single keyboard.
This is the one to buy if you have non-USB keyboards and mice. You plug your non-USB keyboard and mouse and your monitor into one set of plugs, then you use the included cables to connect the switch to the PCs you want to use (the PCs must have non-USB keyboard and mouse connections) and that's it. It draws power from the systems to which it is connected.
Works fine -- minor startup glitches and minor feature complaints . There are an awful lot of reviews out on the Web for KVM switches. Usually, more information is good, right? In this case, I found so many contrasting opinions on any given switch or company that I was banging my head against the desk just trying to decide what to buy. Usually, the head-banging doesn't start until the equipment has been received and the setup begins.
In this case, I found that most of the head-banging had evidently been paid up front.
I got the box, hooked it up to two computers (a third is on the way, and if that changes anything, I'll try to repost), and turned the computers on. Nobody was happy with anything. The first computer didn't seem to like the display and the second didn't seem to like the keyboard or mouse. (Obviously, I couldn't tell whether the first liked the keyboard or mouse.) The three keyboard lights were stuck on Num, Caps, and Scroll Lock, no matter which system had the KVM's focus. Note that both systems had been verified as working alone with the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, prior to my receiving the KVM switch.
I tried disconnecting the mouse and keyboard individually from the switch and plugging them back in. No effect. I power cycled the "visible" computer, no effect. I powered both down, powered both back up, and now everything seems fine. Don't ask me -- I'm trying not to believe in gremlins or voodoo.
Possibly (ir)relevant detail: When things started working, I realized that I had powered up the first, let it complete the boot cycle, and then powered up the second. It may be that the KVM switch is unable to convince two machines that are simultaneously booting that everything is connected, although this is pure speculation on my part. I'll probably stick to this sequence in the future (no, voodoo, no!) because I like to watch boot sequences. Yeah, I'm a nerd.
System specifics:
o System 1: (The originally non-displaying system) Gateway G6-350, running Windows 98
o System 2: Dell Precision 330, running Windows 2000 Pro
o Monitor: Gateway EV700. Curiously, this is the monitor that shipped with system 1, which made the initial display problem even more puzzling.
o Keyboard: The standard PS/2 keyboard that shipped with the Gateway
o Mouse: Microsoft Wheelmouse Optical (2-button). This is a USB mouse that came with an adaptor for insertion into a PS/2 port. I bought it last week because the Dell didn't recognize the wheel behavior of the original Gateway mouse. The software that came with the mouse was installed on the Gateway, but not on the Dell, by oversight. No biggie -- everything that I need the mouse to do, it does.
Minor Feature Complaints:
o As has been noted here and on other sites, the layout of the switch, with outputs on the two long sides, makes for a bit of an octopus. If you want to have access to the switch, to change between systems without using hot keys, this might annoy you.
o There is only one button on the switch, so you have to cycle among all ports every time you want to change active systems. Not only will this be even more annoying when I hook up my third system, it's just plain annoying that the switch isn't smart enough to only switch between connected ports. However, the hot key functionality makes up for this to some degree.
o The ports are "numbered" internally such that 1 and 3 are on one side, and 2 and 4 on the other. This seems a bit bone-headed.
o The ports are not visibly numbered on the box (at least that I noticed, and if they are labeled, then the labels should be more obvious)
Conclusion:
I bought this switch because it seemed to be a good combination of price and features. The Amazon markdown was almost scarily good; I hoped that it meant that Iogear had come out with something new, and everybody just wanted to clear inventory.
My research indicated that Iogear, D-Link, and Linksys were usually rated mostly okay by users, with Belkin somewhat below, and other, cheaper models not often discussed. The Aten and Avocent lines seemed positively reviewed, especially by online magazines and the like, but you're talking a big price bump (they are usually eight-port switches).
I would have liked better switching, better cable routing, and an on-screen display, but these weren't deal breakers -- I knew what I was trading off to save money. The hot key sequence to change systems is not annoying to me -- as a regular Emacs user, I'm used to "chording" -- but it may be, to others.
So . . . so far, so good. Knocking wood, not because I believe in voodoo or gremlins, but because I'm Irish, and that's what we do.
In this case, I found that most of the head-banging had evidently been paid up front.
I got the box, hooked it up to two computers (a third is on the way, and if that changes anything, I'll try to repost), and turned the computers on. Nobody was happy with anything. The first computer didn't seem to like the display and the second didn't seem to like the keyboard or mouse. (Obviously, I couldn't tell whether the first liked the keyboard or mouse.) The three keyboard lights were stuck on Num, Caps, and Scroll Lock, no matter which system had the KVM's focus. Note that both systems had been verified as working alone with the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, prior to my receiving the KVM switch.
I tried disconnecting the mouse and keyboard individually from the switch and plugging them back in. No effect. I power cycled the "visible" computer, no effect. I powered both down, powered both back up, and now everything seems fine. Don't ask me -- I'm trying not to believe in gremlins or voodoo.
Possibly (ir)relevant detail: When things started working, I realized that I had powered up the first, let it complete the boot cycle, and then powered up the second. It may be that the KVM switch is unable to convince two machines that are simultaneously booting that everything is connected, although this is pure speculation on my part. I'll probably stick to this sequence in the future (no, voodoo, no!) because I like to watch boot sequences. Yeah, I'm a nerd.
System specifics:
o System 1: (The originally non-displaying system) Gateway G6-350, running Windows 98
o System 2: Dell Precision 330, running Windows 2000 Pro
o Monitor: Gateway EV700. Curiously, this is the monitor that shipped with system 1, which made the initial display problem even more puzzling.
o Keyboard: The standard PS/2 keyboard that shipped with the Gateway
o Mouse: Microsoft Wheelmouse Optical (2-button). This is a USB mouse that came with an adaptor for insertion into a PS/2 port. I bought it last week because the Dell didn't recognize the wheel behavior of the original Gateway mouse. The software that came with the mouse was installed on the Gateway, but not on the Dell, by oversight. No biggie -- everything that I need the mouse to do, it does.
Minor Feature Complaints:
o As has been noted here and on other sites, the layout of the switch, with outputs on the two long sides, makes for a bit of an octopus. If you want to have access to the switch, to change between systems without using hot keys, this might annoy you.
o There is only one button on the switch, so you have to cycle among all ports every time you want to change active systems. Not only will this be even more annoying when I hook up my third system, it's just plain annoying that the switch isn't smart enough to only switch between connected ports. However, the hot key functionality makes up for this to some degree.
o The ports are "numbered" internally such that 1 and 3 are on one side, and 2 and 4 on the other. This seems a bit bone-headed.
o The ports are not visibly numbered on the box (at least that I noticed, and if they are labeled, then the labels should be more obvious)
Conclusion:
I bought this switch because it seemed to be a good combination of price and features. The Amazon markdown was almost scarily good; I hoped that it meant that Iogear had come out with something new, and everybody just wanted to clear inventory.
My research indicated that Iogear, D-Link, and Linksys were usually rated mostly okay by users, with Belkin somewhat below, and other, cheaper models not often discussed. The Aten and Avocent lines seemed positively reviewed, especially by online magazines and the like, but you're talking a big price bump (they are usually eight-port switches).
I would have liked better switching, better cable routing, and an on-screen display, but these weren't deal breakers -- I knew what I was trading off to save money. The hot key sequence to change systems is not annoying to me -- as a regular Emacs user, I'm used to "chording" -- but it may be, to others.
So . . . so far, so good. Knocking wood, not because I believe in voodoo or gremlins, but because I'm Irish, and that's what we do.
Good product . Easy to use for 4 computers and needs no power, click and switch. Price was cheaper than buying from the Iogear website.
Worked great - after a call to tech support . I had purchased a generic 2-port KVM and the video was badly degraded so I decided to go with this 4-port model based on the reviews. There was a significant difference right away as the video is flawless and mouse/keyboard emulation is consistent--you can even boot up one computer while working on another, or hot swap systems, which is great if you test or repair computers.
The only problem I had was switching between computers using the Hot Keys. The manual says to press Ctrl + Alt + Shift, then the port number, then Enter. I could not get it to work. A call to IOGEAR tech support (at 4 in the morning, they have 24 hour phone support!) clarified the situation. Instead of pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift together, you must press them in rapid succession: Ctrl, then Alt, then Shift, then port number, then Enter. I's not very elegant, but it does work.
This unit gets 4 out of 5 stars, only because it may not work with the following: usb mice or mice with multiple buttons/features, USB keyboards or keyboards with custom buttons, wireless mice or keyboards. My Kensington Expert Mouse works, but is demoted from a four button mouse to two button.
If you can live with a standard PS/2 mouse and keyboard, this is a solid choice, probably the best KVM for the money.
The only problem I had was switching between computers using the Hot Keys. The manual says to press Ctrl + Alt + Shift, then the port number, then Enter. I could not get it to work. A call to IOGEAR tech support (at 4 in the morning, they have 24 hour phone support!) clarified the situation. Instead of pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift together, you must press them in rapid succession: Ctrl, then Alt, then Shift, then port number, then Enter. I's not very elegant, but it does work.
This unit gets 4 out of 5 stars, only because it may not work with the following: usb mice or mice with multiple buttons/features, USB keyboards or keyboards with custom buttons, wireless mice or keyboards. My Kensington Expert Mouse works, but is demoted from a four button mouse to two button.
If you can live with a standard PS/2 mouse and keyboard, this is a solid choice, probably the best KVM for the money.
Plugged it in and it worked. . After reading all the reviews I saw for KVM's I wasn't sure it would work but it did. I hooked it up to 3 computers and tried to use my USB mouse with an adapter. The mouse didn't work so I switched to a regular mouse and it worked fine. I like it on my desk so I can look to see which computer it is on. (It has a light.) However with the cables coming out of all sides it takes up a bit of space. Overall I am pleased and it wasn't too expensive. Cables are good quality and I had no difficulty setting it up.
It works fine . I recently got the iogear GCS14, and it's been working fine for me. My setup consists of:
Main Monitor: Dell 2001FP
Main Keyboard: Keytronic's PS2 keyboard (Model E06101D201-C)
Main Mouse: Dell's 2-button scroll, PS/2 mouse
Computer 1: Dell Dimension 4700 PC
Computer 2: Sony Vaio PCG-R505 TSK with docking station. This laptop does not have any PS/2 port, only USB ports. So I had to buy a "USB to PS/2 adapter" for the keyboard & mouse. The adapter cost only $9 at Frys, so worked out great.
Initially, I had use the Dell PS/2 keyboard as the main keyboard. But somehow, it didn't work. The keyboard functioned fine for Dell PC, but stopped working when I switched over to the Sony Vaio. Anyway, I then replaced it with the Keytronic's PS/2 keyboard, and everything worked! I was able to switch back and forth between the 2 computers using the hot key sequence: "ctrl-alt-shift, 1, enter" OR "ctrl-alt-shift, 2, enter".
As for Video quality. I couldn't really tell whether there's a degradation or not. I had set my LCD to 1920 x 1200 and it seemed fine.
Btw, the cables are pretty short. But it worked out fine for me since all the computers are congregated in one section of desk. But if you have computers far away from each other, you might have to buy extenders.
Main Monitor: Dell 2001FP
Main Keyboard: Keytronic's PS2 keyboard (Model E06101D201-C)
Main Mouse: Dell's 2-button scroll, PS/2 mouse
Computer 1: Dell Dimension 4700 PC
Computer 2: Sony Vaio PCG-R505 TSK with docking station. This laptop does not have any PS/2 port, only USB ports. So I had to buy a "USB to PS/2 adapter" for the keyboard & mouse. The adapter cost only $9 at Frys, so worked out great.
Initially, I had use the Dell PS/2 keyboard as the main keyboard. But somehow, it didn't work. The keyboard functioned fine for Dell PC, but stopped working when I switched over to the Sony Vaio. Anyway, I then replaced it with the Keytronic's PS/2 keyboard, and everything worked! I was able to switch back and forth between the 2 computers using the hot key sequence: "ctrl-alt-shift, 1, enter" OR "ctrl-alt-shift, 2, enter".
As for Video quality. I couldn't really tell whether there's a degradation or not. I had set my LCD to 1920 x 1200 and it seemed fine.
Btw, the cables are pretty short. But it worked out fine for me since all the computers are congregated in one section of desk. But if you have computers far away from each other, you might have to buy extenders.
Cons Review
Returning it tomorrow . I'm trying to replace my IOGEAR MiniView Micro 2-Port KVM Switch with a four-seat KVM. A four port version of the one I already enjoy, from the same company, seemed like the logical choice. Turns out, it wasn't. Using the exact same equipment (after reading the brief manual), I installed it. My keyboard never succesfully transmitted a keystroke and my mouse stopped working between switches. I followed the manual's troubleshooting suggestions but they didn't change the outcome and now it's going back.
Feature IOGEAR GCS14 4-Port MiniView PC PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Cables (PS/2)
- Device Type - KVM Switch
- Form Factor - N/A
- Dimensions WxDxH - 6.8" x 3.5" x 1.25"
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(Blue)
Product Details
EAN : 0672792501029UPC : 635145509837
MPN : GCS14
Brand : Iogear
Weight : 3 pounds
Height : 5 inches
Length : 11 inches
Width : 8 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Manufacturer : IOGEAR
Model : GCS14
Publisher : IOGEAR
SKU : SY493454
Studio : IOGEAR
Where To Buy
You can buy IOGEAR GCS14 4-Port MiniView PC PS/2 KVM Switch Kit with Cables (PS/2) on Amazon . Click here to Read More
