The KVM line of devices from IOGEAR allow administrators to share a single Keyboard/Video/Mouse console among multiple machines. The IOGEAR line offers support for the sharing of multiple types of computers--including Windows, Mac, Sun, and Linux--and additionally allows for the sharing of audio (speakers/microphone) and USB peripheral devices.

Features noted by the vendor include:

- Support for the special keys on both Mac and Sun keyboards

- Support for video resolution of up to 3840 x 2400

- "Autoscan" capabilities, allowing you to monitor each machine for a specific amount of time

- Menu driven interface allowing for the access of target computers via an administrator-defined name. Target machines can also be selected via front panel switches or hot keys

- On screen display protected via passwords

- Both console and computer devices are hot swappable

- Firmware upgradeable through flash ROM

The device range is available in 2, 4, or 8 port versions; with separate entries supporting PS/2, USB, or dual (both USB and PS/2 supported on the same device) keyboard/mouse connections. All can be utilized on the desktop; the 8 port offerings are also rack-mountable (1U). The vendor notes that with the 8 port switches, total capacity can be expanded for control of up to 512 computers (via 3 levels of cascading). Later entries in the product family additionally support DVI video as well as the sharing of audio and peripheral devices.

Note that not all features described above may be available in all IOGEAR KVM switches.

New to the product line is a device that allows a laptop computer to serve as a KVM console for a single separate machine. The device plugs into (and is powered by) the USB ports of both computers, and enables the laptop computer to control both. A separate USB port on the device can be used for USB storage. Features of the product include support for drag and drop file transfers between machines, and the ability to automatically resize the managed computer's desktop image onto the laptop screen. Note that the product only supports Windows 2000/XP/Vista computers.

Visit the IOGEAR Web site for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

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