You have to hand it to Belkin for some of their new 2008 products – they certainly are stylish in design. Case in point – their new Belkin SOHO KVM switch. Come on.. at first glance would you have known this this was a KVM switch? In actuality, this is a four port (also available in 2 port models) USB KVM switch allowing you to share a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse between two or more computers. The design incorporates a built-in USB 2.0 2 port hub and touch sensitive buttons on the front for easy switching between systems. There’s a convenient USB port on the front which is great for connecting additional devices to  your computers.

The Belkin SOHO USB KVM switch is available in several different models.

For VGA, USB and PS2 support:

• 2 port (F1DS102J) – MSRP of $159
• 4 port (F1DS104J) – MSRP of $189

For VGA and USB support:

• 2 port (F1DS102L) – MSRP of $159
• 4 port (F1DS104L) – MSRP of $189

For DVI and USB support:

• 2 port (F1DD102L) – MSRP of $219
• 4 port (F1DD104L) – MSRP of $269

Features include:

• KVM cables and USB 2.0 2 port hub (1 port in the front and 1 port in the back) included
• Hot-key support
• Features independent audio switching
• Touch sensitive buttons on front with icons indicating what port you’re on

Technorati Tags: Belkin SOHO KVM, CES 2008

Here’s IOGEAR’s new 2/4 port Dual-Link DVI KVM/KVMP Switch. The 2 port version is model GCS1782UW6 and the 4 port version is model GCS1784UW6. With this KVM switch, you’ll be able to switch a dual-link DVI monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers with multiple computers at the same time. Both models support 7.1 speaker sharing and is idea for home and small office/home office environments.Features include:

• Dual link DVI-D support – up to 2560 x 1600 @ 60Hz
• IOGEAR Display Emulation Technology – the KVM switch remembers the monitor optimum parameters so there’s no loss of settings when booting or switching between computers
• USB 2.0 sharing
• 7.1 surround sound support
• DVI Compatible and HDCP pass through support
• Console Mouse port emulation or by-pass (offers full functionality for programmable mice)
• Support DVI-A and DVI-D
• Independent (asynchronous) switching of KVM, USB peripheral and audio ports

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Technorati Tags: IOGEAR, GCS1782UW6, GCS1784UW6, USB 2.0 Dual Link DVI KVM

Here’s the IOGEAR PCPortal (Model GCN1000) which provides remote access to a computer or compatible KVM switch allowing you to control or monitor a computer from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. Once connected, all you need to have is an Internet connection, a web browser, and the current IP address of the router in use.

This remote access solution is completely hardware based so you don’t need a working OS on the local computer in order for it to function properly. This means you can use the GCN1000 to diagnose systems with issues, or go into the BIOS to change settings, etc.  Once you’re connected to the GCN1000, performing tasks on the remote computer will feel like you’re virtually sitting in front of the system itself. You can control a single computer by connecting the GCN1000 directly to the system or you can control different systems by connecting the device to a compatible KVM switch.

The system supports up to eight users of which two may be logged on simultaneously (although only one operator has control of the remote computer though).

The GCN1000 also comes with a USB 2.0 Virtual Media port which allows you to connect a USB flash drive on your system and use it as if it was plugged directly into the local USB port on the remote PC.

Features include:

• Control or monitor your home or office PC from anywhere in the world with a LAN, WAN, or Internet connection
• Hardware based solution allowing BIOS level control for remote troubleshooting
• Remote access via browser
• Authentication and SSL 128 bit encryption for security
• USB 2.0 virtual media port allows file transfer between local and remote compter
• Control multiple computers by connecting to a USB KVM switch
• Firmware upgradeable
• Measures 1.2 x 6.9 x 3.25 inches

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Technorati Tags: IOGEAR, PCPortal, GCN1000

Avocent Corporation introduced their new family of SwitchView 100 desktop KVM switches designed for small and home offices. These SwitchView 100 desktop KVM switches come with all the cables you’ll need which means you’ll be ready right out of the box. Features of the SwitchView 100 include:

• Consolidated access to multiple computers through a single keyboard, mouse and VGA monitor
• Two and four port configurations
• Models are equipped with PS/2 or USB connectioins
• Audio and microphone switching
• Comes with all the necessary cables for easy installation
• Slim design sits behind desktop systems to save space

Prices for the SwitchView 100 family of KVM switches range from $45 dollars to $100 dollars.

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Technorati Tags: Avocent Corporation, SwitchView 100, KVM switch