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This is a printable version of the article found at http://onepc.net/reviews/0037/ To print, press CTRL + P on your keyboard now. |
By Kelly Lu (kellylu@onepc.net) - July 4, 2001
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We've looked at a device called the KVM switch before. Basically, KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switches allow users to switch between multiple computers with a press of a button or even a keyboard combination. They are more advanced than so-called mechanical switches in that they contain computer circuitry to maintain your mouse and keyboard connection (so that you won't loose your mouse connection for no reason) and ensures top-quality video output-of course, all this comes at a price. Most KVM switches are quite expensive, retailing for a few hundred bucks usually-the KNV104D that we're reviewing here is no exception. At $250, it isn't cheap, but it will be cheaper than having to buy 4 monitors, keyboards and mice!
Being able to switch between multiple computers is great, but it's not for everyone. One of the main downsides of only using one display, keyboard and mouse is that only one person can use any of the computers at one time. A second downside is that the user cannot see the displays from multiple computers at the same time. Thus, this could be problematic for many regular users, but should not be a problem for some; server administrators are what these devices are targeted at, since it makes it so that the administrator doesn't have to run around to multiple computers and, instead, can control all the servers from one location. I also find that using a KVM switch also works for long benchmarking sessions as all I have to do is set it to run and then switch back to my work computer. Of course, when it comes time to record benchmark data directly to an Excel document on my work computer, it does require a fair bit of switching around. As I said before, these devices aren't for everyone and you should access what you'll be using your computers for before you looking further into one of these.
Specifications
Features: Supports both PS/2 and serial mouse Cascade configuration expands system capability Auto-scan automatically selects computers sequentially Supports Microsoft IntelliMouse (Pro) Hot-key functions allow easy computer access Keyboard states automatically saved and restored when switching computers Operating system independent, transparent to all applications Plug and play system configuration Keyboard and mouse can be hot plugged at any time High VGA resolution 1920x1440 |
DDC2B compatible Optional standard 19 inch rack mounting accessories Supports optional multimedia module for microphones and stereo speakers Extra features for On-Screen Display model - KNV104D: Assign computers with unique and meaningful names Identify and select computers by the names Programmable scan filters unused computers Store system settings and name entries to non-volatile memory Password security locks computer from unauthorized access Gain complete control with easy-to-use OSD interface
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We received the KNV104D model, which has an on-screen display built-in. This means that the user can switch between computers (and even name them to your liking) using an easy to use on-screen menu. This could become very handy if you've got a lot of computers, but, in my mind, is a little unnecessary for only 4 computers. E&J also has a KNV104 (without the "D") model, which doesn't have this feature and can save you some bucks if you feel that you don't need it.
One of the first notable features of the KNV104D is its ability to use both serial and PS/2 mice. This might not seem like much, but it's actually quite complex since it has to have the circuitry to convert back and forth between serial and PS/2 mouse signals (or else you're stuck with having to connect using either serial or PS/2 on all your computers).
Another notable feature is its ability to display at resolutions as high as 1920x1440, which is far greater than most people would ever think of running their displays. As running at such high resolutions requires very high-quality circuitry and cables that carry virtually no interference, it'll be interesting to see if this holds true.
I initially thought that setting up the KNV104D would be a cinch, since the procedure is quite similar to my Belkin OmniView SE that I've had for quite some time now-I was quite disappointed to witness some annoying snags, though. The cables were well-labeled and it shouldn't have taken long to plug everything in, except for the fact that they were way too short. From my measurements, the cables that E&J had included in my package were only about 4 feet long; perfect if all your computers are sitting side-by-side, but very annoying if they're spread out around my room like how my computers are set. Eventually, I had to pull my computers closer to the switch to get everything set up.
I asked E&J about these cables, and they said that they did have longer cables available (some as long as 33m!), but from my experience with the installation process, my thoughts towards the KNV104D has already been soured.
Once all the cables were plugged in, it was just a matter of turning on the computers and switching to the one that I wanted to use. Using the device is very easy, as all one needs to do is press the corresponding button to whichever computer you wish to switch to at the front of the unit. I like this a lot since this allows instant access without having to waste time cycling through all the computers with only 1 button like with the Belkin OmniView SE.
Another way of switching between the computers is, of course, with the on-screen display feature of the KNV104D. With only two or three presses of the CTRL key on the keyboard, the on-screen display shows up and then the user just has to press the number button on their computer that corresponds with their computer. The menu also allows the user to name their computers so to avoid confusion between multiple computers. This is a nice feature, but it's quite excessive for a unit that supports only 4 computers--it would be useful for more than 8 computers.
All in all, the unit's usability is very good; the quality, however, is another story.
It is worth a mention that the unit produced some noticeable ghosting on the display even at resolutions of only 1152x864 @ 75Hz; the ghosting did mostly disappear at resolutions below 800x600, however. Nevertheless, this was quite a ways away from the claimed 1920x1440 and is not acceptable at all. After some extensive testing, I realized that most of the ghosting was not actually caused by the KNV104D unit itself, but by the included cables since when I used Belkin's cables, most of the ghosting (not all of it, unfortunately) disappeared.
Some people just don't need to get 4 monitors, 4 keyboards and 4 mice for their 4 computers; that's why we have KVM switches like the 4-port E&J International KNV104D. Although weighing in at a hefty $250 USD, which is about average in terms of prices for a 4-port KVM switch, the KNV104D can not only save its user money from having to buy 4 monitors, keyboards and mice, but also the energy that's required to run around and manage 4 computers. The KNV104D also has a very handy on-screen display that works really well, but the feature can be a little excessive since most people would (or should) be able to remember the positions of only 4 computers.
Despite all the neat features, the device wasn't perfect. First of all, although E&J International does have longer versions available, the included cables that I received were way too short and caused some installation headaches. Plus, the video quality was not up to par with the specifications and did show some considerable ghosting during my testing. This is quite discouraging, however, but can be improved upon if one uses better cables than those that E&J makes.
In conclusion, E&J International has a nice product with some useful features, but the quality of their product needs to be seriously improved upon.
Pros
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