Monitor switch? Belkin said it best "Two computers. One Monitor. No Problem." The idea of the monitor switch is not new, they've been around for ages. But for those of us living in small spaces, the idea of sharing our monitor is not only cost efficient, but a good space saving device.
Belkin's Flip allows you to share one monitor, mouse, and keyboard between multiple computers. With the simple click of a remote that sits on your desk, you can switch between your desktop and laptop effortlessly.
There are several models of this device, including a version with a wireless remote. But, before you get excited about wireless, the wired, USB version includes audio capabilities. This not only means that you could share your speaker system between computers, but leaves fewer cables at the back of your computer to deal with. So, the wires aren't completely eliminated, but at least they are off of your desk.
Does anyone have this already? It's gotten lukewarm reviews on Amazon. It seems to be hit or miss. I've found Belkin quality to be mediocre usually, but the design of other KVMs usually is not a feature. I'd love to hear if anyone recommends this or has another switch they like better.
view ap's profile
I have owned this for about 6 months now. I connect my MacBook and old Dell box to my mouse, keyboard, speakers and monitor. Overall I'm satisfied.
There is a ~3 second pause between the time the monitor/speakers change and the mouse/keyboard change which if you switch regularly would be annoying. I actually reverted to using a virtual network connection (VNC/remote desktop) to see and control the Dell display from within the Mac when I was going back more than 3x an hour. Now I'm down to fewer than one look at the PC box a day so the flip is a very satisfying way to smack and switch.
About 3x in the last 6 months it has gone flaky and would not switch displays, the monitor would just sit with no signal. Each time unplugging and replugging fixed the problem, but in the meantime I was fuming.
If you are only looking to use the same keyboard and mouse with separate displays you can use synergy an open software solution to unite the two.
view Laurie's profile
I work from home and spend many hours flipping back and forth between two PC's. The Belkin KVM switch is horrible; I bought two and had to return both because they simply did not work well. TRENDnet makes a much more reliable switch for a third of the cost. I've had mine for 6 months and it has never given me any problems. Check out PriceGrabbers: http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__TRENDnet_2_Port_KVM_Switch_USB,__18128681/search=tk207k/
view jtay's profile