StarTech GC46FM Replacement USB to PS/2 Mouse Adapter

Pros: This is a followup to my other review regarding users thinking that a passive rewiring adapater will convert their USB-only device into supporting PS/2.

Cons: The price of active USB-to-PS/2 adapters needed to get USB-only devices to support PS/2 ports is quite high.

Other Thoughts: For those trying to use a passive USB-to-PS/2 adapter with a USB-only designed device, see:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200976

"Newer USB keyboards and mice cannot simply use simple adapters to connect to PS/2 ports, as the signal is of a different nature, so active conversion is required for full functionality."

Pros: This works *if* you use it as advertised: as a *replacement* adapter for a mouse that supports *both* USB and PS/2 connections. It won't magically convert a USB-only mouse to support a PS/2 port. This is a REPLACEMENT adapter for the one that originally came bundled with the USB+PS/2 mouse.

Cons: This makes the connection stick out quite a ways out behind the computer case: from PS/2 port, adapter length, and length of connector end of mouse cable and cable bend. Twould be nice if they made one with a shorty cable between the female USB connector and the PS/2 male connector. Pushing your case towards the wall could be you damage the PS/2 port on your mobo as the adapter gets smacked against the wall.

Other Thoughts: USB-only keyboards won't work with this adapter. They weren't designed to support PS/2. This is a REPLACEMENT adapter if you lose the one that comes with a USB+PS/2 keyboard.

If you lose the USB-to-PS/2 adapter that came with your USB+PS/2 mouse (you went with USB, stowed the adapter, and later decide to go back to PS/2) then this works. If you have a USB-only mouse (quite common these days), this is just a passive rewiring adapter and won't convert your USB-only mouse to magically support PS/2.

Pros: cheap?

Cons: doesn't work, do not waste your money

Other Thoughts: forgot to review this... bought it 06/16/2009
wish I could give it zero eggs

Pros: Both ends fit their respective male/female counterpart; one egg for that.

Cons: Couldn't get it to work as a spot to plug in my USB mouse; even checked that PS/2 was enabled in BIOS. Wouldn't work as a general USB port either although I don't know if it's supposed to be capable of that. Useless.

Other Thoughts: Bought it directly from StarTech so Newegg's off the hook there, but exact same product either way.