Question 1

Will this switch support the following scenario? Desktop PC currently setup with duel monitors (both monitors have two DVI-I ports).  I want to introduce a laptop with docking station to use the same monitors in "duel" mode and be able to switch back and forth between Desktop and laptop.  Given provided cabling, I would assume appropriate adapters would work (DVI to VGA, etc.) to make connections to box.

Accepted Answer

I think the switch will support what you want. The KVM switch uses VGA inputs and outputs, so the desktop and docking station must each have 2 VGA outputs (or outputs that with adapters can be converted to mate with VGA cables and supply VGA signals). I believe DVI-I and Display Port can be converted to VGA.

The KVM's 2 outputs to the monitor are also VGA, but I believe VGA can be converted to DVI-I (but not to DVI-D) so you should be able to connect your 2 monitors.

If I remember correctly, the KVM switch comes with the 8 custom cables required to connect 4 workstations to the switch (VGA connections on each end of the cables), but you need to supply the 2 VGA cables to connect the KVM switch to your monitors. In your case you will also need 2 VGA to DVI-I adapters.

Question 2

will this work with laptops?

Accepted Answer

Yes - I use it with Acer, Dell, IBM and MacBook laptops without a problem.  You need to make sure you can convert the output to VGA; I've used adapters for DVI-I (DVI-D won't work) and Displayport without problem.  I am using it right now with a Dell Laptop, a MacBook pro, and two Dell Desktop machines and it works great to drive dual 24" monitors.  Only thing to keep in mind is to ensure the system you are starting is selected on the KVM before starting the machine, otherwise your system may default to low resolution output because it cannot sense the monitor type.  I've had some occurences where my windows system will forget the monitor resolution if I'm switched over to my laptop for too long, and I have to right mouse-click on the desktop and have it re-detect the monitor type, but it's a minor annoyance.  Best thing is that I never touch the kvm at all, it's behind my desk everything is accessible via keyboard shortcuts.

Question 3

does this come with the cables?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it comes with 4 Audio/Video Cables and 4 USB/Video cables for connecting 4 computers to the switch. These provide the audio connections, USB connections for keyboard/mouse, and 2 VGA connections for each computer to connect to the switch. You will need your own VGA cables that connect your monitors to the switch.

Question 4

Is this unit rack mountable?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no. There are some assembly screws in the side panels that might aid in mounting to a custom rack but some work would be required.

Question 5

I have two laptops, one with Win 7 and the other Win 10. Would like to be able to flip from one to the other, using one keyboard and mouse, and have dual extended monitors working on both. Will this do that?

Accepted Answer

Yes I currently have a 2 windows 10 and 2 Windows 7 machines with 2 monitors.   Works very good.

Question 6

Will this KVM switch accommodate Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse?

Accepted Answer

I have not tried to connect via bluetooth. However, I am connected cordless. Given that the cordless device uses a usb fob, I can't imagine bluetooth not working.

Question 7

I am using this switch with one desktop and two laptops everything seems to be working fine except the switch will not recognize my printer. Are there any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

What USB port are you using, the one in the front or the one on the back?  I had more success with the front one.

Question 8

Hello,

So many KVM Switches and specs.... I am not sure if this model would be compatible for my needs.

I have four laptops that I would like to be able to connect to one mouse, keyboard, printer.

I am a software alpha/beta tester and have one Windows XP, two Windows 7 and one Windows 8 laptop.

If possible, I would like to be able to access the network from each laptop as well.

Can you recommend a basic model that would be compatible with all of the laptops and allow peripheral access?

Thanks so much for your assistance.

Janet

Accepted Answer

That's not the real use case for this unit.

This is designed for 4 desktop/server computers that each have 2 video cards to connect to a single (K)keyboard, (V)video, (M)mouse, sound & USB.

KVMs are not intended to manage network connections.  It is assumed that all machines connected to a KVM have their own persisted network connection and are on 24x7.

Question 9

Is there a version of this switch that supports HDMI or DVI-D as s destination outputs?

Accepted Answer

no, only VGA but, just use Two monitors and, if your only using one PC at that time, you could extend desktop.

Brand	IOGEAR
Model	GCS1744

Type	D-Sub, USB
PC Connectors	Monitor: USB/Video1: 4 x SPHD-15 Female, Audio/Video2: 4 x SPHD-15 Male Peripherals: 2 x USB Type A female
Console Connectors	Keyboard: 1 x USB Type A Female Mouse: 1 x USB Type A Female Monitor: 2 X HDB15 Female Audio: 1 x Earphone Jack Female, 1 x Microphone Jack Female Flash ROM Upgrade: 1 x RJ11 Socket
Computer Connections	4 Ports
Monitor Connections	2 Ports
Video Resolution	2048 x 1536
PC Selection	Push Buttons/Hot Keys

Power Features	DC5V, 1.25W
Features	One dual monitor console controls four dual monitor computers Additional VGA display channel provided for dual display of each computer Additional USB peripheral ports for the connected computers to share USB devices, such as printers, scanners, and portable hard drives, etc. Audio jacks provided for speaker and microphone sharing Independent switching of KVM, USB, and audio Easy to install - no software required - connecting cables is all it takes Easy to operate - computer selection via push button switches or hotkeys Auto Scan function to monitor computer operation Hotkey selection for OS and keyboard language LED display for easy status monitoring Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock, states are saved and restored when switching Hot pluggable – add or remove computers for easy maintenance Firmware upgradable Keyboard and mouse emulation for error free booting Supports multimedia USB keyboards Supports Mac & Sun keyboards Efficient, ergonomic design - logical connector layout

IOGEAR GCS1744 4-Port Dual View KVM Switch w/Audio and USB Peripheral Sharing

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Item#: N82E16817107454