IOGEAR GUB211W6 2-Port USB 2.0 Printer Auto Sharing Switch IOGEAR GUB211W6 2-Port USB 2.0 Printer Auto Sharing Switch

Pros: This switch works very well! I was having a problem printing from my second computer using printer sharing through the Homegroup option in Windows 7 ( 64 bit, Home version ). The directions are simple and easy. I followed them and everything worked perfectly, right out of the box.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: Be aware that the computers must be near each other ( in the same room, pretty much ) or an extra long usb printer cable must be added.

Pros: It's going to be really useful. The technician that helped me did a good job. Online help is good.

Cons: Doesn't install easily. Got it set up once, then went to bed and next morning it would not switch. Finally had to uninstall my printer on both computers, reboot both and download latest software from IOGear website. Then I re-installed the IOGear S/W and rebooted both puters. Works now. Technicians only available from 8 a.m. 'til 5:30 p.m., weekdays.

Other Thoughts: Didn't think it was going to be this difficult.

Manufacturer Response:

Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for your experience. To better service you and understand your set up, please feel to contact our customer support at 1-866-946-4327 or email us: support@iogear.com. The type of problem you are describing is usually related to the print driver and not the switch. If the print driver is installed correctly and the software for the GUB211W6 is installed on both computers it is usually an easy setup and installation. Technical support is available from 7:30am to 6:30PM Monday – Friday Pacific time. Thank you for choosing IOGEAR!

Pros: It would be great for Printer sharing.

Cons: Using it for other devices isn't the best idea. If it wasn't fully automated it would be better. I can't just click a button to do the switch. It has to be done through your OS. (and both computers need to have the iogear software installed.

Other Thoughts: It's disappointing that a good product can't work the way i need it to. WHY CANT I JUST HAVE MY BUTTON!?

Manufacturer Response:

Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for the inconvenience. IOGEAR makes a wide variety of switches to suite almost all needs. The GUB211W6 is software generated only for automatic switching. The GUB231 uses a mechanical switch as well as software for auto switching with the software. This way you have the option of using the switch with or without the software. Once again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.

Pros: Read it would allow me to share scanners, but to no avail, not for me. After repeated installs of drivers.

Cons: Searching for a use to see if it works as advertised. Can't make it work for what I bought it for. My mistake as with the restock and shipping, it's not worth the effort to return.

Other Thoughts: What's a worthy use for it? I've networked printers.

Manufacturer Response:

First, thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for your experience. The product should not behave as you described. Please contact our customer service at email: support@iogear.com and let us know in more detail on when and how you’re having this experience. We strive to ensure our customers are serviced with a properly working unit to exceed your satisfaction. Again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.

Pros: The unit didn't work so it's impossible to note any Pros.

Cons: This device has two printer input channels each with it's own light. On the unit I got, only one light lit. I could print with either printer through that port, but the other port remained dysfunctional.

Other Thoughts: I don't understand why everyone sings the praises of NewEgg. For instance, I got this defective thing and had to make an RMA. Then I had to go to the Post Office and pay the shipping. Now I have to wait for NewEgg to receive my RMA before they mail it to me. How is that stellar service? I would consider it good service if NewEgg were to mail the replacement rather than waiting.

Manufacturer Response:

Thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for the inconvenience. The problem you are describing is related to the software for the GUB211W6 installation. Only one LED will light at a time. If the software is not installed correctly on both computers only one side will work. The LED will only change when the second computer has control to print through the GUB211W6 software. To better service you and understand your set up, please feel to contact our customer support at 1-866-946-4327 or email us: support@iogear.com. Once again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.

Pros: compact, comes with the UCB cords

Cons: Difficult to install. Does not work. I have an XP 64bit and a Windows 7 PC. I couldn't get to to work. They don't have the driver for XP 64 bit. Don't waste time or money.

Manufacturer Response:

First, thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for your experience. Windows XP 64 Bit is not a supported operating system for the GUB211. Once again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.

Pros: Small, works well with OSX Snow Leoprad and below, also with Windows 7

Cons: Does not work with 10.7 (Lion) despite specifications listed on NewEgg. If it did I'd give it 5 stars as it worked great until I upgraded to Lion. In fairness to IOgear, their d/l page only lists support up to 10.6

Pros: Small, LED indicating which computer is assigned, works with an AIR card and a printer. Got it cheap from the EGG.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: I built a system for doing e-learning modules for work, used a Triplte unit for K/B, video and sound. Needed a bi-directional setup for printer and just for grins plugged in a usb bus and added the aircard (only internet access available out here in the sticks) . Both worked flawlessly for a few months (bandwidth?) So I ordered another for the card. Excellent product for my needs.

Pros: Allows easy USB printer switching between 2 computers. Works great with printer/scanner unit. Simple to use once you figure how it was designed to function. Very helpful support personnel. (See Cons)

Cons: Horrible instruction book. Desktop Icon appears not to function unless you are carefully watching toolbar for icon to appear. (Installation in Windows 7 places icon in the hidden folder). Instructions failure to provide information, i.e. Icon changes color, green = connected to printer, yellow printer connected to other computer, red other computer using printer.

Other Thoughts: Only a short wait to speak with or use chat support. Using a scanner ties up switch functions even after closing scanner program. Simple fix, Click Exit on menu and restart with desktop Icon. It is a good buy.

Pros: Shortly after writing that scathing review I remembered that there was a bit of software that was installed with the IOGEAR Printer Auto Sharing Switch. I right clicked on it and clicked on just about the only option available, "switch" and it started printing my documents. My heartfelt apologies IOGEAR. And yes I also saw the 3 year warrantee as well. My previous opinion of this product was based on ignorance and impatience. Please buy this Printer sharing devise from IOGEAR, it's a good one.

Cons: none