Pros: came with cables

Cons: hot key switched failed after 2nd month, usb failed after 4 months

Other Thoughts: poor design with cable front and back. blinking light not explained in user manual (as far as I could find)

Pros: Great price because some KVM switches can be expensive. I was able to attach DVI-D cables and I was able to attach one DVI-D to HDMI without problems. Keyboard and mouse also work.

Cons: The 3.5mm audio is bundled into the DVI-I for input but separate for output which caused problems for me. For input, you have to use their cables which are way to short (4ft). The layout is also odd where outputs are in the front. The unit is also too light and will move around a lot.

For those looking to do audio, I would suggest another box for simplicity. Also, you can't do surround sound over one 3.5mm with this KVM switch while using audio enhancing software.

Pros: fast switching via button

Cons: keyboard shortcuts wouldn't work on my unit at all and neither would the software included with the unit - it didn't recognize any KVM was plugged in either on my Windows desktop or new macbook pro. Mouse hover events were also not registered on my macbook pro - not a big deal, but annoying none the less.

I contacted their customer support with the above issues and their response was:

"Unfortunately, we no longer support the software provided with the SV211KDVI. The online manual has been updated to reflect this change. However, keyboard shortcuts are still supported. You can find instructions on how to use them in the manual which can be found here"

With a link to documentation that I told them I had already looked at in my initial email.

I promptly RMA'd the device and will never recommend anyone buy startech.

Other Thoughts: I got the device setup properly using my two computers. I could switch between the two using the button on the front, but the keyboard shortcuts did nothing.

Pros: When working was fast.

Cons: See below

Other Thoughts: Product ran great until the USB ports went out! Got a hold of the company, they ran me through a bunch of hoops (weeks). How they want me to box it up and send it to them. What the neck! I’ve never had to return a product this way. Most companies send you a box with return postage or other will send you a replacement product first and worry about your broken item later. The bottom line StarTech’s custom service and return procedures are the worst I’ve ever seen! I will never purchase one of their products again!!!!

Pros: If it was working I'd might be able to come up with some pros, but it hasn't functioned properly since I attached it.

Cons: It doesn't switch. It recognizes my monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but will not let me switch to my other computer.

Other Thoughts: The software disc was not in the package. I called the company and was directed to a link to download the driver. Even after I installed it, the software doesn't see the KVM switcher. It basically doesn't work.

Pros: - Worked well when it first got installed.

Cons: - DVI output port 2 died 3 months later.
- DVI output port 1 died 2 months after that.
- Continuously flashing mode light is extremely bright - bright enough that I wrapped it in electrical tape to hide it. It lights up the entire case of the device, making the whole unit flash.

Other Thoughts: I'd never buy another one of these. I wouldn't complain so loudly if it was just one port that died - anything can have a problem at some point - but the second port dying shortly after? There's obviously a design flaw here.

Let's hope the warranty replacement unit has that flaw fixed (unlikely, but I can hope).

Pros: Functions worked great for me between a Win7 Pc and a XP PC. no issues at all

Cons: Port layout is a bit silly.

Pros: Nice video quality. Compact.

Cons: Worked for a while, but now xp taking forever to boot. Weird. Seems to be usb keyboard and mouse causing problems.

Other Thoughts: May have to spend serious money to get the reliablility I need.

Pros: Video quality is supurb. Actually handles high resolution digital video signals (something my IO Gear and Belkin KVM's struggle with).

Cons: Cable design is utterly stupid. Worst design imaginable!
1. Audio signals are built into the DVI connector at the KVM. (They are split out at the computer end). So, you can't use generic DVI cables if you want to be able to switch the audio with the video. You must use their cables!
2. Cables are only 4 feet long. Not long enough for my setup...
3. Cables are DVI-I. This is the most stupid thing I've ever seen. My Dell laptop (E6400) and Dell docking station are DVI-D only. They don't support DVI-I cables, so I can't plug in the REQUIRED star-tech cables into my Dell E-port docking station. The cables physically don't fit because of the 4 extra pins included on a DVI-I cable. If you want to see more about what I'm referring to, please go here:

http://www.interfacebus.com/Design_Connector_Digital_Visual_Interface_DVI_Bus.html

I'm going to have to buy an adapter to use the required startech cables with my Dell E-Port docking station.

Other Thoughts: If you don't want to switch audio, then you can use whatever length cables you want and you should be good to go. Video is superb, so it would get 5 eggs. However, the horrific cable design that's not compatible with most DVI connectors from the major guys (Dell, HP, etc.) docks it 2 eggs. Here's the adapter that's required if you need to convert DVI-I to DVI-D.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812214016

Pros: Well, I can't see any info on the length of the cables. I'll check back if any one knows anything about the cable lengths.

Cons: Why can't they just list how long the cables are?

Other Thoughts: Cables. Length. Now.