Question 1

I bought a model that came without the custom Audio/Video and USB/Video cables. I am not planning on using audio . . . can I get away with just purchasing two USB/Video cables, or do I need the two Audio/Video cables as well for the second video signal?

Accepted Answer

You don't need the Audio/Video cables if you're not connecting audio.  I couldn't use one of the cables because one of the video ports on the docking station I have wasn't compatible with it.

Question 2

will this allow me to extend my screens using 2 Latops instead of 2 desktops my Laptops have single VGA outputs?

Accepted Answer

I don't really understand your question, but this allows you to switch one monitor and keyboard/mouse from one computer to another.  That could be a laptop or tower.

Question 3

Will this work with 2 pc laptops that both have dual monitors?

Accepted Answer

Not sure if this will fully answer your question but I have a setup where I have dual monitors shared between two PC's. I don't think 4 displays would fit on this configuration.

Question 4

Can I use a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard with this switch?

Accepted Answer

I have not tried a Bluetooth,  but would think it should work.  My only experience with this unit is with wired mouse and keyboard.  Sorry...

Question 5

I have a dual screen set up on my computer and need another computer with added video capacity.  Will this allow the screens to be served by both computers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is what we were using it for. We had two users who shared a desk on different days but had different job functions and different machines, neither wanted to switch profiles. We did have to directly input on one of the monitors through different inputs so make sure you have the correct cabling options.

Question 6

What is included in the package contents of the IOGEAR GCS1742 KVM switch?

Accepted Answer

The package includes 1 x GCS1742 USB KVM Switch, 1 x Power adapter, 2 x Custom audio/video cables (6 ft long), 2 x Custom USB/video cables (6 ft long), 1 x Firmware upgrade cable, and 1 x User Manual.

Question 7

What is the maximum video resolution supported by the IOGEAR GCS1742 KVM switch?

Accepted Answer

The maximum video resolution supported by the IOGEAR GCS1742 KVM switch is 2048 x 1536.

Question 8

Hello, I'm looking for a way to share 2 monitors with 2 computers (one laptop in a docking station and one PC). The intention is to be able to switch between them without having to change the monitor connections. The 2 monitors are being connected one using DVI and the other using VGA.

Same thing would apply to a keyboard and a mouse (both USB).

Would this product solve that situation?

Accepted Answer

I have an IOGear KVM switch. Unfortunately I can't add a link to it.

At work I have dual monitors on a desktop machine.  I connected this KVM switch such that I can use one keyboard mouse for that desktop AND a laptop in a crade.  When I switch to my laptop it is only active on one monitor and the other monitor still shows the desktop's screen.  When I switch to the desktop it is active on both screens and you don't see the laptop.  Perhaps I could switch my laptop to display on both monitors but I like having both visible when I'm on my laptop.  That way I can have something on my desktop, switch to my laptop, and still see the desktop while working on the laptop.  That's great when you want to compare something on two computers.

Questions & Answers