Question 1

Will this item work without using the monitor connections? I need a KM switch only (no video). I want to use a single keyboard/mouse, but switch control between a desktop and a laptop - keeping the monitors separate.

(Some of the software-based solutions will not work because the computers are on two different networks.)

Accepted Answer

Works great, has better features that the old kvm switch I have.  
With the GCS72U, you do not have to have but one computer at a time on (the old one had to have main computer on to run the second one). I like the separate switch to swich from one computer to the other. I'm very satisfied with the Iogear GCS72U kvm switch. Oh yes I like that it switches the audio as well. Don't need two audio systems now. Love it.

Larry D

Question 2

Manufacturer product page states cables are 3 feet, but some references here to cables bein 6 feet.  How long are the cables?

Accepted Answer

The cables running to each computer are 3-feet long but, I can't remember how long the cable to the pushbutton was...it's been awhile ago now.

Question 3

If I am playing music from 1 computer and games on the other computer can I hear sound from both machines at the same time?

Accepted Answer

The output of the audio and video on this device is pending on what you have chosen

If "A" is selected on the push switch, then thats what will display w/sound
If "B" is selected on the push switch, then thats what will display w/sound

(2) Inputs Connections for (2) PCS 
--- Output (1) Connection To Monitor/Sound

Question 4

Would this support 1920x1080 resolution?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  I have a Dell ST2310 Analog (VGA) monitor attached to a Windows Pro XP and a Windows 7 Home Premium and screen resolution is set at 1920x1080. Both Work well with this KVM switch. I have had a number of other KVM switches and they have all failed with in a few months. This KVM switch has been in service for almost two years.

Question 5

Can anyone explain this behavior?  If I have one PC off, the other PC has to have at least one of the two usb plugs in it or else the video shuts off too.  I'm confused why it would need the usb plugs in to keep the video on since you can buy cheap vga only switches.  that don't need any type of power.  Any ideas?

Accepted Answer

Hi Matt P.  I have utilized these in different ways.

1)  In my office I have dual monitors.  I can have both monitors on and functional when I'm selecting my desktop computer.  When I select my laptop in it's cradle it comes live on the second monitor only and disables the main computer functionality on monitor one.  Both monitors show screens, one of the main computer and one of the laptop when selecting the laptop.  When selecting the laptop the mouse ony moves on and keyboard work on the 2nd monitor.  This setup requires a network card in your computer capable of operating dual monitors on a single monitor input.

2) At other sites I have set them up to have only one monitor but switch back and forth between two computers, both functionally on the keyboard/mouse and the single monitor when selected.

If you have one computer on and one off when you switch it you are going to a "dead" feed.  No input on one of them.

Have them both powered up and connected to the switch box when you switch back and forth.  If you have it cabled correctly you can switch between the two computers on a single monitor and use one keyboard/mouse to control both computers, one at a time depending on which you select.

I hope that helps.

Question 6

My keyboard & mouse are wireless from a usb port in the laptop.  How will this work with the switcher?  Can I plug into one usb port on the switcher? Not convenient to have to move the usb plug from laptop to tower & back or from one usb port to the other on the switcher.
JimB

Accepted Answer

I am using a wireless keyboard and mouse and I did plug the wireless sender into the hub so it will switch between computers.  The sender does reconnect each time it is switched so there is a little delay but, it works well for me.  I have had several KVM switches and so far this one is the best by far.

Question 7

Can I use this to connect my Windows 7 laptop to Macbook?

Accepted Answer

No. It is not for MACS
It also is not for connecting computer s together

Question 8

Will I be able to connect a new Mac mini and and old iBook g4 to one monitor with this? Will I need additional cables?

Accepted Answer

You would need the apple port to VGA adapters but otherwise this will work.  I actually use this KVM switch between a MacBook Pro and a Windows laptop.  Works great and I like having the actual switch rather than an odd keyboard command to switch.

Question 9

The cable is only long enough for one of my computers.  Is there an extension cable I can buy for the other PC to plug into the USB end of the switch?  I need 10-15 additional feet.

Accepted Answer

My computers are close to each other so I only used the cables that came with the IOGEAR and I don't know if there are any extension cables. I suggest you ask tech support at IOGEAR.

Question 10

Does this exact thing come with DVI ?

Accepted Answer

You can adapt.  Runs best with newer systems.  XP systems are hit and miss.  Don't know if they make these with DVI in out.

Questions & Answers