Belkin F1DS104U 4-Port Omniview USB KVM Switch Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the Belkin F1DS104U because I have a desktop and a laptop I wanted to control with a single console setup (keyboard, trackball, and monitor). I use a USB keyboard and trackball so I thought this product would be perfect for me, and it gave me the expandability to add another system (laptop) from work.
This product is billed as a KVM for the SOHO, and most home users these days have multimedia keyboards. However, this product DOES NOT support the multimedia functions of keyboards WHEN attached to the KVM per Belkin's manual. The KVM has USB ports specifically set aside and labeled for the keyboard and the mouse (or trackball). Because the firmware for the product allows hotkey switching between system, Belkin set up the product so that the hotkeys were only recognized through the "keyboard" labeled port. However, with the keyboard connected to this "keyboard" port, none of the multimedia keys work (yes, even with proper drivers installed). Two unique keyboards were tried without success.
The KVM does have two additional USB ports for peripherals. On a whim, I attempted to connect the multimedia keyboard to one of these ports and (tada) full multimedia functionality (at the loss of one of the available peripheral USB ports and hotkey switching). This issue is undocumented in the Belkin manual and Belkin site to this day.
A separate and just as aggravating issue is the inability of the KVM to deal with NOT having a mouse (or trackball) connected to it. I connect my trackball through my keyboard (it has a two port USB hub) to reduce cable clutter. If the KVM does not have a mouse connected to it, it emits a piercing "beep" at regular intervals. My quick fix? I connect an extra mouse I had in my spare parts bin to the KVM and dropped it behind my desk out of sight. The surrogate mouse sits idle and appears to alleviate the issue, but it does show up on both of my systems' hardware config. Luckily, I have not run into any conflicts with two mouse input devices.
A 45 minute call to Belkin's customer service back in June '02 yielded no solutions to my problems (I discovered the workarounds on my own through a couples hours of trial and error). The tech took my contact information and promised to call me back in the next couple of days ... I'm still waiting for that call (it's December).
I thought the product idea was a great concept ... Belkin just dropped the ball miserably in the execution and support.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin F1DS104U 4-Port Omniview USB KVM Switch

Get 43% OFF

Click here for more information about Belkin F1DS104U 4-Port Omniview USB KVM Switch

Read More...

Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser - Keyboard, keypad - wireless - Bluetooth - mouse - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR USB adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the first bluetooth system I've ever used, and I couldn't be more satisfied. Installing it could have been easier, (reflected in the ease of use rating) but once it was done I never looked back.
The only glitch for me was getting used to the need to wake the peices up after being away from the computer for a while. Now it's just routine to hit a key on the keyboard and media pad and move the mouse as soon as I get close.
I've had the system for two years now and have had none of the problems mentioned by the other posters. I even take all three peices with me in my laptop bag when I travel between my three offices and I have never experienced a problem. The ergonomics of the keyboard, the quiet short stroke keys and media control are great.
I'm typically at the computer about eight hours a day and yes the media pad goes through batteries the fastest but the 2650 mAh rechargables last three to five weeks on a charge. The keyboard will go for two months on a fully charged set of batteries and the rechargable mouse will usually go about five days.
Like I said in the title the only thing I wish it would do is glow in the dark. I typically work with the lights off and the thinline white letters on the keys are tough to see when I look down from the bright screen.
I liked it so much I bought my wife a Logitech blutooth mouse and keyboard for her desktop. It's not a diNovo but she loves it just like I do mine

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser - Keyboard, keypad - wireless - Bluetooth - mouse - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR USB adapter

Click here for more information about Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser - Keyboard, keypad - wireless - Bluetooth - mouse - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR USB adapter

Read More...

Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a software developer, I am literally attached to my keyboard. On a typical day, I'll spend anywhere between 5-8 hours typing, so it's of critical importance that the keyboard I use is comfortable. As most programmers and typists can attest, the Microsoft Ergo series of keyboards is the best keyboard for prolonged use.
Having used the Ergo keyboards in some form or another for the past 4 years (most recently, the Wireless Elite set), I must say that this keyboard is a step above.
To begin with, the construction is very solid. There is far less flex in the plastic and the keyboard as a whole compared to my Wireless Elite. The wrist pad is made of a nicely textured faux leather material with a tiny bit of padding. It feels rather durable (not to mention comfortable). It's a good addition as one of my main gripes with the MS ergo keyboards was that it was hard to fit one of those gel wrist rests around the curved base of the keyboard.
Compared to previous MS keyboards that I've owned, the keys on this keyboard are very well damped in terms of the sound the produce. It's very muted, even with my hard strokes. One thing that will take some adjusting to is the increased curvature (along two different planes) between where your pinky and index fingers rest (A,F and J,;). Whereas the older keyboards have a relatively flat incline, this keyboard has a slight curve (concave). In addition, there is also a very subtle curve across the keyboard as well (a horizontal curvature), which seems a more natural fit for the shape of hands. Also of note is the fact that some of the keys have changed shape. Whereas previously, MS had kept the striking surface consistent across the different keys (even at the edge), this keyboard has several keys along the ridge that have different striking surfaces.
Interestingly, this keyboard also features the return of the front riser (available on the older versions of the MS ergo keyboards). Actually, in recent months, I've been doing exactly this, but with my own ad hoc methods :) This is a much better solution. The riser is easily removable for those that prefer the standard configurations.
Note that this keyboard is *USB only*, which means that it may be incompatible with some older motherboards. Not a problem for me as I'm using it with a newer laptop. The keyboard does come with software for the programmable keys and extra functions, but it's plug and play right out of the box with WinXP.
I also appreciate the new forward and back buttons for use with web browsing (work with no drivers). The zoom slider in the middle of the keyboard, however, seems inapproriately used. It would have been much more useful as a scroll slider instead.
Sizewise, it takes up slightly more surface space than my wireless elite, but is much, much thinner.
My only complaints are that the space key is a little bit stiff out of the box (maybe it'll loosen up a bit after usage), the distance from Ctrl to the number keys seems to have increased a bit (on the scale of millimeters, this is important for those of us hitting Ctrl+F5 quite often ;-), the Delete key is now the same size as the other keys in the cluster (which some people may prefer, but I need to adjust to due to the extra large delete key on the Wireless Elite set), the Enter key is slightly smaller (by 3-5mm), and the key response is not as "soft" as say the ones I recently sampled on the MS bluetooth keyboard, but still very comfortable.
Overall, a very high quality keyboard. If you can wait, there is sure to be a wireless version coming soon. But anyone that spends a significant amount of type working with computers will be able to appreciate the new layout after 1-2 days of adjustment to the new curvature. I'm very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend this keyboard to my fellow programmers :)
UPDATE: In the past few days, I've had an inquiry into whether I'm still satisfied with the keyboard. The answer is a big, bold *YES*. As I was telling a colleague, this keyboard simply rocks. I can type hours on end without pain. My "seat of the pants" impression is that I also type _faster_ with this keyboard. As I pointed out above, I think that most people will have to go through a period of adjustment to really feel comfortable and fall in love with this keyboard, even if you're coming from a previous Microsoft Ergo series keyboard.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000

Microsoft B2M-00012 - Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000

Read More...

IOGEAR 2-Port DVI KVMP Switch with Audio and Cables (GCS1762) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product would have been the answer to all of my problems if it weren't for a few fatal flaws;
1) It does not support 'multifunction' keyboards...their technical support informed me this includes any keyboards that include volume control, internet buttons, etc. You know, the kind that come with most modern PCs sold today. I don't use those buttons and keyboards are cheap - I'd be willing to just buy a new one except:
2) Mice with wheel buttons are not supported (according to their tech support, this also constitutes a 'multifunction' device)...so if you are a gamer (or just like the wheel button), prepare to replace your gaming mouse with a plain vanilla 2-button mouse.
3) Their tech support is pretty awful; They seem to have a checklist of devices that are unsupported (despite being pretty standard with most PCs on the market today), and seem more interested in finding a reason why your configuration is unsupported (thus ending the call) than actually working with you. My mouse was working on both PCs but was just a little choppy on one, but once the support person latched onto the fact that it had a wheel, they were unwilling to waste another second talking about what might be causing the problem and if anything at all could be done to fix it.
It's too bad, it's even a slick looking little device. I give it two stars because it does indeed switch back and forth between the two monitors.

Click Here to see more reviews about: IOGEAR 2-Port DVI KVMP Switch with Audio and Cables (GCS1762)

Get 49% OFF

Click here for more information about IOGEAR 2-Port DVI KVMP Switch with Audio and Cables (GCS1762)

Read More...

Superior Loftek Rii Touch N7 Mini Wireless Keyboard 2.4 Ghz Super Long Range (30m Max) Removable Battery Htpc Ipad with Connection Kits Full Qwerty Keyboard Adjustable Dpi Touchpad for Pc, Apple, Xbox360, Ps3 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I finally found a mini keyboard that I can recommend without hesitation! First of all, I hate having to install any extra weird drivers or software on my computer, and with the Loftek N7, I simply plugged in the little USB receiver and it was immediately recognized by my computer, which is running Windows 7.

I was looking for a keyboard to use with my HTPC system, and liked the idea of having something handheld instead of a full-sized keyboard. The keys are situated on either side of the touchpad which makes typing easy and fast, considering its small size.
Physically, The feel of the keys is nice, they are not super hard and have something like a rubbery finish that is quiet and feel solid. The size and weight are the same as a remote control, so its easy to move around with you, and even with the small size, there are keys for different shortcuts and controlling the media center. The numeric keypad is across the top of the keyboard, just like on laptop keyboards. and the left and right mouse buttons are below the touchpad, on either side of the internet shortcut button.

Another good feature for HTPC users is that the N7 uses a wireless connection rather than Bluetooth, so you can be a relatively long distance away from the PC, and it doesn't need to have line of site, which I needed for my setup because the computer is under my desk. According to the manual, the range is 30 meters - I haven't tested that far; I use it in my living room without any problems. Right now I'm about 10 or 15 feet away from my TV, and the response from the keys and touchpad is perfect.
I can find no flaws with this keyboard, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-made, convenient small-sized wireless keyboard.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Superior Loftek Rii Touch N7 Mini Wireless Keyboard 2.4 Ghz Super Long Range (30m Max) Removable Battery Htpc Ipad with Connection Kits Full Qwerty Keyboard Adjustable Dpi Touchpad for Pc, Apple, Xbox360, Ps3

Click here for more information about Superior Loftek Rii Touch N7 Mini Wireless Keyboard 2.4 Ghz Super Long Range (30m Max) Removable Battery Htpc Ipad with Connection Kits Full Qwerty Keyboard Adjustable Dpi Touchpad for Pc, Apple, Xbox360, Ps3

Read More...

iHome 5 Button Programmable Wireless Laser Mouse (Grey) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought one of these about half a year ago for a laptop that I would be using for school. I have put it through some good use, and I absolutely love it. The RF dongle is very small, a nano-receiver and you can hardly see it when it is plugged in. The mouse itself uses a single AA battery, which is nice because I never seem to have AAA on hand when I need a replacement. The mouse seems to actually last 4-5 months with the single battery, which is pretty good. The mouse starts to get an intermittent signal about 7 feet away, but that's not an issue since I keep it right next to my laptop.
The forward/back buttons I hardly use when navigating web pages, but they came in useful when I play counter-strike. The laser picks up good enough for playing an FPS, of course it doesn't compare to a wired laser mouse but this works fine. I haven't had any problems with the mouse itself and I am happy with it.
I just ordered a new one, because the nano-receiver has started to crack. I carry my laptop with me to school and I pull out the nano-receiver when I put it in my bag, I guess it was too much stress for the plastic. My first one cost 20 bucks, and I see they have gone up in price since then. Fortunately there is a single third-party seller that offers them at the original (and much more fair) price and I got one from them. As long as they make these I will probably keep buying them whenever one gives out. I love the design of the mouse, it's simple, stylish, and works. Though the receiver could be made a little tougher.

Click Here to see more reviews about: iHome 5 Button Programmable Wireless Laser Mouse (Grey)

Click here for more information about iHome 5 Button Programmable Wireless Laser Mouse (Grey)

Read More...

Logitech LX3 Optical Mouse - Mouse - optical - wired - PS/2, USB - black, charcoal Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Logitech LX3 Optical Mouse is a huge improvement over my computer's original equipment mouse. I should have upgraded years ago. The LX3 gives you complete control over how your mouse operates. Not only can you choose the functions of each button but you can adjust the speed of those functions. I like the Smart Move feature which allows you to work faster by reducing the need to move the mouse yourself. The ability to scroll left and right is also a plus. The accuracy of the LX3 makes editing photos quick and easy. By using the included USB to PS/2 adapter you can connect the mouse without blocking a USB port, thus leaving one more of those precious few USB ports available for other devices. The sides of the LX3 have a soft grip feel which adds to the overall comfort of the mouse in your hand. Visually, the LX3 has a classy, sleek, and sporty look with great style. Any computer I own in the future will definitely be upgraded with a Logitech mouse.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech LX3 Optical Mouse - Mouse - optical - wired - PS/2, USB - black, charcoal

The Logitech V150 Laser Mouse for Notebooks works wherever your work, with precision laser tracking and an ultra-portable shape.

Maximize your productivity, where ever you use your notebook PC—at your desk, on the road, or even in the conference room down the hall. Ultra-compact design makes it convenient to carry, and the contoured sides provide support for hours of work.

Click here for more information about Logitech LX3 Optical Mouse - Mouse - optical - wired - PS/2, USB - black, charcoal

Read More...