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KeyMander Nexus Gaming KVM connects your PC to Xbox, Switch and PS4
Use it to play all of your Xbox, Switch and PS4 games with a keyboard and mouse.
Matias One: hammer out an iPhone masterpiece on the best keyboard of the '90s
Between touch-screens and rubber-backed keyboards, we're getting further away from the tactile, mechanical keyboards we grew up with -- except for gamers, who have embraced mechanical keyboards for the improved response times and, of course, the great noise they make. Canadian peripherals maker Matias is adding to its line of Apple Extended Keyboard-inspired typing-decks with the Tactile One: with Bluetooth iPhone control. Imagine how fast (and how noisily) you'd be able to hammer out a text message on one of these things, because it's all we can do right now. A Mac / PC edition will be available in April for $200 and you can pre-order it from the store right now. There's PR after the break, if you really need some clicky-clacky convincing.
j5create makes new Wormholes to cross the device divide, share things
j5create has updated its range of foolproof cross-device sharing accessories (prior model shown above) that bridge the gap between Mac, PC and even Android tablets through USB. The Wormhole Keyboard/MouseSwitch JUC 200 ($30) does what it says it will, sharing peripherals between devices, with the extra ability of drag-and-drop file transfer between PCs and Android devices. Meanwhile, the JUC 400 model ($40) allows your PC and Mac to hold hands in the same way, as well as link your PC to iPads for file storage and transfer. Finally, there's the Wormhole Station JUH 320v2 ($130), which is somehow already winning plaudits from the future. The CES 2012 Innovations Award honoree is a docking extension with Ethernet, audio and USB 3.0 connections and PC to Mac compatibility. Take a jump through the PR button to get the full explanation.
RealVNC demos BIOS-based server at IDF 2011 (video)
VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is one of the of oldest remote desktop solutions around, and while its RFB (remote framebuffer) protocol can require a little more bandwidth than the competition, it's long been praised for its broad cross-platform support and elegant simplicity. Last year, RealVNC teamed up with Intel to incorporate a bona fide VNC server (using hardware encryption native to vPro chipsets) into the oldest bit of PC firmware -- the BIOS. As such, you can securely control a remote computer's BIOS, mount a disk image, and install an OS from the comfort of your living room halfway across the globe. The future is now -- you're welcome. Take a look at RealVNC's IDF 2011 demo in the gallery below and our hand-on video after the break. %Gallery-134215% Dante Cesa contributed to this report.
Microsoft's Mouse Without Borders: the KVM that killed the KVM (video)
Until now, running multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse has tended to require KVMs or wormholes, but Microsoft developer Truong Do has a better idea. Working at Microsoft's Garage -- Redmond's after-hours pet project program -- he built Mouse Without Borders: software that lets you control computers on the same wireless network with one set of inputs as if it was one machine with a multiple display. Up to four systems can be tied together and the software also provides for seamless drag-and-drop file transfer. Microsoft is releasing it free of charge at the source link, plus you can see Truong Do talking up his creation after the break.
j5 Creates a Wormhole, enables keyboard and mouse sharing with just one cable
There are already plenty of keyboard and mouse sharing solutions out there, but alas, most are not foolproof nor affordable enough for the average Joe. As such, we fell in love with j5 Create's Wormhole KM Switch and Wormhole Station at Computex. The former, pictured above, is simply a cable sporting a USB dongle on each end; whereas the latter is an aluminum, externally powered expansion dock rod that comes with an intergrated KM switch, two USB 3.0 ports (which requires a USB 3.0 host for full potential, of course), a power button at the end, and card readers for microSD, SD, and MemoryStick. After the one-click setup using the built-in installer, you can set your preferred method to toggle the keyboard and mouse switching: either by clicking the middle mouse button, by clicking a user-defined hot area on the screen, or by simply moving the cursor off one side of the screen. As you'll see in our hands-on video after the break, the switching was seamless, and we had no problem with drag-and-drop or copy-and-paste across the two PCs. If either the Wormhole KM Switch or the Wormhole Station sounds like your kind of gadget, then keep an eye out for them at Fry's soon for $29.99 (about $10 cheaper than IOGEAR's USB Laptop KVM Switch) and $129, respectively. Additionally, there'll also be a Mac-compatible KM Switch available next month for $39.99. Update: We're certainly aware of the free, cross-platform Synergy software solution, but it's not ideal for those who are less tech-savvy, plus it doesn't handle drag-and-drop across computers. %Gallery-125233%
j5 Create's device / data sharing peripherals leave us cautiously optimistic
We're dying to find out more about j5 Create's line of attractive and ambitious peripherals, but we're not entirely sure they actually exist. The company's website features six different data and device sharing products -- the JUC100 Wormhole KM Switch offers keyboard and mouse functionality across two devices; the JUA230 DVI Display Adapter connects up to six monitors with three different display modes; and the JUH320 Wormhole Station brings together shared keyboard and mouse access with two USB 3.0 ports and a memory card reader. j5's website promises stylish connectivity, featuring sleek product renderings and a flash presentation that provides, ahem, inspirational insight -- swans, flutes, ballerinas -- but no talk of finished products, price, or availability. Additionally, we haven't found any of these devices for sale online, despite the fact that the brand's parent company, KaiJet, is an established manufacturer of peripherals in Taiwan. So, yes, there's a chance that someone out there is hooked up to a Wormhole Station right now, but we wouldn't bet our diamond-encrusted iPhone on it.
Xi3's Z3RO terminal connects with Modular Computer, kills the need for another PC
We've always thought that Xi3's Modular Computer was a downright brilliant design, but up until now, we've had no real understanding of how it would be exploited. Here at CES, the company has answered that very question, and answered it well. The new Z3RO is little more than a dumb terminal, but if you're considering a second household PC for the most mundane of tasks, it just might be the solution you're looking for. You'll need one of the firm's Modular Computers to start, and from there you can connect up to three Z3RO terminals. Each one is equipped with a VGA port, USB sockets and audio jacks; once it's connected to the mothership (read: the Modular Computer), each Z3RO taps into its 2.0GHz computer and creates an entirely new instance on whatever monitor it's connected to. It's generally meant for small businesses and libraries, but we're certain the educational world could benefit from the setup as well. It's expected to hit mass production at the end of March, but we're told that it's available today for an undisclosed amount in limited quantities. If you're interested in doing the math, a single Modular Computer along with three Z3ROs will net you a per-seat price of $350. A shot of the rear awaits you after the break.
Video: DFI hybrid motherboard runs two whole systems... simultaneously!
These days, the word "hybrid" gets tossed around like a rag doll. We've got hybrid cars, hybrid SLI and hybrid image stabilization -- and that's just for starters. But friends, this hybrid is one worth paying attention to. DFI has been working overtime in order to concoct the next great mainboard, and if this thing can really deliver as advertised, we'd say the gurus responsible for it will succeed greatly. The Hybrid P45-ION-T2A2 motherboard can actually house a complete Atom / Ion-based system on one side, while handling a traditional Socket 775 CPU system on the other. In other words, this single motherboard can power -- let's say -- a low-power server system and your next gaming setup. At the same time! We're still waiting on a firm release date and price, but 'til then, hop on past the break for a swell demonstration vid.
Elecom's USB hub shares devices, not feelings, with your spouse
Here's a 7-port USB hub for the hardcore-singles or corporate-couples amongst you. The ¥7,035 (about $71) AC-powered U2SW-B27SBK hub from Elecom lets you share up to seven USB 2.0/1.1 devices simultaneously across a pair of USB connected computers; Mac or PC, makes no difference to Elecom. While it'll share a USB keyboard and mouse between machines, there's no video-out so it's not a true KVM. It does, however, include a little change-over switch that's supposed to allow for a nag-free swap-out of computers. A welcome solution for couples toting laptops back and forth from the cubicle farms. At least it will be when it begins shipping in Japan starting mid-May.[Via Impress]
Ask Engadget: Best DVI KVM switch?
Look out -- it's that time of the week again. What time, you ask? The time when brilliant readers like yourself get a moment to shine as their inquiries are posted up here at Engadget. Feel free to send yours in to ask at engadget dawt com, but first, have a glance at John's dilemma below:"I've been searching for a good DVI KVM switch for a long time. Most of the ones I've read about are either too expensive or have gotten horrible reviews. I was hoping you guys could shed some light on what the best DVI KVM switch you've come across is. My only requirements are high resolution (1,680 x 1,050 or higher), USB for keyboard and mouse and (preferable, although not required) and dual monitor support."We'd say the challenge is pretty clearly laid out. Now it's on you to think up a good reply and comment below.
IOGEAR intros first HDMI-compliant KVMs: 1080p, lossless audio supported
We've been waiting for something like this for pretty much ever, and thanks to IOGEAR, we've finally got it. Here at CES, the company has introduced new 2- and 4-Port HDMI KVM switches with USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing (GCS1792, GCS1794), which are HDMI 1.3b and HDCP compliant. As if that weren't enough, both boxes also support 1080p resolutions, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. In related news, the 4-Port DualView Dual-Link DVI KVMP Switch (GCS1644) also saw the light of day today, and everything mentioned here should be up for sale in Q1. Oh, but don't think these suckers will come cheap -- prices range from $299.95 for the 2-port HDMI KVM to $679.95 for the DualView sibling.
ThinkLogical debuts Velocity USB KVM -- with a 25-mile range
Okay, we can't actually think of a single reason why you'd need a KVM switch with a max range of 25 freaking miles, but we do know it's pretty insane that such a product even exists. Built on top of an Icron ExtremeUSB chipset, the ThinkLogical VelocityKVM can pipe two 1920 x 1200 DVI signals, USB 1.1, serial, PS2 and stereo audio up to 40 kilometers over single-mode fiber with no loss in quality, and can be upgraded to support USB 2.0 as well. ThinkLogical doesn't even begin to list prices on its site, which probably means you'll need some deep pockets to get in on the action -- uh, yeah, we'll stick to VNC for now, thanks.[Via Wired]
IOGEAR's DVI Net ShareStation networks one display for multiple users
While we imagine that some folks are sick and tired of fighting over the sole display in the house, some people out there are looking for a reason to quarrel over the biggest one. IOGEAR's DVI Net ShareStation is here to help, providing one display with an Ethernet connection so that any and all computers on the same network can battle for it share. Debuting at CEDIA, the tiny box includes a DVI / VGA adapter and an Ethernet jack, and it supports streamed resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200. Furthermore, users who just want to add an external display to their system can do so by simply connecting the device to a USB port. It's available now for $199.95, and the release can be seen in full by clicking through below.
IOGEAR's USB Laptop KVM Switch provides your portable with impressive new powers
Despite the best attempts of computer manufacturers, most of us still need two computers to make it through the week: perhaps a laptop for the daily grind and a desktop for transcoding h.264 files... whatever works for you. IOGEAR is looking to cash in on this trend with its new USB Laptop KVM Switch, which, unlike traditional KVMs, allows you to use your laptop's keyboard, mouse and display to control a second computer over USB. Setup couldn't be simpler, with a USB 2.0 plug on each end of the widget, and a USB port in the middle for hooking up to printers or external drives and such. You can drag and drop files between environments, and obviously switch on the fly between the two computers. Only trouble is that it only works with Windows operating systems -- no cross-platform switching -- and it'll run you a steep $130.
AdderLink X-DVI KVM sends DVI / USB over single CAT6 cable
Apologies for the onslaught of acronyms up there, but here's the skinny: Adder has just loosed its AdderLink X-DVI, which claims to be the "world's first extender to send both USB and DVI signals over the same CAT6 cable." Reportedly, the KVM supports the extension of USB keyboards / mice and high-definition video over distances up to 165-feet, and just in case any updates make their way down in the future, the unit is "fully flash upgradeable." There's nary a mention of price, but it should be available through various worldwide distribution partners this fall.
IOGEAR intros Dual-Link DVI KVMP switch alongside two others
Eager to get busy with multiple workstations on a single monitor, are you? If so, IOGEAR's providing three more ways to get you there, starting with the 2-port GCS1802 and 4-port GCS1804. The $199.95 / $299.95 KVMP (Keyboard, Video, Mouse, Peripheral) switches each enable USB 2.0 peripherals to be shared, and you'll also find support for 2.1 audio. The real winner, however, is the 4-port GCS1204, which handles dual-link DVI with nary a grumble. Granted, that one will set you back a stiff $449.95, but at least it -- along with those other two -- is available right now.
IOGEAR's PCPortal remote desktop KVM is a little less virtual
Remote desktop clients are great for those one-in-a-million scenarios when your computer is working well enough to connect to the internet and run a remote desktop app, but still requires technical assistance. In contrast, IOGEAR gives IT types full control from boot with the spendy-but-useful PCPortal GCN1000. The internet-connected KVM switch is completely hardware-based, meaning the computer you're controlling needs no working operating system to be taken control of, and IT people have about as much control over the remote PC as they would if sitting directly in front of it. You can also plug the GCN1000 into regular KVM switches to manage multiple computers remotely, as well as use the Virtual Media port to give remote users data straight from whatever's plugged into the USB port. Unfortunately, all this hotness comes at a cost: the GCN1000 is available now for $500.[Via Blast]
Putting the Apple Store geniuses to the test
Challenging customer service folks in retail stores is pretty much shooting fish in a barrel-- sure, Apple claims to have a great retail environment, but if those Geniuses are getting paid as little as I was when I worked in retail, there's no real reason for them to know the difference between the Apple ][ and the Apple //e (that's what you have TUAW for).Still, Laptop's writeup on their trip inside the Apple Store is pretty entertaining anyway. The Genius confirms what we all knew about the Macbook Air (it's a "supplemental computer, like, if you already have a desktop at home"), and messes up some specifics on HD-DVD and processor speed and size. My own Apple Store experience wasn't much better-- I had to explain what a KVM switch was (to switch between my Mac mini purchase and my gaming PC). But just like Laptop's experience, my person was helpful and quick, and what more can you really ask from a retail experience?Long story short, do your research at home, and show up at the Apple Store (or the Best Buy, or the Circuit City, or wherever) only when you know what you really want to buy. The guys and girls with nametags on at the store know a lot about how to sell stuff, but they just don't get paid enough to make your choices for you.
Belkin dishes out SOHO KVM at CES
Continuing on with its invigorating list of CES releases, Belkin is cranking out its SOHO KVM, which unsurprisingly enables users to "share one monitor, keyboard and mouse between two or more computers." Nothing here we haven't seen before, but it does include a handy USB port on the front for connecting up your iPod (Belkin's suggestion, not ours) while switching between computers. The unit itself is available in VGA or DVI / PS/2 or USB flavors and ranges from $159 to $269.
