This is a switch not a router

This is a switch, all they are supposed to do is to manage network connections. if you want to connect to the internet buy a router, not a switch. for the price this is a brilliant piece of kit, and, as with all belkin products, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Works, but degrades video signal

Installation - no problem, no drivers required. Instructions tell you to turn off the PCs but Windows XP handled it perfectly well.

In use - responsive, switches between PCs with no discernible delay. The choice of key to switch PC is good (uses the scroll lock key).

Performance - noticeable degradation of the video signal when using an LCD panel. I would not be able to bear it for extended use.

Conclusion - perfect for short term KVM use. Not recommended for permanent installation.

Reliable, but not as fast as a PCI adaptor

I found that with this card I had to install drivers even when I was using Windows XP, the manual says XP should have the drivers as standard. This is just a slight inconvenience as the drivers are contained on the included CD and are avaliable for download free from the Belkin web site.

Due to the USB connectivity, expect a ping 10ms higher than if you were using a PCI to Ethernet adaptor or onboard LAN.

Also the adaptor acts as a bottleneck to data transfer, and allows only 200KB/s (kilobytes not kilobits) transfer speed. (Around 4 times the speed of standard"512k" broadband.)

In conclusion, if you aren't prepared to open your PC up and install a card, this adaptor is for you (this or a FireWire network, or a USB to USB network), but if you can use a PCI adaptor they are cheaper and faster than this USB device. Also USB uses your processor time, unlike a PCI adaptor or onboard Ethernet.

Does what it needs to.

I bought this mainly because it came with a 2m cable, which saved a few mouse clicks when placing the order.

It is now in service in an old PIII '98 machine to allow that machine to share an internet connection from my AirPort enabled MacBook. The whole thing was pretty easy to set up - a others have noted, you will need your Win 98 CD to hand if using that OS. Drivers installed no problem - usual Windows restart required, and away. Connection sharing was straightforward enough to set up.

No complaints for £6.

Compact & Reliable Auto Switch - Excellent Value

This is an excellent product and has allowed me to share a laser printer between my main desktop and a laptop. It takes its power from whatever computer is switched on at the time (no need for an external power source), is fully automatic and proving to be extremely reliable. Another very good value for money item from Amazon.

does not work - avoid

not only are the instructions next to useless. this does not work with multifuncion printers - i was told by belkin 3 hours after opening the packet.

"we did have a switch that used to work, but it had too many problems, so we discontinued it"

marvellous. worst product ever. dont waste your bandwith looking at it.

Great

Fitted in my mac pro, open up case, slot it into the top pci express slot, close case, attach mouse and other usb devices and it runs straight away, so easy.

OK when it works

Using this with a vista ultimate machine and windows server 2003.
In my case it would appear that the autodetect mechanism gets a little confused if I reboot either machine. The switch will constantly flick between the two machines. Even when booting the vista machine alone it will happilly sit there flicking between no signal and the vista machine. When it gets to this stage I have to disconnect and reconnect the whole unit as it will still flick between two imaginary machines when both are powered down???

Better than Pre N!

I have had the same speed at every point in my house as hard wired!
Although most of the walls in my house are Partition. A friend has the Pre N belkin and it doesn't perform as well.

Great product.

Couldn't make it work

I know it's not equipment fault. But somehow I could not make it work with my T-mobile MDA and use it for active sync.Inspite of having good experience and technosavvy attitude I failed to make it detect my mobile.These drivers simply do not work with XP or MDA. I tried lot of forums but atlast gave up and returned it.waiting for refund yet.

The only real solution if you don't have enough HDMI sockets

I have an HDTV with only 1 HDMI socket. This quickly became a problem when I needed to keep changing the cables from my PS3 and multi region DVD player. Rather than wear out the connections and ruin my telly I decided to purchase one of these units. This model is very well made in a suprisingly small but sturdy metal casing. The unit is a maximum of 7 inches wide and only 1 inch high by 4 inches deep so it will fit nicely in most space restricted set ups. The unit is heavy enough for it not to be pushed out of position when the cables are attached. Also, the unit has the capability of being hung on the wall behind your tv so it can be completely out of sight if you wish (additional wall fixings are not included for this). Belkin have included a basic remote control so that you can switch connections without leaving the chair. The only flaw I have with the design is the lights on the front. At least two very bright green leds shine permanently and can be distracting when you are watching the tv. I do wonder how energy efficient the box is with these two evil eyes staring at you 24/7! This aside the unit functions superbly. I can see little to no picture loss which is paramount when viewing high definition equipment. Belkin have included an additional HDMI lead in the box but I recommend using higher quality leads if possible. Im currently using Monster 200 leads to and from my appliances and the results are excellent! The switch is powered by a mains plug which is also supplied. I must point out that mine was supplied with a useless two pin European plug. This may have been a fault at the factory or by Amazon but I had to use another adaptor that I had spare. Otherwise I highly recommend this product.