The only thing that comes close to the USB Switch Box in the past is the printer switch which we use when we need to share a printer between 2 neighboring computer stations. The USB switch box however can connect almost any computer peripheral. You can share a printer or scanner to 4 computers and can toggle the sequence through a switch.
The really cool application for these is when you use only 1 keyboard and 1 mouse to work on 2 cpu and monitor sets. If you have worked like this before (the low-tech way), you will remember the hassle of having to push your chair (thankfully, there are little wheels under the chair legs now) towards the second keyboard and mouse and then back to the first keyboard and mouse sets as you work on both computers. With the USB switch box, you can stay on your chair and use only 1 keyboard and 1 mouse to do the same. You just push the switch on top of the box to toggle between the 2 computers. And remember we’re only talking about a 2-port USB switch box. Using a 4-port unit would mean being able to work on 4 computers without leaving your seat! If you’re some kind of a one-man-team, then this is definitely for you, whether you work to make your boss richer, or you work for yourself.
Here are a few very affordable picks that are available right now at Amazon:
IOGear USB 2.0 Peripherals Sharing Switch GUB201
4 PC to 1 USB 2.0 Device ABCD Switch Box (Printer, Scanner, etc…)
Belkin F1U200 4-Port USB Auto Switchbox (4 PCs to 1 Device) (4 PCs to 1 Device)
If you want to see more, you can check them out here.
I used something similar so that I could have my monitor, keyboard and mouse connected to two computers. All it took was a push of a button to switch between the two. Worked very well.
What I would like is a switcher box that works on HDMI cables. I bought one on eBay but it didn’t work.
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Must be awful to have to return some product that doesn’t work, or wait for a replacement.
Earlier I aspired for 2 or 3 monitors in one cpu but flat monitors are still sort of expensive. So, as an alternative, I figured I might go for double computers and 1 keyboard/mouse using this usb switch box. I have an extra cpu somewhere around here. Might as well put it to good use. 🙂
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Now this is something I could really benefit from using (that and getting a chair with wheels 🙂 ).
Karl
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Ha ha… actually, with the USB switch box, you no longer need the chair with wheels. Well, you would if you don’t put your beer or coffee and buns within reach.
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Definitely need to be able to slide to the coffee machine. That way I can use the chair to block the others who try to beat me to it. lol
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This is something cool but I prefer a remote network manager software do such tasks as printing a document from another PC, shutting down PCs all at the same, controlling internet connection when you don’t want somebody to use it or troubleshoot a computer remotely from anywhere.
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Remote management is of course coolest of all. 🙂
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Hello
It is very interesting to read about USB switch box.I am glad to know that it can do multi tasking so we can work with tow computers simultaneously.This is very useful.Thank you very much for giving such good information.
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Wishes your valentine day to be joyful!