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USBGear
USB 2.0 / 2-
Port Switch
This
tiny little device can save you hundreds of dollars in redundant peripheral
costs.
By installing this inexpensive USB switch you can share virtually any USB device
or combination of devices between two computers.
Two downstream ports let you share 1 or more devices between 2 computers. The
upstream port can connect with just about any USB peripheral device.
Share a printer, scanner, or hard drive by activating the computer of your
choice using the switch on the top of the device.
The
selected computer becomes the “active” computer, and you can access the
peripheral. To use more than one peripheral, you can connect a hub to the 2
Port Switch and then connect additional USB devices to the Hub. The selected
computer can then access all of the peripherals you’ve connected. (See
Connectivity Suggestions Below)
The 2-Port USB Switch is an ideal solution for sharing a printer or any USB
device, with two USB computers as well as, sharing multiple peripherals.
USB Gear 2 – Port USB
2.0 Switch
Click Image for Larger View
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Features |
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Two
downstream USB ports, plus an upstream peripheral connection port |
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Illuminated LEDs |
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USB
1.1 and 2.0 compatible |
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Plug-and-play installation / No Drivers Required |
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Pushbutton switching |
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Compatible with Windows 98SE / 2000 / Me / XP |
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One
year warranty by Manufacturer |
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Ideal for sharing a USB printer or other devices in a home or office
environment |
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Share one or more USB devices with two USB enabled computers |
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Compatible with virtually any USB computer or USB device |
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Computers Used in
Testing
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Lab Built Pentium 4
- 3.2 GHz w/ 2 MB Corsair LL DDR – Windows XP SP2
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HP Omnibook 500 -
750 MHz w/ 512MB Ram – Windows XP SP2
Devices Used in Testing
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Western Digital
External Duo USB 2.0 Backup Hard Drive 160 MB
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HP Business Inkjet
1100 USB 2.0 Printer
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Logitech 4000 Pro
USB Camera
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PlexWriter CDRW USB
2.0
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BT 402 Mini USB 2.0
4-Port Hub
USB
Function Test
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Test |
Pass |
Fail |
N/A |
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Demonstrated
Operation |
X |
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Suspend |
X |
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Wakeup |
X |
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Operation After
Resume |
X |
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Hot Plug / Unplug |
X |
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USB 2.0 Devices
Operate Correctly |
X |
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USB 1.1 Devices
Operate Correctly |
X |
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Cold Boot
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X |
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Warm Boot |
X |
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*
MS Drivers used
for WinXP. Windows 2000, Me & 98SE NOT tested.
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Click Image for Larger View
USBMan
Suggestions for Use
- When using a hub
to connect multiple USB devices to a USB switch
- Configure
each device for Quick Removal (Windows XP Only)
- If using a
hub, install the
hub initially with no peripheral devices attached
- Install
peripheral devices to the connected hub one device at a time
- Thereafter, all
devices will switch without reinstallation by the OS and remove
safely without stopping
Conclusion
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The USB Gear 2-Port
switch successfully passed all of the tests for function and operation.
This tiny little switch was able to handle a camera, backup hard drive,
external CDRW and printer at the same time with no apparent lose of
function or speed. Four devices were run simultaneously.
Based on the test results here in the USBMan Lab, I believe this device to be a reliable product.
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A simple inexpensive USB switch
can save you hundreds of dollars in redundant equipment costs. Why
buy multiple peripherals when sharing one device will suffice. How
often do you use your printer or backup drive in the course of a day?
If your office is anything like mine, the printer, backup drive and
scanner sit idle far more than they are actually in use. The money
you will save by sharing expensive peripherals is reason
enough to put this product on your short list of devices of interest
Availability
- June 21, 2005
- Jeffery Roberts
- USBMan
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