Overview: Dr. Bott has taken the simplicity and ease of use of the original MoniSwitch and updated it for the next millennium with MoniSwitchUSB. This manual switching device is economical, easy to install, and great looking.
Configurations: MoniSwitchUSB is available in two standard configurations, MoniSwitch2USB and MoniSwitch4USB. Both configurations are manual switchboxes that switch both video and USB ports. MoniSwitch2USB allows sharing of one monitor, one USB keyboard, one USB mouse between two computers, MoniSwitch4USB will do the same for up to 4 computers.
Video Connections: MoniSwitchUSB features standard video connectors to support either Mac standard DB15 monitors or HD15 (VGA) PC standard multisync monitors. Both connectors are provided on the MoniSwitch, be sure to use one, or the other but not both. The MoniSwitch does not limit the possible resolutions of a connected monitor in any way. The super premium video cables included in the standard MoniSwitch allow direct connection to HD15 (VGA) PC standard video ports that are used on most computers including Apple's Power Mac G3/4s and most PCs.
USB Connectors: USB keyboards, mice, hubs and other peripherals are connected directly to the USB "A" I/O port built-in to the MoniSwitch. MoniSwitchUSB also includes USB cables to connect to the USB "A" port built-in to most computers.
Cabling: MoniSwitchUSB includes with all necessary video and USB cables (6 feet long). We have taken special care to choose the highest quality video cable available. This has a very special reason - image quality. Our cables do not degrade image quality in any way nor do they show characteristic shadows in the video image often seen with other cables. These cables are virtually lossless at the frequencies involved and will not further degrade visible image quality beyond what happens in the original cable.
The USB cables also are of excellent quality. We have taken special care to ensure that your USB devices will function the same through the switch as they would directly connected to your computer.
Typical Uses: Many people have found different uses for MoniSwitchUSB. Some of the more common include those who are required to use both a Mac and PC. It is also used in server rooms where each computer my only need to be accessed briefly during the day. MoniSwitch reduces the risk of confusion and error that increases when using multiple keyboards, mice and monitors. Obviously, MoniSwitch will save space and will allow redeployment of existing equipment or will save the cost of new equipment in such environments.
Compatibility: MoniSwitch is compatible with any computer compatible with multisync monitors and has a USB port. Most commonly this will include newer Macintosh computers such as the G3s, G4s, USB capable PowerBooks and Intel based PCs running operating systems that support USB such as Windows 98. USB PCI cards can be used to incorporate computers that lack built-in USB ports. The PCI Mac Kit is available to incorporate Beige PCI Macs.
