ATEN CS1782 USB 2.0 DVI KVM Switch

INTRODUCTION

For the past year or more I have been perusing various sites on the Net looking at DVI KVM switches. My mission was to find the ultimate product that would allow me the flexibility to benchmark two computers simultaneously without the need to use two keyboards, two mice, and most importantly two monitors. When I first started my search I found several products that made my short list, but either cost or lack of features made purchasing one somewhat prohibitive. I will have to admit in the beginning, that this search was somewhat self-indulgent and was more a matter of convenience than necessity. As time went on and the number of computer product reviews I did requiring vast numbers of benchmarks began to escalate; convenience and necessity began to reverse their previous order. I also realized that this product, if in fact it existed, would help make me much more efficient by allowing me to more effortlessly multitask.

I have used an array of KVM switches over the years both in my work as a database administrator and also at my home to run multiple computers simultaneously with one mouse, monitor, and keyboard. These, however, were not DVI based and had very few features other than a few that used USB instead of PS2 for keyboard and mouse connections. I had also come to know that each of the KVM switches I had used, including the professional quality ones at my workplace, had idiosyncrasies that in some cases compromised their efficiency. So my quest to find a switch that would meet my rather heightened needs at home continued in silence and up until recently I had all but given up.

As luck would have it I was recently contacted by ATEN, a company that is well known for manufacturing excellent KVM switches. ATEN wanted to know if we would be interested in reviewing a DVI KVM switch they had recently released with a slew of features that targeted the gamer and the computer enthusiast. One look at the specs and features and I felt as though my prayers just might have been answered. Having written computer products reviews for a number of years I knew better than proclaim the product a winner without first taking a long test drive. Today it is my pleasure to share the results that we assimilated from our review of the ATEN CS1782 USB 2.0 DVI KVMP Switch.

ATEN:  Company Overview

For more than two decades, ATEN has earned a sterling reputation for delivering the finest KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) and remote connectivity solutions to manage servers and other network devices. Today we stand as the largest KVM manufacturer in the world.

ATEN has developed over the years a broad range of solutions to meet the needs of key market niches, including small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise organizations through its ALTUSEN line of KVM products. Leveraging its leading-edge ASIC technology and VSE patents, ATEN’s KVM and remote connectivity solutions offer the most comprehensive features and functionality than the competition. The ASIC chip is one of the company’s unique differentiators, as it drives the product line’s capabilities, and ensures reliability and quality.

With Research and Development facilities throughout the world and boasting uncompromising Quality Control departments at all facilities, ISO 9002 certified-ATEN stands poised to meet even the most stringent requirements of the most exacting customers.