"Making hard-to-find easy!" That is how Startech.com describes their business. For close to 25 years they have been offering a wide range of IT products, many of which serve a special niche that you truly might have trouble finding elsewhere. The item provided for review is a perfect example of such a product.

The Startech.com KVM Console to USB 2.0 Crash Cart Adapter shown in the promotional image below appears to be a rather simple item that could make the daily life of an IT professional much easier. This portable device can be connected to just about any computer and it allows full control from within a windowed interface on the operator's computer.



Before taking a closer look at the unit provided for review, let's take a look at some published data on the Crash Cart Adapter as taken from the official product page on the Startech.com website.

Features:

» Auto image centering adjustment for 4x3 images on a wide screen display
» Keyboard emulation support for USB, PS/S and SUN systems
» LED indicators for USB link, Host Video link, and Host Keyboard/Mouse Link
» Manual video adjustments allow you to control the picture position, sharpness and image noise.
   (This helps to manage performance)
» Multi platform support USB and PS/2 to the server or KVM (PS/2 - Keyboard Only)
» Pre-loaded special key commands
» Self powered
» Snapshot feature allows you to capture screen shots of your server, error messages, and activity
» Software supported by both Windows and Mac including 64bit XP and Vista
» Upgradable Firmware
» Very small footprint with integrated KVM cables

Specifications:

Warranty: 1 Year warranty
Number of KVM Ports: 1
Shipping (Package) Weight: 0.88 lb [0.4 kg]
Supported Platforms: Both USB and PS/2
Color: Black
Enclosure Type: Plastic
Maximum Analog Resolutions: 1920x1600 @ 60Hz
LED Indicators: 1 - User Console/USB Link
LED Indicators: 1 - Host/Server Video (VGA) Link
LED Indicators: 1 - Host/Server Keyboard/Mouse (USB,PS/2) Link
Cables Included: Yes
Cable Length:
» 1 x 15in (385mm) USB host cable
» 1 x 3in (76mm) VGA host cable
» 1 x 6ft (1.8m) USB Console cable
Console Interface(s): 1 - USB A Male
Host Interface(s): 1 - High Density DB15 (VGA) Male
Host Interface(s): 1 - USB A Male
Host Interface(s): 1 - 6 pin mini-DIN PS/2 Male
Power Adapter Included: Self Powered
Product Width: 2.91 in [74 mm]
Product Depth: 4.53 in [115 mm]
Product Height: 0.59 in [15 mm]
Product Weight: 0.38 lb [0.17 kg]
Carton Quantity: 12
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Humidity: 80% RH