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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1513481
On the main desk in my home office, I have two computers. One is a Mac mini, my personal computer, and the other is a MacBook Pro, my work computer. Since I have limited space on my desk, I would like for these computers to share a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This is exactly the problem that a KVM is designed to solve, and so I am testing a new one from AV Access. What is it? The AV Access KVM Switch (model iDock C10) allows two computers to share one monitor, keyboard, and mouse, hence the acronym Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM). It is designed for one laptop and one desktop to provide inputs into the switch and then provides two HDMI outputs for sharing monitors. It also functions as a dock, as it provides six USB, two audio, and one SD card outputs. AV Access is a manufacturer of AV products and smart home office devices. What’s in the box? • AV Access KVM Switch with power adapter • USB-C cable (USB 3.2) • USB-A to USB-B cable (USB 3.0) • HDMI cable (HDMI 2.0) • DisplayPort cable (DP 1.2) • User Manual Specifications On the back, the AV Access iDock C10 KVM switch has five inputs. It connects to the laptop using a USB-C cable that supports 20 Gb/s data transfer, 60 W charging, and 1 Gb ethernet. It connects to the desktop using two cables. The first is the USB-A to USB-B cable that supports 5 Gb/s data transfer; the second is either an HDMI or a DisplayPort. It also has six outputs. This switch has two HDMI out ports, but its ability to actually support two monitors is very limited. When connected to the laptop, it can support two 4k monitors, but only if using a Windows laptop that supports MST. The KVM does not support Thunderbolt, so a Mac laptop can only display on one monitor. When connected to the desktop, it can only support one 4k monitor, whether Windows or Mac. Practically speaking, this KVM is for people who only have one monitor. I have a 34-inch Samsung (C34J79), so this works great for me. It also has three USB-A ports and one optical audio port. On the front, the AV Access iDock C10 KVM switch has five outputs. There are two USB-A ports, which are typically used for the mouse and keyboard. There is also one USB-C port that can be used to charge a phone, a stereo headphone jack, and an SD card slot. • Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.9 x 3.7 inches • Weight: 1.9 pounds Design and features AV Access’ gadget has a simple yet utilitarian design. It’s a small block with an industrial look in a shade of gray that looks great sitting next to my Mac mini. The ports in the back are intended for the computers while the those in the front are for the user. It’s all very practical, and it works for me.