Control of a pair of computers pared down to its basics, this useful device does exactly what it says on the tin -- and it's good value for money too.

The £32.99 (ex. VAT) Bliss KVM Switch consists of a small console connection with an analogue VGA connector and two PS/2 ports, into which you connect your monitor, keyboard and mouse respectively. Attached to this unit are two tri-headed computer cables, one two metres long, and the other one metre long. On our version (model UKBL-2PU), one cable was terminated with one VGA and two PS/2 connectors for the first computer's monitor, keyboard and mouse sockets, while the second cable replaced the PS/2 ports with USB. You can also get a PS/2-only version.

Plug it all in, switch on, and a pair of LEDs on the console connection tells you which computer is on, and which one you're connected to. You alternate control between the two computers using special key combinations that are unlikely to conflict with others you may use -- left-Ctrl-1 and left-Ctrl-2, for example. The instructions show alternatives for Mac users.

The only big issue for KVM switches is the video resolution limit. It's a matter of frequency: the higher the resolution and refresh rate, the more likely the cable is to degrade the signal.

Rose rates the system for resolutions up to 1,920 by 1,440 at 65Hz, or a bandwidth of 180MHz. This means that, if you increase the refresh rate to 75Hz, you'll still be within limits even on a wide-screen display at 1,920 by 1,200. On a more standard display of 1,600 by 1,200, a refresh rate of 90Hz will still keep you within bounds.

We had no problems with the system, and can recommend it as a tightly focused solution for a particular situation.

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