Pricing and Costs of Computer Switch Boxes

Know how much to expect to pay for various types of computer switch boxes

When purchasing a switch box for computers, there are a wide range of options and prices. The specific task you need your switch for will most often dictate the price range. The cost will increase when you add in the extra cables needed. What you get for your money is the convenience of an easier computing experience.

Some switch boxes cost as little as $5 and some are over $1000. Variables that affect the pricing and costs of computer switch boxes include:

1. The type and number of connections and ports on the device;

2. The type of switch on switch boxes, which might be manual or “intelligent;”

3. And other features a device might have, including a built-in keyboard or a remote control.

 

Share peripherals with a simple, low-cost computer AB switch

AB switches that are simple and mostly mechanical devices have a switch and connectors which you can use for sharing printers or serial port devices. You can also find them for USB and VGA as well. Expect to pay between $5 and $30 for the device itself, not including any necessary cables. Beware that devices meant to switch a video signal can cause a degradation of image quality, so check into the return policy before buying.
Try: Read about how an A/B switch works at PatentStorm. Browse the selection of manual printer, serial and VGA switch boxes at CableWholesale.com.

Switch between two computers with the same mouse, keyboard and monitor with a KVM PC switch

A KVM switch is a device that connects a keyboard, video monitor and mouse to more than one computer. Ones with a manual switch generally cost less than those that make the switch automatically. Expect to pay from $30 to around $300, depending on the features, the number and the type of connections you need.
Try: Obtain KVM splitters in a variety of prices from Computer Gate. Learn more about KVM switches from Computer Hope, which offers information about various brands and definitions of terms.

Switch between various monitors and other video equipment with a VGA A/B switch

You can use these devices to connect computers to video equipment and to share such devices between computers. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 for the unit itself, not including the necessary cables. Your device audio equipment may come with the necessary cables, or you can get them from the switch box vendor.
Try: Find out how to connect a VGA switch box at RM. Choose from a variety of audio video switches at Cables N Mor.

Access multiple computers from the same keyboard, monitor and mouse with a KVM computer switch

Console KVM boxes are one of the most expensive types of computer switch boxes. You can use them to work on multiple computers or to fix and upgrade computers. The devices simplify things when a user has to access multiple computers for testing or monitoring purposes. Expect to pay from several hundred dollars up to over a thousand for one of these boxes.
Try: Read an explanation of the features of KVM switches at Lindy. Check out a selection of KVM switches, including console models, at Directron.com.

 

• When you consider the cost of any kind of computer switcher, take into account the fact that you might need to buy extra cables, unless you have some on hand.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---