StarTech KVM Console to USB 2.0 Portable Laptop Crash Cart Adapter

2023-08-05T20:00:00

Incredible help when working with physical servers, but the quite annoying resolution change bug still exists: every time the resolution/refresh rate changes (servers do this a LOT during POST/boot), the console outputs only garbage, and you have to reconnect the adapter more than a few times to get readable content. (Win10/Win11, with driver version 120.0918).

mazz

Originally posted at

2021-11-10T19:00:00

I've had my crash cart for a few years and it has been invaluable every time. I've used it on servers, PCs and even Raspberry Pis. I've recommended it lots of times and every engineer who saw me using mine has wanted one. My main issue is the software - later versions have an issue with the screen buffer, showing corrupted or inaccurate output in certain times (usually during POST and boot). After a conversation with Support some years ago, the best version I've found for Windows 10 seems to be 113.0103, but sadly this is no longer available for download - a good job I kept it when I had it in 2018. Startech, please either fix the display buffer or have the stable version available for download.

jujucocoabean

Originally posted at

2021-08-16T20:00:00

Simply essential tool. No need for screen and keyboard anymore, just plug into any server and access it. Do need a HDMI convertor

Sigtran

Originally posted at

2020-01-27T19:00:00

During the POST/Boot process, if the server is constantly changing video resolution, it usually throws garbage text at the screen or the screen freezes. I have to keep unplugging and plugging the USB cable until I get video signal again. I'm using Windows 10 (fresh install, no upgrade from Windows 7 or 8) with latest software/drivers installed. I have more than 20 of these and I have the same issue with all of them.

JeffJeff

Originally posted at

2020-01-07T19:00:00

Rubber coating on mine degraded and became like sticky gel, collects all dust and rubbish, disgusting to work with. Contacted support just to waste my time and hear how sorry they are for me and there is nothing they can do. All I needed is new plastic case. Bad experience.

Atanas

Originally posted at

2019-11-18T19:00:00

Dead easy to use and works a treat. You can also plug in more than one if you need to access multiple devices at once. Software sometimes crashes on windows 10, hence the 4 star review. If it could be a bit more stable then it would be 5.

DaveG

Originally posted at

2019-10-16T20:00:00

Was very happy with the product but need new driver for MAC Catalina10.15, ASAP as it's now a high dollar useless device for me.

dubbsva

Originally posted at

2019-06-09T20:00:00

This is a great tool. You do want to be sure to get the correct drivers; notecons01 and notecons02 are different. Also, a note to Startech: it's hard to find this in the list of KVM switches. This really could use its own category.

Oesten

Originally posted at

2019-03-28T20:00:00

I have had this for several years, recently the video output is missing the color red. The VGA connector looks fine, no missing or pushed down pins.

rkhands

Originally posted at

2019-03-21T20:00:00

I bough half a dozen, and I'm a bit disappointed. Only vga support, no proper linux/esx, and last no virtual media support. On the upside its a small device.

kristen

Originally posted at

2018-11-06T19:00:00

This expensive product used to work great with OS X and now it requires multiple restarts of the application with every session. It's barely functional now.

grumpquat

Originally posted at

2018-09-11T20:00:00

Hello, the adapter worked very well whilst Windows 7 was installed on my Notebook. But since I've been migrated to Windows 10 the NoteCons01 Adapter isn't working properly anymore even I am using the latest driver software for this kind of the Adapter. So as soon as a Output Screen coming from the connected Device is changing, the Adapter Software needs to be restarted to get awareness of this change. Otherwise the output of the Card Adapter is frozen and not synced with the Device Output.

gmolitor

Originally posted at

2018-08-19T20:00:00

Somewhere along the way this is no longer consistently working for my iOS devices. I am not sure if its the iOS upgrades or the unit is failing but finding help is not a trivial task. When I originally got this years ago it was pretty solid but no longer the case.

SecEng1

Originally posted at

2018-08-01T20:00:00

The KVM adapter works well when it works, however, had to get my employer to provide me with a Windows laptop since the adapter stopped working when they upgraded our Macbooks to High Sierra 10.13.3. The drivers state they support 10.13 but they do not work. My employer will not provide me with a new adapter (supposedly NOTESCON2 supposedly works with High Sierra) so I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

rokendo

Originally posted at

2018-07-19T20:00:00

I repair servers and in data centers and many client site this tool has saved me many hours of waiting. It was always important to watch the the server complete it post on power on. It is certainly worth it.

Computerboyrick

Originally posted at

2017-10-10T20:00:00

I love this adapter, but would like to see better copy and paste options.

ITman

Originally posted at

2017-10-10T20:00:00

Overpriced, but handy if you don't have access to physical console crash carts and travel. Invest in cheap kvm cables to protect pins on this device as they will eventually get damaged from constant plugging and unplugging. App does not seem to support Mac OS High Sierra, but work in Sierra.

EdBartra

Originally posted at

2016-04-12T20:00:00

This device is one of the best gadgets I've ever bought. I used to connect to servers using standard monitor, mouse and keyboard. No more messing with vga/power cables to get monitor working. This device saved me already lots of time that I would otherwise waste on finding, connecting and moving monitor.

gregw

Originally posted at

2015-08-05T20:00:00

I bought this a few months ago to help with repairing offline servers. Now I don't have to worry about the KVM, keyboard, monitor or mouse work (or are missing) at the remote site. This also works with Windows 10

kurbycar32

Originally posted at

2014-04-23T20:00:00

I have been planning on buying this since it was announced and only recently got to it. I have worked in the field for 15 years and consider this (conceptually) to be pretty much the most useful thing in a toolkit after a Phillips screwdriver. The device works really well, I have used it both under Mac OSX 10.9 and Windows 7 at this time, it assists me both in the server room, and at my desk. No longer do I require a dedicated spare Keyboard/Mouse/Monitor at my desk, nor do I need to worry about connecting to our servers that do not have KVM functionality. I have run into a single issue with the device which I suspect is a limitation of Apple hardware, I was unable to activate the boot menu on a Mac Mini using the host, I ended up plugging a keyboard in to trigger the event, still using the NOTECONS01 for Monitor access. For me this was not a deal breaker at all (I did try several things and settings adjustments without success). If you are a technician that plans on using this in the field extensively I would recommend packing a DVI to VGA, as well as a MiniDP to VGA (active) and MiniDP to DP adapter. This will ensure you can connect the device to any display output you are likely to encounter in the field. If you are thinking this will be an invaluable tool for working in the field/datacenter, you will be happy with this products performance.

QsterX

Originally posted at