In computing, there are several ways with which you can carry out simple tasks just like transferring files from one PC to another. Taiwan-based ATEN, whose products are typically applicable in business network setups, throws in the ATEN CS661 Laptop USB KVM Switch as an uncomplicated means to transfer and share your data via USB as well as control two computers at the same time.

A part of ATEN’s Petite series of devices, the CS661 is particularly designed for notebook users. Out of the box, it comes with a manual, a quick guide and a carrying pouch. No software disc is included: the software is stored in the device’s built-in 1.51MB memory.

 With a main body that is as small as a USB Wi-Fi adapter, it reminds us of a USB hub. On its front, it has a LED display which flashes blue at a slow, steady pace during idle periods while connected between two computers. However, during a file transfer, the blue light flashes at a faster speed. 

The USB 2.0 port on its side can accommodate an additional device such as a printer, scanner and USB drive.

The two USB cables attached to the main body are marked accordingly. The shorter cable (0.9m) is labelled as LOCAL, while the longer cable (1.8m) is labelled as REMOTE. During usage, the computer which is attached to the LOCAL cable serves as the main computer, while the computer attached to the REMOTE cable serves as the secondary.

Once everything is connected, the software automatically runs on the main and secondary computer. The process may require both machines to reboot. Eventually, the desktop of the secondary PC will appear in a window on the main computer. This is an indication that the main computer now has full control of the secondary computer.

 Take note that the CS661 is only compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000 and up. Mac OS and Linux are not supported. In our test, we were able to connect two computers with same OS (XP to XP) and with different OSes (Vista to XP). In the My Computer window, the CS661 shows up as a removable storage device.

 A key feature of the CS661 is its unfussy graphical user interface (GUI). It appears only on the main computer’s desktop. Following the order of toolbars from left to right, the function of each toolbar is stated below:

• Open File Transfer – Opens the File Transfer utility.
  
• Toggle Full Screen Mode – Toggles the REMOTE desktop window between full screen and window mode.
  
• Minimize Remote Screen – Minimizes the REMOTE desktop window.
  
• Send Start To Remote – Opens the Start menu on the REMOTE desktop.
  
• Match/Restore Remote Screen – Adjusts the resolution (desktop scaling) of the REMOTE desktop window.  

On the secondary desktop, a notification icon indicates whether the connection to the CS661 is active or not. The icon turns green if the connection is active. Otherwise, it turns red.

Here’s a screenshot of the File Transfer utility window. The transferring of file/folder can be easily done by dragging it from its source then dropping it to the destination. Also, the File Transfer utility has buttons that can help users create, rename, move and delete files/folders on both main and secondary computers. A history of activities and a progression bar are present at the bottom of the window. Testing its data transfer rate (DTR) by connecting it between a pair of Celeron-powered computers, the CS661 reported inconsistent results. The fastest that we got is 11MBps, which is very close to its marketed maximum DTR of 12MBps, while the slowest is nailed at 5MBps. Comparing the CS661’s DTR to that of our existing LAN connection, where we got 10MBps of DTR at all times, we can say that file transfer is faster and more consistent via Ethernet.

In hindsight, the file transfer feature of the CS661 reminds us of the Speed-link technology that Shuttle incorporated on its XPC models a few years back. Nonetheless, taking into account that it can be employed on a wide variety of Windows-based desktops and laptops, the CS661 is a more versatile and practical way to network two machines.