If you’re a hardcore IT guy (or gal), you know the drill:  something goes wrong in the server room, and you grab your “crash cart,” wheel it on in there, jack it in, and fix whatever-it-is (preferably before users start yowling at you).  Better than the olden days, but lugging around a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse on a crash cart is kind of a pain, even so.

StarTech has a possible solution for you.  Their new KVM USB 2.0 adapter allows you to turn your laptop into a portable KVM/Server console to give you access to the headless devices in your purview.  No crash cart-full of equipment; just your laptop and this here adapter.  Definitely easier on your back than bumping a cart of equipment over door jambs.

The StarTech.com’s NOTECONS01 Portable Laptop KVM USB 2.0 Adapter has an MSRP of $469.99 (although resellers will probably offer it for less, so you might want to shop around.)

Full info after the jump.

StarTech.com, a leading manufacturer of hard-to-find connectivity and technology parts has announced the availability of their USB 2.0 Console Adapter for Laptops (NOTECONS01), which essentially turns a laptop computer into a portable KVM console.

The adapter provides users with portable KVM control of a machine with no keyboard, mouse or monitor attached (also referred to as a “headless” server/computer), from the laptop over a standard USB 2.0 connection. The adapter features a pocket-sized design that can easily be packed into a notebook bag and includes built-on KVM and USB cables that eliminate the hassle and space requirements of separate cables.

“The Laptop KVM Adapter is ideal for any on-site service technician to simplify and speed up routine maintenance or repairs in the field” said Jon Arnett, Senior Product Marketing Manager for StarTech.com. “Embedded system and server management applications will benefit greatly from this product, especially in locations where dedicated rack mounted LCD Consoles don’t make sense or pose a security risk”.

“Aside from a rackmount LCD console, which can be expensive, server administrators and technicians would typically have to use a server room ‘crash cart’, which is a cart comprised of a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Although a typical ‘crash cart’ is somewhat mobile, it lacks the portability of our Laptop KVM Adapter, which provides identical but more convenient control”.

The Laptop KVM Adapter is also a cost-effective solution, says Arnett. “Unlike a conventional server crash cart which requires a dedicated mouse, keyboard and monitor, our Laptop KVM Adapter only requires a laptop computer for control of connected devices/servers. Since most IT personnel have a laptop at their disposal anyway, our adapter offers an inexpensive way to get the most value out of existing technology without having to dedicate separate resources for server or device maintenance and repairs.  Operating with the laptop also eliminates the need to hunt around for often unavailable 110V  power outlets in the field or server room.”

The NOTECONS01 USB 2.0 Laptop KVM Adapter offers immediate BIOS-level access to the connected computer from the laptop control point, as well as the ability to handle full configuration of the attached PC, server, or other “headless” machines such as ATMs, kiosks and VLTs.

Other features of StarTech.com’s NOTECONS01 include:

• Server-side power draw – saves laptop battery power, with no need for an available power outlet/receptacle
• Ultra high resolution support up to 1920 x 1600 @ 60Hz
• Instant-on technology ensures the user sees the entire startup process, ensuring critical screens are not missed (eg. BIOS posts, System ID information)
• Works with any VGA computer, server, or other machine; No server side software required

The MSRP of StarTech.com’s NOTECONS01 Portable Laptop KVM USB 2.0 Adapter is $469.99 (USD), but resellers will typically sell for less.

The NOTECONS01 Adapter is available for purchase through leading technology resellers including CDW, PC Connection and Insight and Amazon.com and will also be distributed by Ingram Micro, Tech Data, D&H and SYNNEX, as well as directly from StarTech.com.