KDS CD Organizer Electronic USB75-cd Capacity 1.8 Access Time Reviews

• Beware of Installation Problems!!!

  
  By A16R1L9JUP9LCE on 2002-08-06
  Being a person that is trying to be more organized, this CD Organizer looked extremely promising. However, having received the otherwise very attractive unit, I am returning it because I cannot get my computer to recognize it.

  The first indication of an error was when the organizer software told me that the unit was not connected. I localized the problem in Windows XP under Control Panel / Device Manager that my recently installed "Human Interface Device" could not start. I uninstalled it and reinstalled it and the system seemed to be recognizing it normally. I then retried the software and the same conflict popped up. I uninstalled the software & the hardware device a couple more times & after a number of system freezes, the device still was not being recognized.

  I then did what I should have done initially, I ran a query for users having problems with this product's USB device, and came up with a number of "hits" of people asking for help on tech boards with essentially the same problem but using Windows 98.

  Thinking that KDS wouldn't dare put this product out on the market without resolving such a simple issue, I called customer support. They basically told me that, even though my computer is 2 weeks old and custom built directly from HP, my USB drivers must be outdated. No, its this KDS product & their "mickey mouse" configuration system that is outdated. This item is going back. I'll bet that the numbers on the "used" & "refurbished" systems for sale here will continue to increase.
  
  

• Very nice! (But never use W95/W98 with USB products)

  
  By A2FC3G20AQM9PZ on 2002-08-29
  This is really one cool product!

  John R. Resendez had problems with installing this product, and based on other people having the same problem using Win98, assume the product is at fault.
  Please be aware that Windows 98 does not support USB devices.
  Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) is the first Microsoft OS to support USB.

  It is a common fault, to assume that USB devices should function under Windows98. Even when some manage, more does so badly, and the rest simply doesn't.
  Those that do work, do so by patching Windows 98, to allows it to recognize USB, however this is not the case with the KDS CD-Organizer:
  Stated on their homepage www.kdsusa.com, the requirements for this product is Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, or Windows 2000.
  Windows XP is not mentioned... I don't know if it would work.
  However as they seem to be opdating their software regularly, this will probably be added. I have only second hand experience with this CD-Organizer, but it is very positive.
  
  

• This Product is Great!

  
  By A73JHVDSOSB6S on 2002-08-12
  This cd organizer can hold up to 75 cds! Any kind of cd too. DVD, Games, Software, Music cds. It does not read the cds. It comes with a program which you install on your computer. Installation was very easy. Plug the organizer in to the computer via usb, hook up the power adapter, install the software on your comp, and your set. The program stores what is on the cd, and what slot its in. You can manually enter what is on the cd, or have your comp scan the disk, and tell the cd organizer software what is on the cd(it also shows whats on the cd via a folder tree), then the software will choose a slot for it(or you can), it'll open the slot, you insert the cd into the slot and your done. Later you can go back into the software, do a word search for the cd you want, and the tower will open up slot to the cd you want, you take it out, and the software will show that the cd is out. The software also has a 'borrow to a friend' option, with reminders, so you can burrow your cd's to your friends and not loose them.

  Exellent when you have lots of cds. You can even hook multiple organizers up to your computer if you have that many cds. Great device. I recommend it for those you who have tons of cds like I do.
  
  

• Two units DOA

  
  By on 2002-09-05
  I bought one unit and spent 2 hours trying to get it to work. Caled KDS, they told me it was because I was using a USB mouse and keyboard so I moved to my laptop with no other USB devices and same problem. An hour on with tech support, we finally determined it was an alignment problem with the sensors that tell the motor where to stop. Exchanged it for another one, this one the motor wouldn't stop running. I was looking forward to using this device to save me a lot of time, instead it wasted the better part of a day, time to go to the alternative offered by CyberGuys.
  
  

• Software doesn't work with XP

  
  By on 2002-10-27
  I could get the software to work with Windows XP. No link or support on the KDS web site. Will return unit tomorrow if no solution is found.
  
  
• Software stinks
  By on 2002-10-11
  Even though it says right on the box supports WinXP, the software that comes with it locks my computer up. I searched all over the internet and finally found 1 link to an upgraded version 3.0. I would assume KDS would have a link on thier site and regular updates to it, but they didnt. Really, one would think on thier site, you could upgrade the software for it. The 3.0 software does work, but its extremely slow on a 1.6 gig with 1024ddr, and 50% of the time just quits responding when you try to load it.
  
  
• KDS not interested in long-term customers
  By ANQWH9S26RLVS on 2005-04-28
  I spoke with customer service rep at 800-283-1311. Devices have a one-year warranty. I stated that I sent in the Registration card, and asked if she would look up the purchase date. She said no, "Registration and Warrany are in different departments."
  
  She asked me to hold, and came back on the line stating that since this model originally sold in 2003, my unit went off warranty in 2004 unless I have the invoice. I called back about an hour later, after finding the invoice, and got the same customer service rep. She recognized me and belittled me for calling back and said unless I have a question, there's nothing they can do. I stated that I found the invoice as requested and she asked me to fax it to her. I did that, so far no response. We'll see if they replace the unit or not.
  
  Just an FYI...after the one-year warranty, there are no options. The do not offer parts or service after the one-year warranty.
  
  
• CD Organizer Works Well With Appropriate Circumstances
  By A33ZZJ2F0GK1ZD on 2006-04-15
  I have had my KDS CD Organizer for about 5 years now. I have used the organizer on Windows 2000, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows XP Professional. I love it and would have a hard time using anything else.
  
  That being said, I have found some quirks and inconsistencies with the product.
  
  First off, if your computer only has USB 2.0 ports invest in a USB 1 card. For some reason the organizer doesn't perform well while connected to a USB 2.0 port.
  
  Secondly, you need to obtain the last released version of the software; version 4.0.2. This software can be found at:
  
  http://www.kdscanada.ca/
  
  Lastly, Backup your CD Organizer Database often. The software has included backup/restore/repair utilities that work quite well.
  
  Once all of these circumstances have been met, this product works great.
  
  
• Finally - works as promised!
  By A3D1P7DBCOMGPY on 2003-02-04
  Update of review below:
  This product now works as promised with the new software being very stable. I still think the software needs some updating for it to be more useful, but overall everything is as advertised.

  Just want to echo the reviews before: This could be an amazing tool for those of us with way too many cds and dvds to keep up with, but the software just doesn't work.
  I waited to buy this until KDS told me that new software was out that would make it work fine with XP and with other USB devices. I was given a secret link to the software, which I downloaded and installed. (Someone please tell me why the software is so secret!)
  The software just locks up my computer, making the whole thing useless. If they don't give me a miracle pill to fix this very soon, it is going right back to KDS.
  Once again, this would be a first rate product - if only it worked
  
  

• No software issues if....
  By A1TCPR5HKUEM1F on 2003-07-11
  This thing is fantastic. I have three right now and have never had any trouble. The KDS webpage has links to upgrade the database software. I have never had any trouble with 4.0 or 4.1, using XP here.
  
  
• SOFTWARE UPDATE NEEDED
  By A8M8GNJY316F5 on 2003-08-18
  Can someone PLEASE send me the link to download the newest software for this @#^$$ organizer? I've written KDS twice in the past month and have not received a response. I'm running XP and from what I can tell, the update will fix the problems I'm having.
  
  
• KDS CDO Not Ready for Prime Time
  By A1WA462K5085W4 on 2004-05-20
  I purchased two CDOs only to find out that some of the lights on one of them did not work. After 6 weeks, KDS finally replaced it. It did not cost me anything but time and frustration. After 2 months, my second one has now failed. Most of the trays do not eject. It is no longer returnable and I have CDs stuck in it. Do NOT make the mistake of purchasing even one of these. Go to K-Mart and get one of the old fashioned manual ones. You will be much happier.
  
  
• No software support
  By on 2004-06-16
  The device works Ok. I'm using it to store MSDN DVDs. The software has some bugs. I sent an e-mail to the tech. support and their response was: "Unfortunately Version 4.02 is the latest software released and also the last".
  You can also check http://www.itechcds.com/ for an alternative device.
  
  
• Software locks up Windows XP
  By A1VGE6HPH7R2UQ on 2003-01-19
  This Organizer is a real neat idea, to bad the software doesn't work.It cost me 50 dollars to get my computer running again, after it locked up. I will call tech support on monday, but from the sound of the other reviews, I don't think I will get any help. Without the software it's just about worthless, I can store my CDs on a shelf a whole lot cheaper! UPDATE!!! I contacted
  KDS and got a patch for windows XP. It now works like it is supposed to. I have been using it for a couple of weeks with no problems. It's to bad that KDS didn't have the organizer working like this in the begining.
  
  
• Interesting device awaiting software that works
  By AVX5KGFHDXP2S on 2003-01-30
  Definitely not Win XP compatible. Installed original software on 1 machine and even running in WIN 2000 compatibility mode it does not work.Found an updated version on web and that works about 1-2 times out of 5. Totally criminal to advertise for XP-no idea if it works with Win ME, etc
  
  
• No problems here!
  By A2SPL63BG1YYPL on 2003-02-09
  I read reviews of the organizer in Maximum PC several months back & decided that I needed one. Well, I finally got around to purchasing it & it's exactly as I hoped! I got to throw away all my empty CD cases that are just taking up space. The database software isn't pretty, but it gets the job done. I didn't have any installation or operational problems with it & WinXP, although it does tack on about 30 seconds to my boot time -- small price to pay for losing about 50 pounds of plastic CD cases!
  
  
• No problems here!
  By A2SPL63BG1YYPL on 2003-02-09
  I read reviews of the organizer in Maximum PC several months back & decided that I needed one. Well, I finally got around to purchasing it & it's exactly as I hoped! I got to throw away all my empty CD cases that are just taking up space. The database software isn't pretty, but it gets the job done. I didn't have any installation or operational problems with it & WinXP, although it does tack on about 30 seconds to my boot time -- small price to pay for losing about 50 pounds of plastic CD cases!
  
  
• It Works Great with 4.0.17 Software from KDS!
  By on 2003-07-14
  I had a problem running the version of software that came with the KDS Organizer on Windows XP. I sent an e-mail to the support group on their web site. They sent an web address with the download for beta version 4.0.17. It is great! I'm an IT technician with a LOT of software to keep organized. I've had the product for 6 months and recommend it to everyone who comes into my office.
  
  
• Out of production - No Support
  By on 2004-06-27
  This was a great idea but there are a few problems. First the software works on Win 98 & 2000 only - NOT XP. Second, the software is full of bugs. Three, there is no support or updates as the company's U.S. web site is gone. Too bad. If it only worked.
  
  
• Good product, flimsy mechanism
  By A32HNAIJMMF8SX on 2004-10-28
  I purchased this product about 1 year ago. I also have the same problem; doesn't eject tray. I opened and found that the tray eject mechanism is motor, plastic gear and "rubber band". That rubber band was broken. I tried to find the replacement rubber band but it's small size and should be tough. I called custermer service for requesting the rubber band but they simply don't have any part. I looked for tough rubber band and Radio Shack has mini RC car tire! That's really tough and almost the same size but a little bit thick. Anyway, it works fine for several months. If you have this organizer, it's not too difficult to replace the rubber band and I believe the mini RC tire will never broke.