KVM Switch

segasega

Was looking into buying a cheap KVM Switch to run two of my PCs off. I was looking on Komplett and saw this: http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=322993

Just wondering what they mean by "with a 50% smaller desktop footprint"?

Krusty_Clown

It refers to the amount of space it takes up on your desk.. The spiel is trying to tell you that it's 50% smaller than their previous models.

segasega

Oh alright, haha. Anyone use KVM switchs here, they any good?

Gadgetman496

I'm using a Rextron "My Hopper" 4 port KVM switch for the last 3 years & I swear by it. They are so handy, you can hot-key between all connected PC's.
I'm sure they're all pretty much the same to use, they are great!

hopeful

On a similar subject so I hope it's OK to throw it in this thread

I have two PC's that use the same monitor...what I need is a way to connect one mouse/keyboard to both PC's. I currently use two of each which is a pain as they take up desktop space.
I could just buy a USB KVM but the video part would be unused so it seems a waste. Any ideas out there?

Capt'n Midnight

they are called KMV because they switch Keyboard Mouse and Video
at a guess you have to press a button on the monitor switch over ?
I don't think there is much of a market for a KM switch,as monitors are the expensive things

I like the MyHoppers too Ctrl-Ctrl-1 to switch to computer 1 without having to leave the keyboard - something that would be scary if the monitor didn't change too as you could have sent the wrong command before realising you were on the wrong screen.

hopeful

Hmm

I must look harder. I've been looking at KVM's but I cannot find one that uses USB and DVI....I'd hate to run my Dell 24" TFT through a vga connection.
Anyone know of a KVM that uses DVI rather than vga?

Gadgetman496

hopeful wrote:

On a similar subject so I hope it's OK to throw it in this thread

I have two PC's that use the same monitor...what I need is a way to connect one mouse/keyboard to both PC's. I currently use two of each which is a pain as they take up desktop space.
I could just buy a USB KVM but the video part would be unused so it seems a waste. Any ideas out there?

Well if that's what you have & you want to control either or both from the one keyboard & mouse (which is the whole idea) then a 2 port KVM switch is exactly what you want. The cables come with most of them & all you need to do is plug your keyboard, monitor & mouse into the switch which will leave you with two spare ports on the switch. Use the provided cables to connect each spare port on the switch to each PC & away you go.

With the MyHopper you can switch between PC's using Ctrl>Ctrl>1 or Ctrl>Ctrl>2. There is also a little button on the KVM which you can use to switch too.

coolmoose

on a similar note, have two pcs running on the one desk...use them at the same time (one for graphic editing, the other for coding)...is it possible to run both these pcs from the one keyboard and mouse using a KVM, but keep their individual screens? i.e. i won't connect the monitor leads to the KVM - would this still work?

Cuddlesworth

hopeful wrote:

Anyone know of a KVM that uses DVI rather than vga?

I do, but the price is ridicules. Your talking about 200+.

Stay away from the Belkin Omniview series, from personal experiance(4 of them) they are bug ridden and not worth the time and hassle.

hopeful

Guess I'll stick with two mice and keyboards then...I did look at DVI ones and they are hellish pricey!

Thanks for the help and advice folks