Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

Nep2ne · Mar 15, 2003, 10:33 AM

Hello. I have been an Apple guy since 1983, and only recently have had a lot of issues come up related to networking between Macs and PCs and, well, it's finally come to this ... I'm about to purchase an inexpensive PC kit to run alongside my Mac.

Since I don't want to have to shell out any more than I should, I'd like to keep my Macs monitor (VGA) and keyboard and mouse (USB) to control both.

What is the consensus here on KVM switches? Is there one? Any particular favorites? Basically, ideally, both would work with USB keyboards and mice, right? I shouldn't even have to worry about PS/2, even though I'm AMAZED that that interface is still around...

Thanks in advance!

Scotttheking · Mar 15, 2003, 11:58 AM

Look for something from belkin.

This is a peripheral question.
Moving to peripherals.

ericwass · Mar 15, 2003, 01:36 PM

I had a really great experience with my Iogear mini-view. Very compact. Worked great. In fact, I don't need it anymore... if you want a deal let me know.

JB72 · Mar 15, 2003, 04:40 PM

I shouldn't even have to worry about PS/2, even though I'm AMAZED that that interface is still around...

Ditto. I still trip out seeing lots of PS/2 keyboards for sale. I got a KVM a few years ago and it was actually hard to find a USB one. Bizarre.

I'd second the recomendation for IOgear. I used a VGA model for a while (between a Mac and a PC) and it was surprisingly reliable.

I might also check out CompuCable. I'm now wanting an ADC/DVI KVM and they look to have some good stuff.

Thanks in advance!

juanvaldes · Mar 15, 2003, 07:39 PM

IOgear miniview CS-102[U or W] works great for me.

Nep2ne · Mar 15, 2003, 11:34 PM

Originally posted by ericwass:
I had a really great experience with my Iogear mini-view. Very compact. Worked great. In fact, I don't need it anymore... if you want a deal let me know.

I'm interested, but I cannot get your email address from the macnn boards. Please send me an email at:

extensivegroup-at-yahoo.com

and switch the "-at-" with a single "@"

Thanks!

-Q- · Mar 18, 2003, 10:43 AM

I have to second the recommendation for the IOGear product. The Belkin stuff has way too much PS2 crap on it. Just got the IOGear and it's working great.

The only "problem" I've encountered is that it doesn't seem to send the keystrokes for the volume keys or the eject key from the Apple pro keyboard. Nor does the Logitech software recognize there's a logitech mouse plugged into the KVM hub. Anyone have a good workaround for this (I did find that USB Overdrive allows me to use the extra buttons on the Logitech, but the keyboard is still an issue...)

ericwass · Mar 18, 2003, 10:52 AM

Originally posted by -Q-:
The only "problem" I've encountered is that it doesn't seem to send the keystrokes for the volume keys or the eject key from the Apple pro keyboard. Nor does the Logitech software recognize there's a logitech mouse plugged into the KVM hub. Anyone have a good workaround for this (I did find that USB Overdrive allows me to use the extra buttons on the Logitech, but the keyboard is still an issue...)

That's a strange one. I also have a Logitech MX-500 and haven't had either the mouse or keyboard problem with the Iogear KVM switch.

calvintosh · Mar 18, 2003, 11:43 AM

When I was looking on the marathon web site I saw this.

http://www.marathoncomputer.com/kvm.html

Look pretty cool I hope it helps man.