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blackmacx · Apr 21, 2003, 10:13 PM

Hi y'all,

Okay, here's the lowdown, I have a PC and my beloved iBook named BlackMacX; I need a good KVM switch, USB keyboard and mouse specifically for two connections; the monitor will be CRT or analog capable LCD. So, what are you using and what are your ops on it? Also, what would you say is a fair price (note, I am in Canada, so some KVM's maynot be available (locally, though I could order)).

Cheers,

BlackMacX

G4Rules · Apr 30, 2003, 03:13 PM

I use a Belkin 2 port USB KVM. It works fine for me...I have one PC (IIS Web Server) and one Mac that I run through it.

Let me know if you need more info...

Maneki Neko · Apr 30, 2003, 03:19 PM

I'm using the iogear GCS104U, and it's worked out pretty well.

One thing it doesn't do is emulation though, so when you switch, you're switching all your USB devices over to the new machine. It was fairly inexpensive, and came with 4 sets of cables. I switch between a cube & a PC with no problems.

You may also want to consider this , which DOES do emulation.

TheMosco · Apr 30, 2003, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by Maneki Neko:
I'm using the iogear GCS104U, and it's worked out pretty well.

One thing it doesn't do is emulation though, so when you switch, you're switching all your USB devices over to the new machine. It was fairly inexpensive, and came with 4 sets of cables. I switch between a cube & a PC with no problems.

You may also want to consider this , which DOES do emulation.

what about special function keys? i have read that some don't allow for this. How can you switch between devices?

I am also trying to figure out the best way to use a mac and a pc together and at this point i think i might just buy another monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

Maneki Neko · Apr 30, 2003, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by TheMosco:
what about special function keys? i have read that some don't allow for this. How can you switch between devices?

I currently switch between devices by pushing a button on the switch.

What do you mean by special function keys?

I'm using an Apple Pro keyboard, and the apple key works as a windows key in windows. One thing the Apple Pro Keyboard doesn't do is the PrtScn, Scroll Lock & Pause/Break keys.

JB72 · Apr 30, 2003, 10:08 PM

IOGear

I would also look at CompuCable. I'm using one of their ADC/DVI KVMs and it works great. Their sales staff were extremely helpful finding a model too. Calling around to their distributors for me and everything.

-Q- · Apr 30, 2003, 11:27 PM

Originally posted by Maneki Neko:
I currently switch between devices by pushing a button on the switch.

What do you mean by special function keys?

I'm using an Apple Pro keyboard, and the apple key works as a windows key in windows. One thing the Apple Pro Keyboard doesn't do is the PrtScn, Scroll Lock & Pause/Break keys.

The volume up/down and CD eject keys don't work on the IOGear KVM I have. F12 still works to eject the CD but those 'Special Function' keys, which are non-standard on a USB keyboard don't have their instructions passed along...

TheMosco · May 1, 2003, 05:06 PM

Originally posted by -Q-:
The volume up/down and CD eject keys don't work on the IOGear KVM I have. F12 still works to eject the CD but those 'Special Function' keys, which are non-standard on a USB keyboard don't have their instructions passed along...

Yeah, thats what i was looking for. I use those keys alot too. hmmm...

starman · May 1, 2003, 06:33 PM

Yes, I too took back an iogear because the special keys wouldn't work.

Mike

CMG · May 1, 2003, 07:03 PM

Simple Stupid box might be what you need for those special keys.

http://www.compucable.com/usb/embed.....html#USBMS2AB

Only down side is the lack of monitor emulation, so you have to select to that computer when you are booting up.