[JRobinson]

I just ordered a PowerMac from MacWarehouse (thanks for the advice ). I would like the PowerMac to share a VGA LCD monitor with my PC, at least temporarily.

What KVM switch would you recommend?

Eventually, I would like to upgrade the PowerMac to a DVI or ADC monitor. Is there a way to use such a monitor with a PC through a KVM switch without buying a new graphics card?

[osxisfun]

hi.

for ADC/DVI

i just pruchased a compucable adc-dvi KVM.

So far very happy. Have not used it enough to review here though as i seldom use my PC.

i have a g4 dual 867
2 apple 20" lcd
compucable dvi
shuttle pc with nvida ti 4200 agp 8x card (with dvi)

in order to share once you get to LCD ville i reccomend getting a dvi card that is compatible with your LCD (mac pc)

[JRobinson]

Thanks for the info.

By the way, I have a Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse. Do KVM switches work with wireless?

[osxisfun]

i use the white apple keyboard and the microsft explorer 4(5?) button mouse. the gray/dark gray one.(its wireless but not bluetooth)

Both found it right away. even windows which amazed me. ( iguess not since i am using xp and they probably out those drivers in there by now.)

there is a couple second lag on windows to ge the mouse but its no big deal.

windows xp on my apple screen is weird. and btw. windows xp interface bites in a fugly sort of way.

i bet if you installed the logitech drivers on both it would work.

works with sleep mode on both too

i would like to buy the apple bluetooth keyboard but am unsure if it would work on windows.

plus the apple bluetooth mouse would have to have more buttons for me to switch..

[osxisfun]

the program powerstrip might be helpfull as well for windows since it will force LCDs to certain sizes...

do a search for apple lcd windows in the periphals forum here...

good stuff.

[axlepin]

I have a 4-port KVM switch from Dr. Bott...it's the USB model.

I am returning it for their unit which is compatible with Apple's LCD connector (forget the letters) which is unfortunately a 2-computer unit.

Anyhoo..the USB switch they make is pretty much perfect. Smooth in operation, small in footprint, and allows programming of trackballs and keyboards to be expressed, unlike some other manufacturers' units.

Dr. Bott I think is the way to go..they just need to make a 4-computer unit that works with the Apple LCD connector.

a

[mac freak]

The Belkin OmniView VGA/USB/Audio switch I have works quite well, with minimal ghosting.

Avoid cheap switches, like those from compucable. They produce unbelievable ghosting, such that the computers are nearly unusable.

[osxisfun]

except for ADC models.

never tried their otherones... been LCD for a long time.

[mac freak]

Yeah, their $30 USB/VGA switch produced probably the worst picture I've ever seen. It was unbelieveable...
In contrast, the Belkin was ~$130 if I recall correctly.

I can't speak for their ADC/DVI models, but my taste for compucable has been soured. Part of the description for the switch I bought from them was all this stuff about ghosting reduction. Obviously, it was not true. I don't think I'll be buying any more video products from them.

[BkueKanoodle]

You could also, (if you have xp) use OSx RDP client to use the PC with. Then you can forgo the KVM and use the pc headless across a network.

[JRobinson]

That sounds good, but what is "OSx RDP?"

[osxisfun]

or something like this too?

http://www.derman.com/KMremoteContro...-Overview.html

[Jermsy]

I use a Dr. Bott switch and am very happy with it. No noticeable ghosting.

[osxisfun]

I just tried this:

You could also, (if you have xp) use OSx RDP client to use the PC with.

Pretty good. Not perfect but better than virutal pc.


go to :

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/otherpr...edesktopclient

[JRobinson]

Excellent advice on RDC! Thanks!!!