2-Port KVM Switch

[cessna152]

I'm looking for a good 2-Port KVM Switch for less than $60 preferably. I was lloking a Newegg has a nice looking one for a good price with cables. Both computers will be running WinXP. Thank you.

 

[hmsrolst]

I've been using a Linksys 2-port KVM along with their 6 foot cables with no problems.

 

[clumsum]

No problems here with the D-Link DKVM-2 ...........

The only drawback is no audio or USB capability .........
You have to spend more $$$ to get the extras!

 

[spanky]

Originally posted by: clumsum
No problems here with the D-Link DKVM-2 ...........

i second the d-link. should u decide to get the linksys... ge the one with it's own power supply.

 

[Nosferatu]

i have linksys and i give it a thumbs up. however the hot key is ctrl ctrl and i think some games use those keys

 

[trikster2]

I paid a little more for my belkin "e-series". With cables I think it was $76 or so. Something like $60 for the E-Series KVM then $8 for each set of cables.

I had read that the linksys has a bad key combo for switching monitors (CTRL or something else used a lot in games). May be different now though. On the e-seires it is scr-lock scrl-lock up arrow, something I doubt I will ever need in a game.

The Belkin E-Series KVM has very good video quality even with the really cheap cables.

BUT

It beeps very loudly when you change computers, a pain in my family room esp when watching T.V. and playing two characters at once in an online game and switching frequently.

Also I would loose the mouse all the time with the drivers that came with my intellimouse explorer. Followed belkins advice and went back to generic 98 drivers. Things are better but I still loose the mouse once in a while, killing myself and my friends (virtualy).

 

[MichaelD]

What are you trying to accomplish w/the KVM switch? Control a second box? If that is all you want to do, try VNC Vitrual Network Computing.


I was in the same boat a few weeks ago. AFTER I spent $110 and bought a 4-port KVM, many great folks here at AT suggested I try VNC. It works, exactly as advertised and best of all, it costs you nada, nothing, zero, zilch. It's FREEWARE.

It's basically a remote desktop proggy. You can see the desktop of any box you choose to load VNC on. ONe catch...you can't game over it or anything as the refresh is very slow...but that's not what it's for.

I switch b/t boxes to install software/reboot and not much else. For things liek file sharing, I already created shares on all my boxes and go thru Windows Explorer, since all three of my boxes are networked thru a router.

Good luck.

 

[trikster2]

MichaelD

Does VNC work with 3D games?????

I'm normaly playing a 3D game full screen on one computer while looking at maps/walkthroughs etc on the other computer.

Or I'm playing a 3D game on each computer switching back and forth.

KVM is the only way I could do this without putting two monitors on my coffee table (blocks my view of the T.V.)

 

[MichaelD]

Negative- VNC isn't designed to game over. A KVM is prolly the best thing for you then.

 

[trikster2]

Did not mean to imply anything negative about VNC!



I've used it and love it. VNC is great and I curse ATT for disolving the lab that made it.

 

[cessna152]

Wow, thx guys. I actually forgot about this thread until I saw it up top. Yea, I considered VNC and am running between one computer and an MP3 Box in the living room. However, I want to be able to use some more intensive programs so KVM switch is what I need. From reading about the Linksys and its hot key is not good. I will look into the Belkin.

As a sidenote, VNC rocks. Very useful little program. Use it alot in college.

Thank You!