KVM suggestions

[beatle]

I'm looking into getting a 2 port KVM. I really want it to be able to handle 1024x768 @ 100Hz, a Logitech mouseman dual optical and a cheap keyboard. Having high ps2 refresh rates is important and video quality shouldn't take a nosedive either.

I've basically ruled out most of Belkin's stuff as it has the keyboard and mouse out front. This would just cause a mess on my desk, especially since I use a usb->ps2 adapter for my mouse. Are there other, possibly discontinued KVMs by Belkin that would do the trick? How about Linksys? Links? 🙂

 

[amdskip]

Have you seen the newer Belkin KVM's? I believe its the SOHO line and they are shaped differently. I have a 4 port version and I love it. I'd give you a link but I'm sharing a dial up connection right now, sorry.

 

[beatle]

Here is the link to the SOHO 2 port. It looks nice, but I really don't need audio switching, and @ $89 from newegg, it's more than I was looking to spend. I'm trying to keep it in the $50 range (or cheaper) if possible.

 

[DaveSimmons]

search "KVM" in General Hardware for a bunch of threads.

 

[beatle]

I made the mistake of changing my mind and getting the Belkin. I figured it might be a bit better than the linksys for $20 more. I also made the mistake of thinking it came with cables. What a ripoff! Most of the others came with cables and I could have sworn this one did too.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Beatle: I posted a topic similar to this one, but didn't get much info back. --> LINK

I am considering getting a cheap ($35) switch for use with two systems. Do the lower end KVM/Belkin/etc. switches have low, SET refresh rates, regardless of the resolution? The specs I read on the $35 switch make it seem like the refresh rate is set at 65Hz, no matter what resolution I use.

Is that true?

 

[DaveSimmons]

The specs I read on the $35 switch make it seem like the refresh rate is set at 65Hz, no matter what resolution I use.

this is probably covered in more detail in older threads, but in short: a switch doesn't set the refresh rate at all, it passes through the video card signal at whatever rate the card sets.

What matters though is the maximum bandwidth the switch passes through, which (just like with monitors themselves) puts an upper limit on what resolution + refresh combinations will work.

Just like a monitor might list its highest resolution at 1600x1200 @ 65 while also supporting 1280x1024 @ 80, a KVM might pass through (for example) only 1280x1024 @ 65 (and lower res @ higher refreshes) setting an upper limit that's worse than the monitor's.