KVM Switch Advice Needed

[BeefcakeVA]

In short, I'm building a new 1.6A system that I plan to o'c into the stratosphere As such, I'll now have 2 systems and need to have some method of accessing both. I'm thus contemplating a KVM switch purchase, and wanted to solicit advice from you good people.

My old machine will be used primarily (at first) to crunch WUs, and eventually also become a low end email and (possibly) webserver, so I'll need to be able to flip back and forth between the machines at a reasonable pace. I really don't want to pay a ton for this KVM but am contemplating a 4-port option for future expansion. I am willing to pay for quality though as long as the price isn't exhorbitant. That being said, if you have an idea better than a KVM please feel free to share as well

Anyhow, I've been doing some research and will do more today. Was contemplating the following switch as it seems to be around the right price point ($109 at Newegg) and comes with 4 cables:

IOGear 4-port

Just wanted to see what you folks might be able to suggest. Thx for reading.

Edit: Btw, I know this is slightly OT but my need is related to SETI!!

 

[conjur]

I have two of those IOGear 4-port KVMs and they are great. The cables are good quality but aren't the most pliable on earth and for that price and including cables...can't beat it!

 

[DanC]

Might have a look at the Belkin.

I bought an OmniView SE, never had a problem in 3 years with it.

 

[BeefcakeVA]

Thx for the replies I'll check out the Belkin switches as well.

 

[BGod]

I'd go for the IO Gear.

If all the machines are networked you could also use: VNC. Best part is IT'S FREE!

 

[steell]

I have 4 computers on an Omniview 4 port KVM and access 4 others using VNC. VNC works great for everything except playing games, or anything else that needs fast screen refreshing. If you go the KVM route, depending on your screen resolution, you may have to get the expensive cables. Anything over 1024 x 768 gets fuzzy on mine.

 

[BeefcakeVA]

I'll check out VNC... thx for the tip Free is always good.

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: DanC
Might have a look at the Belkin.

I bought an OmniView SE, never had a problem in 3 years with it.

I also have 2 of these. never had any problems.

I recomend against Raritan ( if they are still made ) I have had nothing but problems from that one. Tech support is non-existant, and the warranty is a flat out lie. I have had to go in with a soldering iron to fix a burned out regulator.

The only good thing, is that Raritan works up to 1600x1200 rez @ 85 hz, so no screen problems with that one when playing games. ( I am an avid gamer )

 

[Crazee]

I've had good luck with the Startech KVM switches. The 4 port with cables is $95.60 here (model SV411K)

 

[lane42]

Stay away from the cheap ones. I use a cheap, about 30 bucks 4 port rotory kvm for my seti machines. It works, but bearly

 

[JWMiddleton]

Originally posted by: lane42
Stay away from the cheap ones. I use a cheap, about 30 bucks 4 port rotory kvm for my seti machines. It works, but bearly

The one Lane42 is referring to is an analog type and as he indicated they are junk. Even if you get one that works you will be very limited in video resolution. The Belkin DanC and a few others mentioned is a Digital switch and is excellent. I have two of them! The Omniview SE may no longer be made as they have a new line that has USB ports to replace the PS2 ones. If you can get by with VNC you will be doing well. Or, you can put a cheap mouse on the "Cruncher" and simply move the video cable when you need to access it.

Good luck!

BTW: The IOGear you mentioned say that it supports video resolutions up to 1920 x 1440. I assume that is with the same cables that they provide. If that is the case it would be a great substitute for the Belkin!

 

[SoulAssassin]

You're going to pay more for the Belkin's but IMHO it's money well spent.

 

[DanC]

Actually... I got mine on Ebay, pretty cheap.

I no longer seem to have the e-mail that had the amount - but I recall it being a good deal.

There's only one thing that I don't like - the use of Ctl-Alt-Shift+ the number of the machine you want to see.
It's a little akward, but learnable. From that perspective, I liked my APEX alot better, but it's alot pricier too.

 

[cakin]

Belkin is having a Blowout Sale with a 4 port KVM with cables for $99.
This one does not have the OSD (On Screen Display), from the keyboard you hit (scroll lock, scroll lock [#])