KVM Switches and such

[Scarpozzi]

I'm debating on whether or not to get a KVM switch or another monitor. I'm not sure how many computers I eventually want to go with, but does anyone know if these are hard on a monitor (switching res. on the fly).

Also, anyone know a cheap supplier for them? I need a hookup! Thanks🙂

 

[DaveSimmons]

My 4-port OmniCube works great for KV but the -M (mouse) part is unreliable. Cheap 2-port with cables from someone like D-Link are $50-60 at buy.com, for 4-port they're around $100 new without cables (might check for used in FS/FT forum). Monitor's still alive after using for a year so switching can't be too hard on it.

 

[Russ]

I use a KVM switch connected to my three servers and my build bench. Ancient 14" viewsonic that has been switched back and forth constantly for several years; never a problem.

I do have a problem with the mouse, just like DaveSimmons. Sometimes it'll just stop responding if I'm on one system too long. Not a problem on the Linux server, because I can just go to a different terminal and back in, x will reload the driver. The stupid Windows servers have to be rebooted.

Russ, NCNE

 

[trmiv]

I have a 2-port Belkin OmniView, works pretty well. The only problem is, sometimes I'll be on one system, and the keyboard won't work, so I have to switch over using the button (instead off scroll lock), then when I switch back, it will be working again. Haven't had the mouse issue because I am using two different mice with the systems, connected directly to the computers.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Thanks...Omnicube is made by Belkin? I think I have one of those at the desk of my new job...(pretty sure that's the namebrand). It also has mouse issues, but I reseated the cables a couple of times and it seemed to be more reliable. Any other suggestions of good brand names?

 

[wyvrn]

I bought one, with cables, for $42 over at newegg. Then I also purchased a ac adapter to keep constant power to the switch, because if I allowed the keyboard to power the kvm, it would occaisionally act flakey. The adapter fixed that, so total cost was about $55 for a 2-port.

 

[Time2Kill]

I have a D-Link 4 port KVM that I love...no problems whats-so-ever, my only complaint is I can't use the USB hub on my keyboard...but thats not a big deal...

And why would switching resolutions like that hurt a monitor? What do you think happens when you open a game and it switches resolutions or you change the resolution on your desktop?

 

[CanOWorms]

Is it possible to get one just for the keyboard and mouse? I'm looking for one without the Video 🙂 All the ones I see have Video and so they're expensive, but I don't want a cheap one.

 

[wyvrn]

Fry's has the keyboard/mouse ones. Serial or PS2. I would check that out, you can get a setup with cables for around $40-$50.

 

[777php]

the new belkin kvm switches have usb support for all of those with usb mice and keyboards.

 

[sitka]

Bought a 4 and now wish I had an 8, Two's are nice for work centers sometimes but mostly 4's are a better value
if you are thinking of getting a 2. One huge advantage of over kill is when you have friends bring over their
box to fix or share.
My personnal switch..
This one
I can't say enough about it. Maybe just luck but this thing is outrageous in how well it works. It will even do multi monitor,
single key/mouse which it shouldn't even do. Haven't tried any usb ones. But I'll keep preaching this switch, just because it is
by far the best comp purchase I ever made.

 

[spanky]

i am interested in getting a monitor switch... i guess i might as well go all out KVM 🙂 just wondering tho... how much would i be looking at for a good quality KVM? i've had a cheap monitor switch before... anything over 800x600 just plain sucked ass (ghosting all over the place). i would like to be able to run at least 1024x768. 🙂

 

[Russ]

<< All the ones I see have Video and so they're expensive, but I don't want a cheap one. >>



Then just get a manual switch; 4 port is about $20.

Russ, NCNE