Micro Center Deals: KVM switch $9.99 & 50ft net. cables $4.79. 10pk dvd-r verbatims $24
- Thread starter optimistic
- Start date
Yes, not only is the KVM switch a great deal, but so are the KVM cables. For $8.99, you can get a KVM cable (On sale for 1/2 price) which will connect your monitor, mouse and keyboard to the KVM switch box. I've never seen prices so low for this stuff.
The only downside to this is that the KVM box/cables only support the VGA connections for video. Sorry, no DVI connections. However, if you were going to run 1 LCD monitor with 2 computers, then you could have your monitor switch the video connection - provided, you have 1 DVI and 1 VGA connection. Then, use the KVM cables / switch box to connect your keyboard and mouse to. However, the mouse can only be a P2/2 mouse, not a USB mouse. Hmmm ... after reading what I just wrote, I can see the reason for the cheap prices on this gear. Given the fact that the KVM can only switch VGA connections and PS/2 mouse connections, demand for these items must be dropping with all of the USB mice and DVI video boards that are hitting the market. However, the prices are still fantastic.
The only downside to this is that the KVM box/cables only support the VGA connections for video. Sorry, no DVI connections. However, if you were going to run 1 LCD monitor with 2 computers, then you could have your monitor switch the video connection - provided, you have 1 DVI and 1 VGA connection. Then, use the KVM cables / switch box to connect your keyboard and mouse to. However, the mouse can only be a P2/2 mouse, not a USB mouse. Hmmm ... after reading what I just wrote, I can see the reason for the cheap prices on this gear. Given the fact that the KVM can only switch VGA connections and PS/2 mouse connections, demand for these items must be dropping with all of the USB mice and DVI video boards that are hitting the market. However, the prices are still fantastic.
I'd be really surprised if any price drops had to do with USB mice or DVI - most USB mice come with PS/2 adapters, and DVI-only LCDs aren't that common (in my circle, LCDs aren't that common 
).
It would not surprise me, however, if this wasn't the highest quality KVM. Switching the keyboard and mouse aren't too difficult (not too many signals and very low frequency), but the graphics signals are pretty high frequency, especially if you run a high resolution at a reasonable refresh rate. I have heard reports that many KVMs lead to noisy displays (herringboning, etc.) on anything higher res than VGA, and so are only really good for server console handling. At this price level, it would certainly seem likely. I'd like to hear that this isn't true, as I have a location where I'd like to have several "real" machines, but would like to avoid the space requirements for the extra mouse, keyboard, and (especially) monitor.
).It would not surprise me, however, if this wasn't the highest quality KVM. Switching the keyboard and mouse aren't too difficult (not too many signals and very low frequency), but the graphics signals are pretty high frequency, especially if you run a high resolution at a reasonable refresh rate. I have heard reports that many KVMs lead to noisy displays (herringboning, etc.) on anything higher res than VGA, and so are only really good for server console handling. At this price level, it would certainly seem likely. I'd like to hear that this isn't true, as I have a location where I'd like to have several "real" machines, but would like to avoid the space requirements for the extra mouse, keyboard, and (especially) monitor.
Agree with what beergeek said. I rather spend more money to buy a better quality KVM switch, because of the video quality.
I went to MicroCenter the other day in Cambridge, MA. Those KVM switches look kind of crappy.
I went to MicroCenter the other day in Cambridge, MA. Those KVM switches look kind of crappy.
not to crap on this thread, but, you can get the linksys compact kvm with cables kit for 34.95 with free shipping from amazon.
Linksys PS2KVMSK ProConnect 2-Port Compact KVM Switch Kit
Linksys PS2KVMSK ProConnect 2-Port Compact KVM Switch Kit
That linksys KVM switch also comes with 2 sets of cables....
So if you compare them directly:
MicroCenter Deal:
1 KVM switch 9.99
2 Sets of cables 18.00
comes to ~28 bucks!
Spend the extra 7 dollars and get a KVM switch that you can switch from the keyboard.
NOTE: My only complaint with the linksys KVM is that the cables are pretty short....oh well, cannot complain for $35.
So if you compare them directly:
MicroCenter Deal:
1 KVM switch 9.99
2 Sets of cables 18.00
comes to ~28 bucks!
Spend the extra 7 dollars and get a KVM switch that you can switch from the keyboard.
NOTE: My only complaint with the linksys KVM is that the cables are pretty short....oh well, cannot complain for $35.
What is the quality of the Linksys KVM and of the cables? Are they adequate to support a 150-200MHz video signal without noise or degradation?
yeah but what sucks is that you can't disable that keyboard function and when you use that ctrl button for playing games its quite the b!tch when your comptuer keeps on switching every other time you croutch
this deal was hot for me.. i got it last week when the deal started
Zap
Elite Member
- Oct 13, 1999
- 22,377
- 7
- 81
Not to crap on this thread, but the KVM in the ad is a MANUAL switch, not to be confused with an electronic switch. In my experience manual KVMs don't work too well. I've seen monitor colors get screwy (like a loose cable) and keyboards not detected.
That Amazon Linksys deal looks pretty sweet. Those ones work best hiding behind the desk because the cables come out from all 4 sides of the box. More expensive ones have all cables coming out of back and LED/button in front. Just a tradeoff. The ones I've used never accidentally switched because the keyboard hot key was hitting the Scroll Lock twice, then using arrow keys. I don't think I've EVER used the Scroll Lock for anything else. Anyways, I don't know what keys the Linksys uses.
That Amazon Linksys deal looks pretty sweet. Those ones work best hiding behind the desk because the cables come out from all 4 sides of the box. More expensive ones have all cables coming out of back and LED/button in front. Just a tradeoff. The ones I've used never accidentally switched because the keyboard hot key was hitting the Scroll Lock twice, then using arrow keys. I don't think I've EVER used the Scroll Lock for anything else. Anyways, I don't know what keys the Linksys uses.
ebaycj
Diamond Member
- Mar 9, 2002
- 5,418
- 0
- 0
beergeek: that linksys kvm will do 1920x1440x60hz resolution (1600x1200x85hz is PERFECT, even with a matrox g550), and switches screens by either a button press, or hitting the control key twice in a row.
nice kvm. i paid $80 or so for it. $35 is an EXCELLENT deal.
the crappy manual switch that is advertised in the link at the top of the page isnt even worth buying.
ebaycj
nice kvm. i paid $80 or so for it. $35 is an EXCELLENT deal.
the crappy manual switch that is advertised in the link at the top of the page isnt even worth buying.
ebaycj
Does anyone think the verbatim DVD-rs is a good deal? That seems like a deceint deal for quality DVD-r media.
I was just at the Vienna MC, some good deals for sure.
The 9.99 surge prot / power strip is great (except phone prot is a joke only supporting 2 wires, sux for 2-line phone people).
I got a nice 12-port punchdown block for half-price $40, a bunch of $2 network cables, a $6 optical mouse, a crimp tool (9.99) and 100 RJ45 ends $7.
They also had some decent 4.1 speakers (Aopen) $25 and a 4.1 sound card for $10, but involved dreaded rebates.
But tons of other stuff clearing out, some cool cable tubing, keyboards, software modems, alot of 802.11b stuff.
PDS
The 9.99 surge prot / power strip is great (except phone prot is a joke only supporting 2 wires, sux for 2-line phone people).
I got a nice 12-port punchdown block for half-price $40, a bunch of $2 network cables, a $6 optical mouse, a crimp tool (9.99) and 100 RJ45 ends $7.
They also had some decent 4.1 speakers (Aopen) $25 and a 4.1 sound card for $10, but involved dreaded rebates.
But tons of other stuff clearing out, some cool cable tubing, keyboards, software modems, alot of 802.11b stuff.
PDS
The LinkSys KVMs do NOT work with IBM ThinkPad laptops. There's a conflict with the keyboard/mouse pin outs from the ThinkPad. LinkSys says it can be resolved by clipping a pin but that's not a satisfactory option.
If you are going to connect a ThinkPad to a KVM do NOT buy a LinkSys KVM. It will not work.
If you are going to connect a ThinkPad to a KVM do NOT buy a LinkSys KVM. It will not work.
Did anyone pick on on the 2-port USB 2.0 PCI adapters for $12.99? Actually it's 2 external and 1 internal, and 2 + 1 = 2? It's an Inland brand, has anyone tried one of these?
Thanks!
P.S. Also picked up some 50' Cat5e cables for $4.79 ea.
Thanks!
P.S. Also picked up some 50' Cat5e cables for $4.79 ea.
bought 3, it is 2 external and one internal. Installed one yesterday, haven't tried yet. Good price and I don't have to deal with rebates
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