To KVM or not to KVM.....

[Sm0kes]

Ok ... here's my setup.

1 Dell P1110 21' trintron - This has built in dual displays with a switch in the front to toggle.
1 workstation
1 bsd workstation/server
1 usb mouse
1 ps/2 keyboard ...

Now my question is .. i want only to have my existing mouse and keyboard on my desktop for use on both computers. Would it be easier to get a KVM or is there some alternative route i can take. Something like a KVM without the video or a combination of y-splitters, that is significantly cheaper. The main purpose is cost here without the loss of performance.. Lemme know your ideas!!

Thanks,

sm0kes

 

[Sm0kes]

Any ideas anyone?

 

[desy]

I just bought a link-sys KVM and what an improvement over the old ones.
Came with all the cables, PS2 only though and small no blocky power adapter and to switch screen just hit ctrl twice to toggle back and forth.
And pretty cheap bout a hundred bucks. ADDED yeah I didn't price shop and just did a in the brain conversion to USD from CND, $60 nice

 

[BreakApart]

I have both the linksys "2port kit" and the "compact 4port"

The 2port kit i can HIGHLY recommend, it has been trouble free, extremely easy to use, and the included cables are nice quality. (simple ctrl-ctrl and it switches between displays, just becareful playing games you might accidently double tap the ctrl and switch mid-game) $60 for everything...

The "compact 4port" on the other hand works........BUT, it is a HUGE pain to switch between displays. (alt-ctrl-shift-#-enter) Now this might not seem tough, but when you turn off a computer you have switch to another PC FAST! or it may turn off the controls to that port as it powers down and you can't switch to another station without using the manual toggle button on the switch or turning that PC back on to activate that port again to switch with the keyboard.

I'll be getting the dlink 4port soon, hopefully that will be easier to use.

 

[Sm0kes]

Only prob is that i've got a USB mouse .... and i don't want to convert it to PS/2, as i'll notice a significant downgrade in the 'smoothness' ..... anything with the USB option .. in the same price range?

Lemme know ..

 

[BreakApart]

Just set the ps/2 sampling refresh to 100. 2000 and XP have this built-in now.

 

[Gunbuster]

how much do you use the BSD box? I would just use X or another remote/terminal app to control it

 

[Dreadogg]

just on thing if you are a gamer I would keep your usb mouse directly attached to your gaming pc and buy one that you can use between the two! It will save you lots of money and headaces!