what's the best KVM switch for my setup (2 PCs, 1 MacBook)?

[bitt3n]

I want to share my monitor, PS2 keyboard and USB mouse between 2 PCs and a Macbook Pro. Is there a decent, cheap KVM switch that will do this? Or do I need to get a USB keyboard to use it with the Macbook (since it doesn't have a PS2 port, and I'm assuming there probably aren't any KVMs that take a PS2 keyboard input and output to machines via USB)?

 

[alfa147x]

would it be too much trouble to stack 2?

it would be cheaper

Iv never used a KVM switch, just throwing a idea out

 

[bitt3n]

I don't have much space, so KVM would be much better in my case

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: bitt3n
I don't have much space, so KVM would be much better in my case

sorry, i thought KVM switches were expensive and remember seeing 2 -> 1 switches for $20 a while ago and thought you could put 2 of those together... nvm I clearly don't know what im talking about

*Signs off

 

[Deslok]

try synergy
synergy

oops- you want to use one monitor. I don't think it will work for you but its a great program.

 

[bitt3n]

thanks, yeah I need it for one monitor. it sounds like my best bet is to go buy a USB keyboard (or get a PS2/USB adapter) and then get a fully USB KVM.

 

[Paperdoc]

Why not use the PS2-type KVM, then for only the lines going to your MAC, use an adapter? Go to Newegg and Search for "ps2 to usb", you'll find many. Note the user evaluations - some seem more reliable than others.

By the way, you might want to be able to switch the sound outputs to one speaker system, too. If you do, there are KVM's for that, more complex and expensive, of course.

 

[Team Spicoli]

Look into the Vetra KVM, expensive but worth it.

 

[mpilchfamily]

$30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817801041

Limts you to VGA and PS2 all around but its easy to get a USB to PS2 adapter for the mouse. When you add USB and DVI then your looking at $100+ for even the cheapest KVMs.

For $100 you are still limited to VGA but you have both PS2 and USB availible.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817107253

 

[DaveSimmons]

I use an IOGear ps2 KVM (4-port, was around $100) and a bytecc PS2-to-USB adapter for the Mac Mini I use for testing our Mac apps.

I use DVI-to-VGA adapters for the video. 16x12 works without any problems.