thanks guys, JackMDS - so an artificial limitation? i saw the link at the bottom but don't want a software kvm situation (although synergy and then microsofts one worked well in the past).
LTC8K6 - can't use those keyboards in this sitation but thanks! it will come in handy for another issue with a laptop, phone and tablet
i'll just get another keyboard i guess. at least in that i'll have a spare in case this one fails (got caught when my razor death whatever died recently).
ta
