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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: codek on Sat, 06 November 2010, 05:10:24

Title: Good KVM switch
Post by: codek on Sat, 06 November 2010, 05:10:24

I need a realible KVM switch.  I currently run 3 thinkpads into 3 monitors but want to use only one keyboard at a time.  I'm posting this here because I just bought a couple of

Model M's
Dell AT101's
IBM Ultranav's

will check out
Model M13
HHKB Pro 2
Cherry G84-4100

I want to check these out without any compatability issues.

I also need a good ps/2 to usb converter for cheap, looking to buy 3

thanks in advance

Title: Good KVM switch
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 06 November 2010, 11:23:09

I had VMware buy me Belkin KVMs when I worked there. I've never had Windows/Mac OS X/Linux fail to recognize the keyboard/display when booted to a Belkin KVM.


I think only nice things about Belkin KVMs. Well, except for the (lack of) availability of their <2 PC to 2 DVI display> KVM, which I'd buy in a heartbeat if I ever see it again.

--
Do a search for the $8 blue cube PS/2-to-USB converter. There is no substitute.

Title: Good KVM switch
Post by: codek on Sat, 06 November 2010, 21:09:31

Everyones seems to like the belkins.  Can I pretty much pick up any one of them?

Title: Good KVM switch
Post by: Soarer on Sat, 06 November 2010, 21:35:22

I have a 4-port Aten (http://www.aten.com/products/productItem.php?pcid=2005010513171002&psid=20070130114411002&pid=20080425114135001&layerid=subClass3) which works well, wasn't cheap though. When I was researching which KVM to get, it came down to a toss up between Belkin and Aten as having the best reliability to price ratios.

If you don't need monitor switching then there should be a cheaper solution out there - not sure what they're called - a KM switch? Or if the machines are networked then for free you could try Synergy (http://synergy-foss.org/).  I've been meaning to give it a try myself, it looks pretty neat.

Title: Good KVM switch
Post by: codek on Sat, 06 November 2010, 23:23:15

Quote from: Soarer;243626

I have a 4-port Aten (http://www.aten.com/products/productItem.php?pcid=2005010513171002&psid=20070130114411002&pid=20080425114135001&layerid=subClass3) which works well, wasn't cheap though. When I was researching which KVM to get, it came down to a toss up between Belkin and Aten as having the best reliability to price ratios.

If you don't need monitor switching then there should be a cheaper solution out there - not sure what they're called - a KM switch? Or if the machines are networked then for free you could try Synergy (http://synergy-foss.org/).  I've been meaning to give it a try myself, it looks pretty neat.

Thank you for that link.  I'll definitely try it out.  

Those Aten's are nice, like the rolls royce of KVM's but not sure I could afford the price tag right now... lol