KVM device

[bdog]

I am looking to get one of these to share my mouse, keyboard and monitor between my windows and my linux boxes. I have been looking at KVM's from Belkin and Linksys. I can get a Linksys 4 computer controller for about the same price as a 2 computer controller from Belkin. I have heard that the Belkin products are good, but don't know about the Linksys. I only need to control 2 pc's now, but if the Linksys is good, I would just as soon have the ability to control 4 computers down the road. Does anyone have any experience with these products or have any suggestions?

[BlrOp]

bdog, I have a Belkin OmniView 4 port Classic model F1D074. I have had no problems with it and would say that it is a good unit for the price.

In checking, I found that a lot of the cheaper units do not handle the higher video refresh rates. Most of them would only do 60-65Hz. This unit will do 80Hz verticle at 1280x1024.

I do a lot of home video editing and online games. I have not noticed any display problems or signal loss. You will want to use good quality cables. I have been told that the cheaper cables can cause signal problems. Not sure on that since I just broke down and paid the price for the better ones to start with.

My systems on the unit are:

PIII 500 @ 750
Matrox G400 DH 32mb
Hitachi 751 19"
MS Natural Keyboard

Celeron 333
Matrox G200 Marvel

They are also sitting on a 4 PC network using DSL and the new Linksys DSL/Cable router.

Hope this helps some.

Ed

[Stan]

Hi

As you already know, I am using a Belkin OmniCube 4 Port.
I almost bought the 2 port version (much cheaper) but, I did not want to get stuck and bought the 4 port version (I am glad I did !!!)

The OmniCube works just fine. To switch to another PC, press Scroll Lock twice, then press the key number referring to the port number where the PC is hooked ! easy !

http://freespace.virgin.net/stany.thibaut/LAN_fr.htm

Stan

[UncaDanno]

I got a Linksys 2-port compact switch kit about a month ago. Works really well. I bought it thru provantage for about $60 + S/H.

Here's a link to Linksys' writeup: http://www.linksys.com/scripts/features.asp?part=ps2kvmsk

'Course you know they got other switches, too.

If you want to see a lot of alternatives, go to provantage.com, select hardware, then peripherals. There will be a KVM Switches item. If you select that, you'll see all the different ones that provantage sells. They usually have manufacturer links so you can go to the makers' sites to get more info.

[bdog]

Thanks a lot for the replies. Decisions, decisions. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif