Woman Problems (KVM)

[StraightPipe]

So my woman is pissed cuz I took over her desk, and boxed up her old celeron. anyway with the new school semester starting again, she wants he POS box back.

So I'm looking for a good KVM switch. neither of the Pc's on it will be playing games or anything, just word processing and the other for downloading programs. so i dont need anything special.

I've found this at newegg. for $30+5shipping. It comes with cables.

Is that a good deal? they have cheaper ones, does it make a difference?

I've never used a KVM before, but the idea seems simple enough (my mouse and keyboard are not USB,so i dont think i'll have a problem with that)

any advice is appriciated

 

[MDE]

Looks solid, and Linksys is a decent enough brand where I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

 

[EeyoreX]

I use an older model Linksys with my systems. I have had zero issues/problems, and I di use a USB mouse (via USB->PS2 adapter). If you don't need USB or audio, go ahead and get this, or about any inexpensive KVM. The Linksys isn't as "stylin" as say, a Belkin model. But it also isn't as big a hurt on the wallet.

\Dan

 

[StraightPipe]

I dont care what they look like, but how much more is it to get one w/ audio? any links appriciated

 

[StraightPipe]

^bump^

So, do they sell KVMA-udio?

 

[Swanny]

Originally posted by: StraightPipe
^bump^

So, do they sell KVMA-udio?

Yes, you can get them with audio. My Belkin 4 Port SOHO USB switch has audio.

 

[StraightPipe]

damn, that belkin is $100!

I'm gonna keep looking for a cheaper one,

the reugular linksys KVM i was looking at came with cables + shipping for $35

if anyone know of one with audio that is a little cheaper please give me a link (or model#)

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

What about getting a seperate switch for the audio?

 

[StraightPipe]

a seperate switch would be ok, but integrated would be prefered, how much is a plain audio switch?

also I've noticed some are rated 200mhz and some 400, whats the difference? is it needed? I doubt it, i really dont even use these pc's for video/games anymore.

anybody tried the generic ones on newegg.com?
2 ports for 9.99 and 4 ports for 13.99 (no cables included)

 

[StraightPipe]

well, it looks like I'm probly gonna get that Linksys i mentioned in the first post, unless anyone has used that generic.
actually 9.99+cables and shipping, it would probly barely be cheaper than the linksys...

I guess i'll order that linksys soon. anyone know where I can get a switch for my audio? i'll probly put that off till SHE complains.

 

[Blueopticalmouse]

what about something like this *Trendware/Trendnet KVM 2 Port Switch Kit Model TK-205i Retail * 26.00 at newegg

 

[Robor]

I use the exact same Linksys KVM at work and it works like a charm. Only thing I'd watch for is the KVM cables that come with it are kind of short.

 

[Blooz1]

You won't need a switch for the audio. I was facing the same problem earlier this year, and I just got a 2-into-1 minijack converter at Rat Shack, used some audio cables I had laying around, and Bob's yer uncle! Both PC's work fine with 1 set of speakers.

 

[StraightPipe]

Originally posted by: Blooz1
You won't need a switch for the audio. I was facing the same problem earlier this year, and I just got a 2-into-1 minijack converter at Rat Shack, used some audio cables I had laying around, and Bob's yer uncle! Both PC's work fine with 1 set of speakers.

what happens if you try to play music on both systems?

and who the hell is Bob? -not my uncle.

I think I'll be going with the linksys or that trendware, length of cables dsnt matter (as long as they are included i'm happy)since both boxes will be side by side.

 

[EeyoreX]

My solution for the "I have 2 systems and 1 set of speakers but I want audio for both" was to get a patch cable from Radio Shack with mini-jacks at either end. My main rig was set up as the "primary system" (I hooked my 5.1 speakers to this system's audio - and, as an aside, the mini-jack splitter route probably doesn't work so well if you have more than two speakers like a 4.1 or 5.1 setup) With the speakers plugged into the main system I used the patch cable to connect the two PCs soundcards. From the second system I plugged the patch cable to "line out" then plugged the other end into the "Line In" on the main systems soundcard. I can mute one or both, or leeave them both on. Sounds played simultaneously from both PCs seem to cause no problems, as they are just different souces from the same soundcard, rather than two sound sorces to one set of speakers. And it is much cheaper than the KVMs I have seen with audio. The cable was like 3 bux.

\Dan

 

[glugglug]

The 200MHz vs. 400MHz on the KVM must be the video bandwidth rating. It's not games that you need this for, it's more of a text/high contrast-high res image quality issue. If you use high resolutions or extremely high refresh rates you'll want the better switch.

 

[VTEC01EX]

The 2 port w/ integrated cables IOGear is serving the exact purpose you've just described. Running the gf's Celeron box. Works perfectly, and you can actually pick them up at BestBuy now if you don't want to wait. No signal problems - even at 1280x1024, the highest I've tested. It just plain works, I don't even think about it now.