Do I need a KVM

Post by **dicecca112** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:30 am

I want to be able to use the Same Mouse and Keyboard with my work laptop and desktop. Is this doable? And is a KVM platform independent, I have Linux on the desktop, and XP on the Laptop. Also anyone know of a wireless keyboard/mouse set that works in Linux and Windows. My Logitech does not work, Logitech is poorly supported in Ubuntu

Darkstar · Post by **Darkstar** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:37 am

KVM will work and they have gotten alot cheaper. I have a 2 port and 4 port at home, and a 4 port and 8 port at work.

bubba · Post by **bubba** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:38 am

Hmmmm.... KVM will do multi platform, all it does is send a signal that there is a device there but no input signal until you switch it. They have them for USB and PS2 devices and VGA/DVI monitors.

Down side, I don't think you can run wireless mice/keyboards through them. You might be able to with the new USB switches, all of mine are PS2 based.

martini161 · Post by **martini161** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:43 am

yeah i dont think you can provide the power needed for wireless through a kvm

hnzw_rui · Post by **hnzw_rui** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:49 am

There are wireless keyboards and mice that come with PS2 adapters (e.g. Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000). If you're opting for compatibility, those are probably worth a try. Granted, you'll probably lose function of all the fancy media keys and what-not but at least it'll work as a normal keyboard.

Post by **dicecca112** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:59 am

all I need to work is the regular buttons and the number pad

any recommendation on brands?

bubba · Post by **bubba** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:24 am

The brand I'm using is SwitchView serries from Avocent. I have a couple older style 4 port PS/2 versions.
http://www.avocent.com/DesktopSwitches. ... temid=7442

Something that looks to fit your current needs http://www.avocent.com/SwitchView_DVI_2-port.aspx

There are cheaper options out there. Think IOGear has one for around $80

Post by **dicecca112** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:26 am

yeah I'm paying for this, so yeah lets keep it under 30$

Was looking at this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 2bF1DK102P
to go with this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6823109034

bubba · Post by **bubba** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:28 am

hmm... ok, let me do some digging.

Here is the one from IO Gear I was thinking of... $35 and you don't have to buy KVM cables on top of he switch. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817107417

EDIT
ah you edited you're post
The belkin looks good, not digging the curved board, but if it works for you LOL

Darkstar · Post by **Darkstar** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:16 pm

you didnt mention if you were planning on using sound with the systems, but that one doesnt have sound support.

i have a couple of Iogear switches, with the exception of the miniview III model, they work great.

Post by **dicecca112** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:24 pm

no sound needed

DaIceMan · Post by **DaIceMan** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:59 pm

http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

bigblockmatt · Post by **bigblockmatt** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:15 pm

i bought this http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... age=search and use it with a logitech wireless keyboard/mouse usb combo. I have it working fine. not sure about the cross platform though. in theory, if the keyboard and mouse with plugged in directly, it should work through the kvm?

Post by **dicecca112** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:22 pm

I bought the belkin, I'm waiting on the adapters for ps2 to usb

Zelig · Post by **Zelig** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:38 pm

Another lazy solution that works well in some circumstances is just to remote desktop to the second computer.

I've got dual 24" monitors at work, so I just leave my home computer desktop open on the second monitor.

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