Legit Reviews

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

any recommendation on brands?

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

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

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

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.

no sound needed

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?

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

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.