KVM switch

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agent macintoshagent macintosh
Posted:
in Current Mac Hardware edited January 2014
I'm looking for a good KVMP (keyboard, video, mouse, printer) switch that I can use to connect a PowerBook and a PowerMac. I have speakers, a mouse, a keyboard, a display, and a printer. I want the PowerBook and PowerMac to share all these.



Is there any really good, Mac KVMP switch?



Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 11
    regreg Posts: 832member
    I use the Iogear GCS1764 4 port KVM . I don't have speakers connected up, just don't use them with these computers. We have had several different KVM's and never had a problem with any of them. Since most things are usb you might want to try to get one with at least 2 if not more usb ports also.



    reg
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  • Reply 2 of 11
    splinemodelsplinemodel Posts: 7,311member
    whatever you do, don't get the Belkin KVM. It's a piece of total shit. The IOGear ones I've used have been good, but as of yet I have not used a reliable DVI KVM. Granted, I haven't tried a lot of the new one that have just come out.



    Rule of thumb - check the newegg reviews. If there's a single poor review, don't buy it.
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  • Reply 3 of 11
    aplnubaplnub Posts: 2,605member
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Splinemodel

    whatever you do, don't get the Belkin KVM. It's a piece of total shit. The IOGear ones I've used have been good, but as of yet I have not used a reliable DVI KVM. Granted, I haven't tried a lot of the new one that have just come out.



    Rule of thumb - check the newegg reviews. If there's a single poor review, don't buy it.



    I use a Belkin and I can agree with his statement. Don't get one.
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  • Reply 4 of 11
    cakecake Posts: 1,010member
    I don't agree.

    I've got two Belkin 4-port KVM's (F1DS104U) and they've performed flawlessly.



    What issues have you guys had?
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  • Reply 5 of 11
    aplnubaplnub Posts: 2,605member
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Cake

    I don't agree.

    I've got two Belkin 4-port KVM's (F1DS104U) and they've performed flawlessly.



    What issues have you guys had?



    Do a search for my username and KVM. You'll find the problem I have had on two of them...
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  • Reply 6 of 11
    aquamacaquamac Posts: 585member
    Quote:

    Originally posted by reg

    I use the Iogear GCS1764 4 port KVM . I don't have speakers connected up, just don't use them with these computers. We have had several different KVM's and never had a problem with any of them. Since most things are usb you might want to try to get one with at least 2 if not more usb ports also.



    Sale Price: $302.95 for a KVM? Oh, my.
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  • Reply 7 of 11
    regreg Posts: 832member
    No it was about $220. A very good deal at the time from a reseller we deal with all the time. You can get cheaper models (D-link, linksys and belkins ) but DVI's cost more. There is also a certain comfort level you get with some manufacturers and I have had good results with things from Iogear.



    reg
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  • Reply 8 of 11
    dave k.dave k. Posts: 1,306member
    If you haven't purchased one yet. Check out Dr. Bott.



    http://www.drbott.com



    I purchased my KVM through them and was very satisifed. Dr. Bott's came with all needed cabling.



    Dave
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  • Reply 9 of 11
    splinemodelsplinemodel Posts: 7,311member
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Cake

    I don't agree.

    I've got two Belkin 4-port KVM's (F1DS104U) and they've performed flawlessly.



    What issues have you guys had?



    It has major problems with USB keyboards, including all the USB keyboards Apple has made as well a pretty run-of-the mill Logitech USB keyboard. It doesn't work with certain keys, and often causes double and triple strokes to occur.
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  • Reply 10 of 11
    cakecake Posts: 1,010member
    I'm currently using the USB Apple keyboard that came with my Developer Kit G5 and the USB black key Apple keyboard that originally came with my old G4 533DP with no issues whatsoever.



    Not sure why I don't have any problems with my KVM's, but I'm happy that they work as advertised.
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  • Reply 11 of 11
    tony swashtony swash Posts: 12member
    If you need a DVI KVM then you could try this one



    http://www.nti1.co.uk/srvsw-usb-dvi.html



    Its not pretty but the one I have has worked flawlessly for over a year now - heavy daily use.



    I use it to share an Apple 23 inch cinema display, an Apple keyboard and a Microsoft mouse between a Powermac G5 and a Windows PC (the last is just for games).



    This KVM comes with special features and instructions for mapping keys for the Mac so its very Mac friendly.
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