KVM Switch for two G4s

[dburney]

I'm getting ready to set up two G4s for use as a file server and a back up server. I've been looking at a few cheap KVM solutions to share one monitor and keyboard/mouse between the two. I've found an Iogear USB switch for $69.99 and a Belkin switch for $59.99. The main difference appears to be the Iogear also provides support for sharing audio - which I don't need.

I've seen several reviews (good and bad) for both switches in a Mac/PC set up. Although the trend tends to be toward the bad I'm optimistic that a Mac/Mac set up would less likely see any problems. Has anyone had any experience with either product? We have other Belkin products in house that work fine - but I don't have any experience with Iogear. Any suggestions/comments are appreciated. Thanks.

http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GCS632U&name=MiniView%E2%84%A2%20Micro%20USB%20PLUS%20KVM%20Switch

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=164030

 

[freakonguitar]

umm....well i think belkin would probably be a bit better than the other one. I don't really know if there would be a difference between mac and mac. Although i can see some problems with keyboard and mouse compatability if it were pc/mac. (maybe i don't know for sure) but i think mac to mac should work fine, since a lot of ppl run pc to pc without much trouble.

 

[disconap]

I would search around ebay and froogle (if you haven't already), you can find an option in the $25-30 range.

Or just build your own. DIY, baby!

 

[relimw]

Just a thought, but you could try a software only method using VNC and Chicken of the VNC. This is how I maintain my webserver and public codebuilder machines.

As far as belkin vs iogear, we used to use belkin, but in our mixed win/mac/linux world they never worked well. No experience with iogear.

 

[brandon6684]

I have the Belkin one, and for the price, it's really flakey.

 

[disconap]

I absolutely love your sig, Brandon.