I saw my boss is using a set of monitor, keyboard and mouse, and a spliter(or switcher), to connect to a PC and a linux box, it's pretty cool when he switch back and forworth just by pressing a botton. I wanna know if there is any switch like this compatible with mac and PC. Also, should i buy a windows or mac keyboard if i want both the windows key and apple key to be funtional.
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Mac/PC share use switch
- Thread starter longmanzz
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longmanzz said:
It's called a KVM switch and yes you can use them with Macs. Just make sure you have one that supports USB and the video out of your monitor. Most KVM's are PS/2 and VGA - these won't work with the Mac cause the Keyboard and Mouse ports have to be USB to plug into the Mac.
I think Apple sell a compliant KVM switch at their online store.
Just a warning mate,
I've had hell trying to get my "compatible" KVM switch working with my PB and PC. It apparently doesn't like the way the PB video comes out and the fact that I disconnect it everyday when I'm out and about.
Ended up being a piece of trash for me (although I'd love to get one working...)
I've had hell trying to get my "compatible" KVM switch working with my PB and PC. It apparently doesn't like the way the PB video comes out and the fact that I disconnect it everyday when I'm out and about.
Ended up being a piece of trash for me (although I'd love to get one working...)
tuartboy said:
i plan on bypassing the kvm switch and going with a usb 1-2 usb splitter. from what i can see you plug your usb kb&m into the splitter and then feed it to your two boxes. Anyone know of compatibility issues with these devices??
BTW my monitor has 2 video inputs. one DVI and one VGA that i can switch inputs via a button on the monitor. I was surprised at the cost of KVM switches, so this is my workaround if it can indeed be worked around.
Belkin make a couple of good ones, fairly cheap in the UK if you buy from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-4476518-0593453
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl/202-4476518-0593453
The first one has audio, second one hasn't, both are USB.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-4476518-0593453
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl/202-4476518-0593453
The first one has audio, second one hasn't, both are USB.
If you want to do this so that you switch on only one computer at a time, this sounds like a splitter will work. Otherwise, presuming it would even work with both boxes on, everything you type would be seen simulataneously on both computers.gaelan said:
You need a switch for the keyboard and monitor, but most of the cost of KVM switches is in the "V" part due to the signals required. So maybe you can find a much cheaper KM only switch and use the multiple inputs on your monitor.
B
I use this Belkin to link up three computers (iMac G5, G4 PB, and a Toshiba). I share a wireless MS keyboard and mouse and a Samsung LCD between them all.
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProd...=&Section_Id=201729&pcount=&Product_Id=160623
Work fine - they also have cheaper models (with or w/o audio) for two computer hookups -
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProd...=&Section_Id=201725&pcount=&Product_Id=164060
Haven't had any problems with the setup, beyond having to use the switch to reactivate the Mac after sleeping. Seems that once the Mac goes to sleep, it won't recognize key or mouse inputs to wake up. But toggling the switch to another computer and back to the Mac wakes it up fine.
Edit -I should note that the 4 CPU model does NOT come with cables, so you have to add another $25 per CPU for these as well. The cheaper unit does include cables.
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProd...=&Section_Id=201729&pcount=&Product_Id=160623
Work fine - they also have cheaper models (with or w/o audio) for two computer hookups -
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProd...=&Section_Id=201725&pcount=&Product_Id=164060
Haven't had any problems with the setup, beyond having to use the switch to reactivate the Mac after sleeping. Seems that once the Mac goes to sleep, it won't recognize key or mouse inputs to wake up. But toggling the switch to another computer and back to the Mac wakes it up fine.
Edit -I should note that the 4 CPU model does NOT come with cables, so you have to add another $25 per CPU for these as well. The cheaper unit does include cables.