I need some huge help here!

[Scizofrenic]

Hi, this is my first time posting here and thought I would see if anyone can help me out with a prob I have. Right now I have an old 266Mhz G3 beige desktop, so im planning on hopefully getting a new mac soon, the thing is that my brothers dont want a mac, they want to get a PC since they dont really like using macs. I was wondering if there is a way to hook up the PC to the Mac and run it through there somehow so I wont have to buy two diff monitors. Something diff from Virtual PC would be nice, hopefully this is possible somehow. I mean to have the mac tower and PC tower hooked up together that way we get what we want (I get my mac and they get their PC). This would also help in less wires for my DSL connection and both computers would be in the same part of the house together. Well hopefully someone can help me out with this prob I have. Ive been using a mac for about 6 years now and I really dont feel like using Windows.

Another thing is, should I buy a Mac now or just wait for something new to come up? When I bought the G3 which I believe was sort of new, the G4 came out so I was left behind and it quickly became sort of cheap being only 266Mhz compared to the new faster models.

Well if anyone can help me out here, I would really appreciate it! Thanx!

 

[Nipsy]

The product you're looking for is a KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch. I recommend the IOGear GCS1714. You can hook up up to four computers, and switch between them from a single keyboard. All USB peripherals can be shared as well. Since the cost difference between a two machine and a four machine switch is usually $20, I suggest getting a four machine switch so you can add later.

http://www.iogear.com/products/product.php?Item=GCS1714

If you decide you like that switch, find the best price at:
http://www.pricewatch.com

Regarding your second question, I would wait until new machines are announced in August. The current machines will become cheaper, or you may prefer one of the new ones.

Good luck!

 

[Scizofrenic]

Wow, that was a quick reply, thanx a lot for your time! I checked out the info you gave me and it seems really good. About that though, does it matter what kind of a monitor I use? Like I would like to have an Apple flat screen. If I got that would the PC look ok through that monitor? I just want to make sure to see what type of a monitor I should go for so I can get the best of both.

So there isnt a way to access a PC through a Mac then? Thanx a lot again!

 

[ShaolinMiddleFinger]

I'm not sure about this but.... it states it can only hook up to VGA/SVGA monitors. Is ADC and VGA the same?

 

[Nipsy]

If you want an Apple LCD, using it with a KVM Switch will be a pain.

I would suggest getting a flat screen with both VGA & DVI inputs, but not ADC. It may not have the style points, but it will work with both systems.

You can access a PC though a Mac via several types of remote viewing software, but they will always be sluggish for graphics, and responses to mouse and keyboard input.

M$ is putting one out soon, but the two which share the market today are Timbuktu Pro, and VNC.

I have one monitor shared with two Macs, and two PCs via the switch I mentioned above, and it is PERFECT in speed, execution, and space saving practicality, however, if I had an Apple monitor, I can guarantee headaches with cabling, and the like.

If you can afford and Apple LCD, why not get two 21" CRTs and have two systems intstead? That way your brothers won't bug you when they need to use the PC.

 

[Scizofrenic]

Yeah I think im gonna end up buying to monitors for the two computers, what wouldve been nice to atleast do was share small files like mp3s and movies so I would be able to just get one DVD/CD burner on the mac instead of having one on each computer. Kind of like accessing diff computers in a school through the appleshare wouldve been good to have. Thanx again for the help Nipsy. I appreciate it a lot.