mac mini accessories: webcam, external burners and KVM switches

[evillageprowler]

Apologies if this has been asked too often before, or if this question is too basic as to seem silly...

I'm contemplating buying a Mac in the near future. Since I already have tons of PC stuff lying around the house, it makes sense for me to consider a Mini. I was wondering if most PC-compatible USB 2.0 webcams will simply work on the Mini, and if most PC-compatible external DVD burners will also simply work.

Also, does anyone know if the Mini will behave properly if I share a common KVM with a PC via a KVM switch?

TIA,

EVP

 

[evillageprowler]

I guess my question was too basic for this forum...

Anyway, I checked at some of the major online sellers of accessories for Macs and I found some usb webcams and dvd burners that should work just fine.

As for KVM switches, well, I guess I'll be a bit avant-garde on this issue.

EVP

 

[dazed]

i dont know about cams or burners but i've been using the Belkin Flip (usb with audio) for my xp box and mac mini for about 3 months now with very few issues.

http://www.belkin.com/flip/

 

[Cybix]

You can use pretty much any external hard disk / dvd/cd burner, and any KVM switch (if you have the required adapters to convert the DVI to VGA)

webcams are a different story, although I could be wrong. There's maybe a handful of cams that will work without too much effort. Have a look around!

 

[Decrepit]

My experience

Hi there,

I have a Mac Mini 1.42 PPC.

It's attached to a KVM that I use with a PC workstation.

The KVM is the 4 port DVI model from IOGear, and I'm using it to display to a 24" Samsung LCD.

I use a Logitech webcam, the QuickCam Ultravision SE with Skype on the Mini.

I'm using a Logitech Elite USB keyboard and an MX Revolution Cordless mouse through the KVM as well.

I built an external DVD burner out of a generic USB shell and a Plextor DVD writer, and use it with my Mac with no issues.


So far, I've done a lot of what you did, and it's all worked great. I had more problems with the KVM and my PC than I did with the Mac.