Using Mac/PC together without KVM!!

$25 for software that is going to be slower than crap... right..

when for maybe $10 more you could get a Linksys KVM.. durr.. what's the obvious choice? oh yes.. the KVM...

http://www.crhub.com/product_info.php?products_id=35&osCsid=9c85fc327b364c465bb6ebd7733caeaa

or the Belkin for $45

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-316&depa=0

 

uh...

If i were you i'd just go with the KVM switch. I had a similar situation and my mom uses that software at her work... sometimes to me it feels laggy and hard to operate if there is alot of traffic on a small network. I went w/ a KVM and its really like day and night, and you can switch between the mac and pc with the flip of a switch as opposed to the press of a button... just think about it at least... you can get a KVM off the net for like 40 bucks...

 

The data being sent across the network is not minimal. This is basically using the VNC technology, which you can get in many many apps made by Microsoft, Apple and more. It is in no way an acceptable alternative to a KMV unless all you are doing is inputting text into a console window every few hours.

 

the issue with the wireless mouse comes with a bit of a problem... but since the MX1000 is not bluetooth you shouldn't have a big issue like you would if you had the MX900. any good KVM will allow you to plug the basestation into the KVM and it will sort the rest out, there's no reason to worry. just grab a $40-50 KVM and you'll be happy you did. it's certainly cheaper than buying another monitor, keyboard and mouse.. the software solution is ... pathetic... i only use that type of software for maintaining hardware from one computer.. basically as a system admin, that is all. do yourself the favor, save yourself the money on that crappy software and get a hardware solution that will actually make you happy instead of some half-assed solution. seriously not trying to be rude but you'll just regret it in the end.

for example, any graphics intensive application will likely die a horrible death when you try to input from that network end of things. anything that requires you to be acurate with the mouse is suddenly more difficult. try it and see but i'd spend the money and get a KVM that doesn't lag and have a delay to it.

 

Great Software

I use this software to control my Windows XP machine from my mac. It works GREAT. There is no lag at all. Excelent if you have two machines and two monitors, but only want one keyboard.

Please note that this software does not switch the display like a hardware KVM switch (picture a kvm switch with no video cables hooked to it). each machine will need its own monitor.

 

i seriously think you'll be happier with that choice.. i've been really happy with my linksys KVM. however they dont' offer a usb one .. so do some research but you can get them pretty cheap within the sub$50 range

 

I'm actually going to be getting a USB sharing device from Belkin I believe... it doesn't do Monitor of course but it will do my logitech wireless keyboard/mouse. It's between my iBook and my PC. Although at some point when I talk myself into a Mac Mini it might be PC to Mac Mini since my monitor has 4 video inputs anyhow.

 

your set up also sounds good for a program called Synergy. The program is basically a km switch (not kvm). It currently supports using one keyboard and mouse for 2 computers. Those computers can be Windows, Linux, or Os X. Basically what you do is set it up so when the mouse moves to one edge of the screen (any 4 edges), the mouse jumps to the screen of the other computer. This allows you to use the mouse and keyboard on that computer.

Of course you will have to make the mouse jump to the other computer then press the button on your monitor to switch screens, But you can press the Scroll Lock key and keep the mouse from jumping screens.

BTW: Synergy works over a network so you will have to set one of those up if you don't already. Also, its FREE

 

I have the same need as the original poster...

current setup is one pc with Dual flat panels...new Emac sits in the middle of the flat panels. ALL I'm interested in doing is is sharing the Keyboard ONLY for both computers (win and mac). I want each one to use their own mouse. If I purchase the kvm switch I saw at the store today can I use my Mac keyboard to run my windows pc??? might be a dumb question but I'm not dropping $50 bucks unless I can keep the mac keyboard for BOTH machines. thanx in advance for any suggestions.


Russell in Phoenix AZ.

 

I'm using SynergyOSX as well and I have to agree. Although, if you're trying to setup a mini with a peecee, and one monitor, then the KVM would prob be best. I'm using SynergyOSX with my 12" PB so I have two displays. There is ABSOLUTELY NO lag. None whatsoever.

azrussell132, if you're trying to use multiple monitors/computers with one keyboard/mouse, then I would suggest the free software solution (Synergy). Just make sure to download SynergyOSX for the MAC (setup is a little tricky)...