Stinger 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 I recently aquired another computer and I don't want to spend the $ for another keyboard, mouse and monitor. So I started looking at KVM switches as I know Dark Ranger here has one. I was wondering what are your guys experiences if any. I was looking at this one http://www.linksys.com/products/product.as...cid=45&prid=502 which is $38 on newegg.com I can't really tell which one to buy because all of them have mixed reviews. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Super-Bob 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 The only KVM I ever worked with was 3 servers and a workstation, it seemed like a pretty cheap one, but worked perfectly fine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stinger 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Author Share Posted July 21, 2003 Lots of people complain about mouse flickering and such when switching back and forth and also that there isn't a "switch" just a hotkey (scroll lock x2) and it doesn't always work. Seems most operate okay at 1280x1024 which was another concern I had. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specter 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 The really good KVM switches are as expensive as a new monitor, keyboard and mouse. Id check out the ones made by Belkin. Like anything else, you are going to get what you pay for. Dont forget also, that most of them dont come withh the cables you need, you have to buy them seperately at about 40-60 bucks a pop, depending on the length you get. Things to keep in mind. For me, it also depends on what the second PC is for. If you are using it to learn a different OS, you may want the extra monitor, kb, and mouse, so youcan access and DL what you need if the other goes bad. Just take all this into consideration. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stinger 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Author Share Posted July 21, 2003 I looked at the Belkin ones at CompUSA's site since that would save me S&H charges then I went to newegg. It got horrible reviews cause of monitors flickering and mouse problems. The nice thing about it and the Linksys one is that the cables are integrated. The machine is for just that learning new OS's (linux primarily), development on who knows what and maybe to keep all my dloads on. Ur thoughts? I already have a keyboard and mouse I guess but $50 for a switch or $100+ for a monitor....I dunno whatdaya think? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specter 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 I have a KVM that I use for all my Windows machines, because I pretty much know them. But I have my Linux box with its own monitor and keyboard, as I am still learning that system. That way, while I am learning new stuff on that, I have full access to the web via my Windows box to pull up docs and stuff. Plus right now, my download drive is on my Windows machine, and is shared by all my OS's. I like being able to work off the web when I need to, and not have to have a bunch of stuff opn in an OS Im still learning, that way, I can concentrate on that one thing. Once I know Linux as well as I know Windows, that may change. But for now, I like having both open at once, right in front of me. Running a bunch of servers that I already have configured, operational, and am familiar with, a KVM is great for that. But I also buy really good KVM's too, for reliability. The problems that you stated with the cheap ones arent worth the hassle for the 50 or 60 dollar difference getween the switch and the monitor. But that is my personal preference. And right now, due to space constraints in my apartment, I have a triple boot on one PC because I ran out of room to set my other 4 machines up, so its a moot point. Sigh. That is changing very soon though. Here is a link for a good, quality KVM. In use by alot of Corps, and ISP's and such. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stinger 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Author Share Posted July 21, 2003 (edited) ......so many things to think about. What is the cheapest u could get a flatscreen crt monitor that can go up to 1280x1024 and is decent? I'm not at all good in the monitor section of hardware. Thanks for the help Here is a link for a good, quality KVM. In use by alot of Corps, and ISP's and such. Gulp..may be cheaper than another monitor though I dunno waiting on more advice. Edited July 21, 2003 by Stinger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specter 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 Have you checked into like Best Computers, or some other computer or TV shops for a good deal on a remanufactured monitor? That would fit your needs, and save ya some cash. Even look in the paper. Just make sure you turn it on first, and run through the menu to make sure everything works. My 19" just quit after 3.5 years, and Im looking at getting it repaired, or getting a reman. Another thought. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stinger 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Author Share Posted July 21, 2003 I checked the paper and a no go. The only computer shops are Best Buy, Circuit City and CompUSA maybe one of them has a special deal or something. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Super-Bob 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 What is the cheapest u could get a flatscreen crt monitor that can go up to 1280x1024 and is decent? I'm not at all good in the monitor section of hardware. Thanks for the help I bet you can find a good one at agora. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
firefly2442 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 I have a belkin 4 port KVM I got at compusa. Works fine for switching between my XP machine and the linux box. Haven't set it up with any more computers though.. working great for me though. Yeah, make sure you get the cables to go with it. I forgot mine when I went to the store. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Stinger 0 Posted July 21, 2003 Author Share Posted July 21, 2003 end of this month I am gonna be upgrading/buying all my stuff so I'll get the KVM if I'm strapped for cash but if I can I guess I will get another monitor then if I have to take the computer somewhere it will have its own monitor and such. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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