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Thread ID: 90059	2008-05-21 22:37:00	KVM that supports DVI and USB?	Zygar (29)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
671363	2008-05-21 22:37:00	I'm considering picking up a Macbook for schoolwork and the like, keeping my desktop for everything else. Rather than squint at a tiny monitor and have to unplug everything each time I want to use the laptop, I'm thinking that maybe I could pick up a KVM and seamlessly switch between controlling my desktop and laptop using the same hardware! I've never used KVMs before, and I'm concerned that I may run into issues with input/output lag (I play a lot of games), or any other weird issues. Basically I'm looking for something which fits the following criteria: - Supports USB keyboard/mouse. - Supports DVI at 1680x1050. - No input/output lag (I have no idea at all whether this is even an issue with KVMs) - Doesn't really need to support any more than 2 computers, audio switching is not required either but it's a bonus if it's there. My external hardware: Samsung 226BW, "C" Panel (I'm using color profiles to make it look nice, would a KVM cause issues with this?) Razer Diamondback USB mouse. (The drivers for this overclock the USB port which I could foresee causing problems, but I'm sure there's a way to override this?) Microsoft/Razer Reclusa keyboard. (Lots of multimedia and macro keys, which do like to stop working if I put my computer to sleep.) Would a KVM be ideal with my situation? Are there any potential issues which would crop up? What models should I be on the lookout for that do what I want at a reasonable price? Thanks in advance.	Zygar (29)
671364	2008-05-22 08:32:00	AFAIK there is no such thing as lag when you go though a KVM switch, because all a KVM is is a set of transistors/capacitors etc that sit between two PCs and a single console and switch depending on which PC you choose. So as the connection is not mechanical, but electronic, there is no lag. They are quite pricey though, the cheapo DSE one will set you back $150, although that's for 3 PCs. :eek: The keyboard/mouse will be fine, but you'll need to set up the software on both computers to get all extended functions. If I were you, I'd save money by not buying a macbook and spend it on a good KVM or a better laptop. Go with Asus laptops -you can get a good one for ~$1500 IIRC.	jwil1 (65)
671365	2008-05-22 09:02:00	If I were you, I'd save money by not buying a macbook and spend it on a good KVM or a better laptop. Go with Asus laptops -you can get a good one for ~$1500 IIRC. Thanks but I'm well aware of my options here. I have a beastly desktop already and a Windows laptop would offer no differences other than portability, meaning it'd be a $1500 investment that I only use when not home. Getting a Mac as well gives me a justification for using it at home, because it's something different. In my (weird) mind, splitting up work and play between two Windows PCs is silly when I work from home, but splitting up work and play between a Mac and a PC gives me justification to use both with equal frequency. Mac for work, PC for everything else. Weird rationale, huh? I'm just eager to become a multi-operating system man, I think! (Incidentally, I'm a web designer and as much as I like Windows, sometimes the workflow bugs me, especially in Photoshop.) Back to the subject of KVMs, I'm thinking that I probably need a powered one, obviously with DVI/USB support, because Razer devices draw a lot of power - more than an unpowered hub can provide, apparently. Do you happen to know of any?	Zygar (29)
671366	2008-05-22 21:35:00	The thing you need to watch for with DVI KVMs is the maximum resolution they will support - most i've seen are only 1280x1024 max, so have no idea if they will function at 1680x1050.	autechre (266)
671367	2008-05-22 23:53:00	ascent.co.nz ascent.co.nz Anybody had any experience with either of these? They seem to be the only two that fit my criteria (unfortunately they're both unpowered, but nothing I can do about that...) EDIT: Or how about this? (www.dse.co.nz) It seems to do everything I need, but, well, it's DSE and DSE is usually rubbish. EDIT: Or this? (ascent.co.nz) It doesn't specify DVI on the page but I looked up the model number, and I found listings on other sites listing it as: "DAG12 1-2 Automatic DVI-I/ USB KVM Switch Share 1 USB Keyboard/Mouse and DVI-I Video with 2 CPUs"	Zygar (29)
671368	2008-05-22 23:58:00	Look ok, but they're all self-powered though.	jwil1 (65)
671369	2008-05-23 00:06:00	Look ok, but they're all self-powered though. I noticed that. :( Mostly I'm just trying to find out whether some brands are more problematic than others. I don't mind paying a little bit extra to avoid a headache down the road.	Zygar (29)
671370	2008-05-23 01:56:00	Look for Rexton KVM switches, I supplied one for one of our company board members... he wanted to switch between his 2 laptops. I got a USB/VGA 2 port Rexton KVM switch. It runs on a 9V or 12V AC adapter which is included. Have a look here (www.edencomputer.co.nz) Cheers,	chiefnz (545)
671371	2008-05-23 06:36:00	Look for Rexton KVM switches, I supplied one for one of our company board members... he wanted to switch between his 2 laptops. I got a USB/VGA 2 port Rexton KVM switch. It runs on a 9V or 12V AC adapter which is included. Have a look here (www.edencomputer.co.nz) Cheers, No DVI, unfortunately. :( I hate the market in NZ, how can it be so hard to find something with DVI, USB and enough juice to power my power hungry Razer equipment?	Zygar (29)
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