Are there any KVM switches that are compatible with port replicators?

I recently bought a Dell E1505, and also the Targus port replicator that can handle video. Not wanting 2 sets of monitors, keyboards and mice, my intent all along was to connect the new laptop to the port replicator and it in turn to the KVM switch so that I could easily connect the laptop and share the keyboard/video/mouse. I much prefer the desktop size keyboard and monitor for when I am at my desk, but if I have to watch the kids, I remain able to unhook the one cable and take the laptop with me. And now it would seem that all this is merely nice in theory.

I called several manufacturers of KVM switches, and apparently they are not intended to work with port replicators; you have to connect directly. Bummer. Surely my desire is a common one, with many also having both a desktop and a laptop and desiring to use the better monitor when at their main workstation. Does anyone know of a port replicator / kvm combination that can work together? Is there some other solution that eludes me? Thanks.

 

*bump*

Same question pretty much:
But I haven't bought a laptop yet. I'm probably going to decide which one to get based on the answer to the question above (either dell, hp, toshiba, or IBM with either the manufacturer docking station or aftermarket like belkin or kensington).

 

If that were the case, the order that things are turned on would make a difference (it occasionaly did with my old PS/2 Belkin SOHO KVM). USB KVM's seem to work better than PS/2 though from what I've seen.

So what exactly is the problem your seeing? I agree that it probably *should* work. Companies love to be able to punt on issues like that.

Cristobal, personally I'd stick to a systems with a true docking station -- business class HPs, Dells, Lenovo, etc. I use an HP nc8430 docked and on a KVM daily, works fine. Not so much because I have anything against USB based replicators (I haven't used them) but I think the odds of things working as advertised goes up when everything is made by the same company.

 

That's what I was thinking. I've been spoiled by having a T series IBM at work with a docking station and external monitor, etc. Everything works well, and reading about the other companies' docking stations I notice that each one is missing something that I currently have. Items like a power button, DVI output, and more. So I'm tempted to replicate that setup at home, my only issue is the money involved. I'm a self-supporting student, so the IBM/Lenovo setup might be a bit spendy. I'll figure that out later, and probably start more threads with questions

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll let you know if I end up combining the kvm and docking station.

 

my dv6000t will be here soon and my intent was also to use a quickdock and kvm switch to my home computer as well.

i hope this doesnt change in anyway....the only trouble i see on my part is that i have to get the USB kvm cause my keyboard and mouse are borth USB wired.

 

I am using a Starview SV431USB KVM switch with my HP docking station and an IBM docking station, both work fine on it.

 

I appreciate your dilemma and find it similar to my own.

I want to connect my laptop to the VGA port on my desktop monitor and when necessary 'break free' by simply detaching a single cable. I can live without the full KVM experience but the pins on the VGA cable make it too difficult to simply get up and go.

I have a G1 so the display resolution is 1680x1050 but my desktop monitor only supports 1280x1024 DVI/VGA. Till I get a better monitor that is all I really need. Targus makes a port replicator with video but the resolution is only 1280 x 1024 16 bit color depth at max. I would want the depth to be 32 bit at 1280x1024. Another port replicator with DVI video Targus offers requires the use of an ExpressCard slot which the G1 does not have. Targus products page for the two above mentioned replicators.

I would imagine that 1280x1024 at 32 bit depth is too much for a USB connection. Are there any other products that support higher resolutions either with USB or another connector like FireWire? Any other possible solutions?

If anyone else has experienced a similar issue feel free to buzz in.