Multiple computers, one keyboard/mouse

Well, I have recently been faced with an interesting problem. I bought an E1705, and it has sort of become my new gaming machine. However, I still like my have my PC right here ready to go, not stuffed back in the closet (its not a bad computer...its just been...replaced).

Well, I really don't have much desktop space, and to make it more interesting I have two monitors hooked up to the PC. So I have one monitor on each side of my desk, the PC on the floor, and my laptop right in the center, with keyboard and mouse for pc on a tray under the desk. That doesnt leave much room for a keyboard and mouse for my laptop (the laptop keyboard and trackpad just don't cut it for gaming, I'm sure you know that).

So, I googled my problem and found two solutions. One free, and maybe problematic. The other seems fullproof but is costly. Here is what I came up with-

Free: http://www.engadget.com/2005/08/09/how-to-share-your-keyboard-and-mouse-in-realtime-with-synergy/

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

I'm sort of leaning towards the the belkin thing, but was wondering if anyone here has used either and just wondering what the people here though. Maybe I'll give the free thing a try, but I'm not too fond of it working over the network (thats just too many potenial problems right there, ha, keyboard and mouse suddenly stops working in the middle of a round of bf2).

 

You could try the first one then if doesn't work go to plan B.

 

any kvm switch would work i believe. if your keyboard and mouse are usb you could just get a computer sharing usb hub for like 20 bucks.

 

The Belkin thing is a KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switch. You can get cheaper ones if you do some research, just search for "kvm switch". For example, you can get a D-Link one for $25 shipped from buy.com. It's not as pretty as the Belkin one, but it costs half the price... I've never had any personal experience with KVM switches, so I can't recommend one over another, but overall, people are happy with their performances.

I don't have any experience with the network thing featured on Engadget either, but I regularly use GoToMyPC to work from home (which costs $20/month or so), and there is a slight but clearly noticeable delay between the time I move the mouse and the time the cursor responds. I'm sure there's less of a delay if you're doing it over a LAN than over the Internet, but - considering you're using a different mouse and keyboard just for gaming, and considering all the money people spend on more responsive gaming mice and what not - I think even a slight delay will make a difference. And, it's not as reliable, so I suggest spending $25 or so on a hardware solution.

Malia

 

here is a really nice usb sharing hub 7-Port Sharing Hub its 30 bucks but I am almost certain there are smaller ones out there. Also allows independent switching of each device.

 

I use a 16 port KVM daily at work. KVM is the way to go.

do you need one that does USB and audio?

 

KVM ftw.
That Synergy thing is way over-complicating things.

All you need is a simple KVM switch.
hook it to the two computers. plug in the keyboard and mouse. DONE.
Hit the button to switch between them.

Belkin, Linksys and APC are probably your best known vendors for KVMs.

 

I don't use one regularly, but when I have used KVM's in the past, they have worked great. That Belkin one is nice, but you can get them plenty cheaper. If you're not going to share the monitor(s) you can just go with a sharing USB hub. You can get pretty cheap ones that will plug into two computers.

 

Hmmm, I'm looking and most of them ARE cheaper, but I've yet to find one with a "remote" type thing so I don't have to reach down under my desk to hit the button to swith computers (other than the belkin flip). I will investigate further.

 

Hmm, I need it to be all usb (the keyboard and mouse I'm buying to go with this are usb, and there are no PS2 plugins on my laptop) so this narrows it down more.

 

http://www.buy.com/prod/Belkin_Flip_KVM_Switch_w_Remote_USB_with_Audio/q/loc/101/202531007.html

Problem solved, I think I'll go with that. Cheaper than directly from belkin, all usb, and a remote, perfect.

 

i tried the synergy it worked great!! ive been looking for something like this but didn't want to fork out for a kvm switch so thx a lot!!
im now wondering if there is a program that will let me swap my laptop screen to my desktop lcd.... through my wireless network..

 

That is doubtul, but id still look around.

 

well i found one.... but theres too much lag for it to be practical.