Recommend me a KVM switch!

Title says it all. I'm hooking up an older Windows XP desktop with a new Vista notebook (Dell XPS M1530). Keyboard and mouse will both be USB, and the display is a 1680x1050 Viewsonic 22".

The switch needs to do DVI and 2.1 audio. Extra USB ports would be nice but not absolutely necessary. I'll be gaming with it, so it needs to support multifunction keyboards and mice, and be rock solid in general.

I've never used one, but I hear they can be finicky. Anyone have any concrete recommendations? In my research so far the Gefen 2x1 DVI KVM Switcher seems to get the best reviews. Thanks!

 

I heard KVMGalore is good, but a little bit pricy.

 

Aren't they a retailer? Or do they make switches as well?

 

The Gefen KVM's are really good. If your using a wireless (2.4 or BT) keyboard or mouse with USB dongles, you will have issues with KVM's in general. The logitech wireless BT mouse and keyboard I have are a PITA with the KVM's at work; so much that most of us don't even use our KVM anymore and just RDC in to our other pc's. You will have excellent video quality with the Gefen though.

 

Yes, they are a retailer, here is the url link;

http://www.kvmgalore.com/shopping/index.php

 

Belkin makes nice KVM's. I have the VGA USB version and it works great. Here's some possibilities for you:


Flip DVI-D KVM Switch with Remote


SOHO 2-Port DVI KVM Switch

 

If their switches are like their routers I would stay away from them

 

I have an IO Gear DVI KvM. I use it for my laptop and desktop that both shoot 1920x1200 to my 24" monitor. This way I can use my notebook as my main machine and desktop just for gaming, but still have a desktop feel for my main stuff.

Had 0 troubles with it. Think I paid 90 for it on eBay.

 

Damn, I have a 4 port KVM switch from belkin with USB, ps2 for both mouse and keyboard and ethernet. Too bad it is VGA and not DVI.

I have had good run-ins with belkin

K-TRON

 

DVI switches aren't cheap

 

They are also expensive.

 

Thanks all for the advice.

 

DVI switches are gonna lighten your wallet. I've got an old fashion KVM laying around here somewhere. My boss still uses one. I gave mine up in favor of remote management.

 

I am not sure if this has been thought of as an option, but you depending on what you require - this all can be achieved through software. Sharing a single keyboard and mouse through your network. I have been doing it for 3-4 years. I bought one that is windows only, and use a free one which runs on OSX, Linux and Windows.

Con: you won't get sound - however I just ran a cable from machine2, into the line in of machine 1... and booyaw!

Windows application:
Name: Multiplicity
Link: http://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicitypro/

Cross Platform (freeware):
Name: Synergy
Link: http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/

Note: Multiplicity especially runs very smooth - I have even ran full 3d games, and jumped right over to the other machine without lag or issue.

 

I just use Remote Desktop and Microsoft Management Console.

 

I'm somewhat new to this . . . . RDC?

 

If your computers are on the same networks, just type in the name of the computer (less reliable) or the IP address of the computer (more reliable). Remote Desktop Connection will then popup a login screen, where you log in like you are sitting at the the computer and you then use the machine just like you are using it locally. The only trick is restarting or shutting down the machine. You'll have to do that from the command prompt.