The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    KVM Switch, share DVI Display, Keyboard, Mouse between Mac and PC

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by chyidean, Dec 13, 2008.

  1. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    25
    Messages:
    469
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I'm wondering if there's a KVM switch out there that supports using one display via DVI, one keyboard, and one mouse between a PC desktop and a Macbook.

    I have a E248WFP Dell monitor (1920 x 1200) that has DVI and VGA; I don't like using VGA though, as text always appear fuzzy even in native resolution. I'm not sure if it's the monitor issue, the desktop PC issue, or a cable issue but I would prefer DVI because it's an uncompressed digital signal. I will be going out and buying a mini-Displayport to DVI adapter soon, so I can use DVI for both the MB and PC.

    I'm also wondering if there was a KVM that supports bluetooth, so I can have an excuse to go and buy the Apple Wireless Keyboard. The obvious benefit of using bluetooth over RF is that I can carry the keyboard with me with the Macbook if the need arises, but I can live with RF via USB too. No biggie. (By the way, anyone have any recommendations for a wireless keyboard that has no input lag for a 120 WPM typer? I tried the MX3200 and it was absolutely horrible.)

    No audio is fine by me. I'll let my Z-5500 handle that, as the control module has both optical audio and analog inputs - I'll grab a mini-toslink to toslink cable if the KVM is successful.

    Summary: Ideal KVM would have
    • the ability to share DVI ports
    • the ability to share a wireless mouse and keyboard (preferrably USB with no lag)
    • both Mac and PC support (obviously).

    If anyone has had these requirements and found one to suit there needs, I would be more than happy if you could share your findings/results as well as opinions on your product.
     
  2. sulkorp

    sulkorp Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    145
    Messages:
    1,192
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Any kvm that has dvi will work with the mac. As far as i know, theres nothing specific that it needs inorder to work. Although I dont know if PS2 mice/keyoards work, but just get a usb one.

    Doubt that there is one with bluetooth, but ive never looked into it. Unless you use those wireless keyboards and mice that use a usb connection for wireless, i dont think you can do wireless any other way.
     
  3. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    25
    Messages:
    469
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    How do these KVM switches work? Do you connect the video out from the computer and the USB in into the KVM, and then the KVM to the peripherals?
     
  4. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

    Reputations:
    6,156
    Messages:
    11,214
    Likes Received:
    68
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Keyboard/Mouse/Monitor plugged directly into the KVM switch then the KVM cables to Comp 1/2/3/4
     
  5. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    25
    Messages:
    469
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    What are the "KVM cables"?
     
  6. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

    Reputations:
    1,654
    Messages:
    5,955
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    205
    I doubt that you would find a KVM supporting DVI nowadays. Few years back Gefen 2-in-1 DVI KVM switcher offered the possiblity of negociating DVI signals to be recognised by both Mac and PC.

    Mind you that:
    . the switcher itself needed some manipulation with some pins.
    . the Mac in question has direct DVI output on the comp.

    The macbook needs a dock to access the dvi out, I am not sure if anyone (KVM maker) would want to mess with it.

    I agree that a KVM with bluetooth access would be a dream.

    cheers ...
     
  7. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    25
    Messages:
    469
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I'm not sure if you're talking about the mini-Displayport, but yes, I'm getting a mini-Displayport to DVI adapter soon.
     
  8. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

    Reputations:
    1,654
    Messages:
    5,955
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    205
    ^^ :)

    cheers ...
     
  9. lixuelai

    lixuelai Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    463
    Messages:
    2,326
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Just a plain HDMI switch might work. DVI switches are expensive. HDMI is basically DVI so it should work. For the keyboard you can use a software solution. My LCD has a built in DVI switch and I use Synergy to hotkey between my desktop and notebook. Works pretty well.
     
  10. chyidean

    chyidean Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    25
    Messages:
    469
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    But then I'd have to get DVI>HDMI adapters and that'd be another possible loss in quality.

    I'm strongly consdering the Belkin Flip DVI-D KVM at this point. Anyone have any thoughts on this product? Reviews have varied, as people have said that video quality suffered, but I heard they revised the product/updated it and the most recent reviews on Amazon are favorable.