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KVM Switch - for PS2 2-Port



 
 
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  #1  
Old May 27th 04, 10:55 PM
Steve Schooler
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Default KVM Switch - for PS2 2-Port

Looking for reliable, inexpensive (under $60) 2-Port KVM Switch for PS2.
Want:

1. Switch via switchbox button as well as keyboard hotkey.
2. Accommodate Linux, Win 9x, Win 2000, Win XP
3. Reliable
a. I've read that some KVM switches use the keyboard (only) for switching
and that they may not accommodate Linux.
b. I've read that come KVM switches require a special adapter to run with
Linux.
c. I've read that some KVM switches are susceptible to the order that the
2 PC's boot, or which PC (if any) is turned on.
d. I plan on running 1024x768. I've heard that higher resolutions
require higher quality (shielded) KVM video cables. I'd prefer a unit
whose default video cabling is shielded (et al).
e. 1 to 2 second keyboard/mouse freeze between switches is okay, but
significantly longer is not.

Unsure whether to get KVM Switch that includes audio. I plan to normally not
have the audio connected to the KVM switch. This way I can listen to a CD on
1 PC, and still get the sounds from the other PC. However, I may
occassionally wish to connect audio on both PC's to the KVM Switch.
Therefore, since the extra cost is only moderate, I'd prefer that the KVM
Switch optionally allows the user to includes audio in the switching.

I'm considering:

BELKIN 2-Port KVM Switch with Audio Support and Built-In Cabling,
PS2, Model F1DL102P

BELKIN 2-Port KVM Switch (no Audio), PS2, Model F1DB102P

StarTech 2 Port StarView KVM Switch with Audio, StarTech.com ID: SV211KA

The StarTech model is more expensive, but if feedback says that is much more
reliable than Belkin, then this is what I'll go with.

Request feedback, references to website reviews et al, and recommendations on
other (alternative) KVM Switches.
  #2  
Old May 28th 04, 11:54 AM
spodosaurus
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Default

I've been using a linksys 2 port ps2 kvm switch kit as well as a sitecom
2 port ps2 kvm to share a logitech wireless keyboard and mouse as well
as a 19" monitor at 1280x1024 and 85hz between winxp home and a fedora
core 1 (previously different versions of redhat) boxen. I've had no
problems in 18 months. Sometimes the keyboard trigger doesn't get picked
up, so I have to reach out and press the button on the switch. This is
rare, for both models. I'm not sure if the model of linksys that I have
is still available.

If you're really worried, order from a place with a good return/exchange
policy and at least one other KVM kit to choose from. However, I doubt
you'll have any need to make use of that. Modern KVM switches with
mouse/keyboard emulation should run fine with anything.

The only drawbacks are that my logitech wireless optical mouse is
detected differently through the KVMs. The logitech wireless keyboard's
features work fine (under windows, of course, I haven't bothered trying
to get them working under linux).

Regarding sound, if your cases don't have front audio ports then buy an
audio extender cable and just switch your speakers between PCs as
necessary. That was my solution, because while I'm using the linux box
I'm often waiting for an online game to start on the windows box. The
sound from the windows box lets me know that the game is about to start.
If I were using a KVM with sound, I'd lose that ability (sound would
switch to the linux box and I'd miss the start of my game).

My one concern is being able to use a TFT monitor with my KVMs. I'll
need to do some looking around about that, as I want to upgrade, and the
KVMs I've seen only have the standard analog video ports and cables.

HTH,

Ari

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  #3  
Old May 28th 04, 06:09 PM
spodosaurus
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Terry Wilson wrote:
I have similiar requirements and was about to purchase this item:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll... 902&tc=photo

In general, for the price differance, you may as well go for the 4 way
models. IMHO



In retrospect, a 4 port switch would have suited my needs better.

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  #4  
Old May 28th 04, 06:47 PM
Terry Wilson
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I have similiar requirements and was about to purchase this item:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll... 902&tc=photo

In general, for the price differance, you may as well go for the 4 way
models. IMHO


 




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