KVM recommendation for Mac/PC combo

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Level 1

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KVM recommendation for Mac/PC combo

I'm looking for recommendations for a KVM switch that would work with a MacBook Pro and an older PC. My main machine is the Mac but I have to have the PC to access our call ticketing system and email client. These are the specs:

MacBook Pro w/ external USB Apple keyboard and mighty mouse.

Dell Precision 340 with PS/2 keyboard and USB mouse. It's an older machine with USB 1.0

Dell VGA flat panel monitor

I'd prefer to use the Apple keyboard since I use that machine far more often and don't need a huge amount of functionality on the PC (if I can type and point/click that's fine). Audio sharing would be a plus but not necessary. I have to buy this myself (since it's "non-essential") so relatively inexpensive.

Thanks

Mac Book Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Nov 10, 2006 10:51 AM

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Answer 1

jdelima

Level 3

515 points

Nov 10, 2006 9:54 PM in response to annebn

Why not ditch the PC completely and run a virtual machine in Parallels Desktop for the windows stuff? Then you get to use the mac keyboard all the time.

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Answer 2

annebn Author

Level 1

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Nov 14, 2006 7:41 AM in response to jdelima

As much as I'd like to, I support PC users as well as Mac so I need to keep the PC.

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Answer 3

Nov 14, 2006 7:51 AM in response to annebn

I have to support PC clients as well and I personally have no reason to hold onto a PC when both Boot Camp and Parallels more than does the job.

However, to answer your question, have you considered using your Dell display as a KVM? If you connect your mouse and keyboard to display all you would need is a USB A-B box for the USB uplink. As for the video, connect the PC to the VGA port and your MBP to DVI and then use the input selector on the front to switch.

I do this with my Dell 2405 24" display (albeit with another Mac).

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Answer 4

jdelima

Level 3

515 points

Nov 16, 2006 6:58 PM in response to infinite vortex

Good idea Ned! If the screen doesn't support this though you can get a cheap USB KVM. I can't recommend brands as they'll differ here then what you can get, as the cheap brands tend to be locally rebadged. Just ask around for the cheapest and lowest port number USB KVM someone can supply.

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Answer 5

Nov 16, 2006 9:19 PM in response to annebn

At work they give us IOGear switches to control PC/UNIX boxes, (sadly no Macs provided at work) I just use the Mouse/Keyboard part of my KVM switch, my Dell monitor has dual inputs, so I just use it's front panel button to switch between the UNIX-DVI and the PC-VGA inputs.

About the KVM/KM switches, some of them have a push button switch on the device, so you have to have it somewhere you can reach it on the desk, and others can use a key sequence/combination so you can put it anywhere and keep your hands on the keyboard. Some of them also have extra ports for other USB input devices, i.e. pen/tablet, trackball, etc...

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