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KVM Mamma
If you've got more than one desktop computer I can't tell you how useful having a KVM (Keyboard-Video-Monitor) switch is -- even if you rarely use the second machine.
While they have a tendency to be a bit expensive, I'm the second I know who has had good luck with the inexpensive Linxcel USB 2-port KVM.
Here is the good (+) and the bad (-):
(+) GREAT value ($40 includes the device AND cables)
(+) completetly plug-and-play on Mac OS 10.3.x
(+) power supply not needed as Mac USB is powered (though it comes with a power brick)
(-) USB ports in rear can lose connection. Here are repeatable instances in which it did:
(1) when machine 1 was booted off external HD
(2) when computers "sleep" (you can turn sleep off in the System Preferences)
(the only way to address #2 is to unplug the mouse from back ports into one of the ones in the front, use it to shut the machine down, and start over)
TESTED WITH:
- 2 G4 'Sawtooth' towers
- Sony 19" LCD @ 1280x1024
- M$ Explorer mouse
- Matias Tactile Pro keyboard
- Belkin UPS w/Bulldog software (USB)
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Posted by Aaron R. Deutsch on July 20, 2004 5:29 AM