Anyone recommend ...

doopydug · 28 Jan 2009 at 23:50

... a good switch box that allows me to connect two base units to one monitor, keyboard and mouse?

Ian

ChrisLX200 · 29 Jan 2009 at 00:03

Depends what you mean by 'good'? If you're planning on running games in high res you might find video quality suffers passed through the box.

doopydug · 29 Jan 2009 at 00:09

Well, not THAT good then - will be for simple tasks like surfing the net and word processing so doesnt have to be spectacular

bremen1874 · 29 Jan 2009 at 03:14

I've generally had good experiences with Belkin KVM switches.

I've found PS/2 switches to better than the USB variety but either should work.

If you check the specifications of any switches you're looking at they should quote the maximum supported resolution. I've got Belkin switches that used to handle 1600x1200 @ 85Hz into my old 19" CRT without any significant problems. The length and quality of the cables makes a massive difference (analogue VGA) but many of the cheaper switches have the cables hard wired so you've no choice.

doopydug · 29 Jan 2009 at 06:25

Thanks Bremen - will have a look when i get into work today. Its been a long time since I used one but do they have DVI connectors for monitors now too?

bremen1874 · 29 Jan 2009 at 13:53

DVI KVM switches are available and Google brings up plenty of links.

Hopefully they’ve come down in cost since I was last looking as they used to cost a lot more than the analogue sort.

doggo · 29 Jan 2009 at 14:05

bremen1874 said:
I've generally had good experiences with Belkin KVM switches.

I've found PS/2 switches to better than the USB variety but either should work.

I'll second that, I'm using a Belkin switch at the moment and I'm very happy with it, the only slight problem seems to be one of my machines doesn't see the mouse and keyboard if you leave the switch to auto scan you need to manualy switch it first otherwise I'm very happy with it.