KVM Connections

Gall1987 · 1 Mar 2009 at 21:23

Hi

I have brought a KVM (see below for the type) and need this to connect up a desktop and a laptop with my monitor and mouse.

The only thing that I have now come across is that due to the (stupid) design of the laptop, the monitor connection and USB connection that plug in to the laptop do not work.
This is because the ports on my laptop are on different sides and therefore the USB connection will not reach as this wire feeds off the main wire.

I am going to need some way of getting around this if this is possible?
I have noticed that you can get extensions but I am not sure if these will work?
If they do work then can anybody advise on what type I will need?

Thanks

bremen1874 · 1 Mar 2009 at 21:31

Something like

should work.

Available here. This cable is 1.8m long so you might want to trackdown a shorter version.

sparkey196 · 1 Mar 2009 at 21:36

Have you thought about using Synergy or Remote desktop instead of KVM?

Synergy will let you move your mouse and keyboard across the edge of the screen onto the other computer.

Alternatively, connect the monitor to the laptop and use Remote Desktop to control the PC.

Just a thought.. some people prefer KVM.

bremen1874 · 1 Mar 2009 at 21:41

Remote desktop may be an option if the OP is using versions of XP/Vista that support it. AFAIK you need XP Pro or Vista Business/Ultimate.

Gall1987 · 1 Mar 2009 at 21:46

I've already got the KVM so I'm going to use that. I've managed to order a 50cm extension cable so I'll hopefully now be able to get it working. Who thought of that when designing the laptop!?

iaind · 1 Mar 2009 at 23:26

Gall1987 said:
I've already got the KVM so I'm going to use that. I've managed to order a 50cm extension cable so I'll hopefully now be able to get it working. Who thought of that when designing the laptop!?

In fairness it's a fairly niche requirement (relatively speaking) and its probably a lot down to manufacturing costs

Gall1987 · 1 Mar 2009 at 23:29

iaind said:
In fairness it's a fairly niche requirement (relatively speaking) and its probably a lot down to manufacturing costs

Yeah true.

It's not a major issue, after all it's not like an extension costs a lot and as long as it works and looks ok then I don't mind.