Best KVM Devices?
 

I am going to be adding another box under my desk soon (that's a PC for you perverts :1orglaugh ), and I am looking for the best KVM switches. I want to be able to share between 2-3 PCs, but I have heard that most degrade the video signal to the monitor (not good for editing, damn it). What are the best KVM devices?

:)

I went with this on doober's suggestion:

http://store.yahoo.com/kvm-switch/gcs14.html

It's great, mostly. My extra mouse buttons don't work with it, but I adapted to that easily enough. I run 1600x1200 @ 32bit and have absolutely no problems with video quality or color with this KVM.

I have a Raritan CompuSwitch that controls 4 computers. No loss in quality. I have had it for maybe 5 or 6 years. Rock solid equipment. :thumbsup

I need to invest in one of these soon. :(

Rose Electronics, no question... highest grade KVM's in existance..

Rose Electronics

LINKSYS

The KVM supports everything and doesn't downgrade the video signal. Even supports all the custom buttons on your keyboard (my old kvm didn't). Also like it cause you don't have to plug it in.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys! I will check those out. Don't some of the newer switches share additional items as well (speakers, mic, USB, etc.)?

I have a Raritan MX4-32 that controls 32 computers, but currently only using it for 25 computers

Linksys = $50
RoseL = $500

Raritan, and pick whatever model suits you.

That's three votes for Raritan... Looks like they're a favorite. :)

3 for linksys....works perfect for years

I have a Belkin 4-port omnicube that has worked fine for several years. I don't notice any monitor degradation. It only cost like $20.

Also, it works with multiple versions of Linux and Windows (not all do). I have it hooked up to 4 machines now...

There's probably a better model out now though.

Cool - thanks so much guys!! :drinkup

Hi there sexy! Long time!
I use d-link kvms and they're decent and not too pricey :thumbsup

kisses, Kamilla

I've been using a Belkin Omniview 4port SE KVM for over 3 years now, switching back and forth between all 4 pc's almost daily. Would definitely recommend it.

WG

I have a Tripplite 8 on one of my racks. It expands up to 255 machines on the same circuit, but most of the machines don't need kvm anyway. They say you're supposed to just chain them together. I like it but they're not that popular. Tap control twice and scroll. Totally convenient.

The best way to minimize degradation is to use really good cables. Tripplite makes really good thick cables.

What's with you guys and needing 4 computers?

SPAM... DUH?

One machine is querying Google, another Findwhat and another for Overture. These scripts taken a very long time to run and its easier to run multiple PC's for these tasks. For me at least...

WG

can you contact me? icq: 9287771 thanks :thumbsup

Interesting... Are these scripts really that intensive, or does your setup just not handle multiple threads all that well?

Editing video/burning DVDs on one machine, graphics/file server machine, email & ICQ on another, etc...

I do all this on one computer... two monitors, and 4 virtual workspaces. No problems...

If your running Linux/Unix or any PC, they are all good.

If you want high quality, check out Black Box.
http://catalog.blackbox.com/BlackBox...mainscreen.asp

This is what the corporate IT world uses especially with Sun boxes.

IF your using it for a personal station and you have a MAC and PS, check out Dr. Bott's stuff as it's just USB pass through.

Raritan is really the best! :thumbsup
Check it here: http://raritan.com