KVM Switch recommendation

[crowdx]

Hi all,
I have been reading up on KVM switches and I am wondering if someone with experience using a kvm can point me in the direction of a cheap decent quality 4 port kvm. I have read of some issues with kvm's such as poor refresh rates, ghosting on the screen and also slow mouse response.
Can anyone recommend a switch which does not suffer from these issue. My preferable dealer would be NewEgg or CompUSA.
My computers are a Barton 3200+, Athlon 2400+, K6 2 500mhz and PII 350. The first AMD cpus both use Epox 8rda3+ boards. I have a microsoft optical mouse and office keyboard (hot keys not really important, never use them). My main monitor is a Nokia 445XiPlus 21" and I also have a Tangent 17" secondary monitor.
All advice welcome.
Patrick

 

[crowdx]

Does nobody use KVM switches? Was looking at a $43.99 Linksys LKV-S04SK and seems like good value, has seperate cables that look decent (not built-in)
Any views?
Patrick

 

[Diabolus]

Problem with most KVMs is that you lose your drivers for any device... so if you have a nice mouse or keyboard that's plugged in, you won't have access to its software because it picks it up as a generic mouse/keyboard.

That said... I'm a fan of the Belkin switches. They work well.

 

[amdskip]

I use a Belkin soho kvm ($100+) and the cables are on top of that too. Not cheap but definately worth it.

 

[Monoman]

Originally posted by: amdskip
I use a Belkin soho kvm ($100+) and the cables are on top of that too. Not cheap but definately worth it.

ditto, I just picked up a nice 4 port and love it. IT's a little on the expensive side but it's scalable to up to 16 computers belkin all the way.

 

[Rob G.]

I've got a Belkin 4-port and it's disappointing. When switching between machines the mouse pointer often gets 'lost', though it can usually be brought back by switching back and forth a couple of times. Also the mouse point movement isn't as smooth as it should be some of the time but switching back can sometimes cure that. Linux doesn't like it either. In fact I go as far to say as Linux is unusable with the Belkin I've got.

I stil use the Belkin but I've now got a mouse plugged into each of the three machines I use.

 

[tomstevens26]

Has anyone used that 4 port switch that IO Gear has out?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-123&depa=0

I got one of their 2 port mini switches when they came out and it's been great.

Tom

 

[jjyiz28]

Originally posted by: tomstevens26
Has anyone used that 4 port switch that IO Gear has out?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-123&depa=0

I got one of their 2 port mini switches when they came out and it's been great.

Tom

that is the one that i have. its good, but its has for me, 3 slight problems.

it seems like one of the kvm cables is bad, the colors get messed up, ie it turns red. i switched to diff port, pc, etc.. so i know that its the cable that is at fault.

also, for some reason, sometimes it wont let me switch to a particular pc using the "cntr cntr" switch. i could only switch using the "cntr alt shift $". i would have to disconnect, then connect it back in. a small inconveninience.

also, my logitech mouse ball, i can't use my thumb button for anything else cept a scroller.

other than that, the visual quality is great. i lose nothing visually using this kvm.

 

[tooltime]

i've got the 2 port IO Gear from newegg and it works perfect. i've got a logitech wireless mx duo connected to it.

 

[tooltime]

also, belkin is a good brand too but i have not used it

 

[crowdx]

Anyone using the Linksys models? Seems like a good price.
Patrick

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

Originally posted by: Diabolus
Problem with most KVMs is that you lose your drivers for any device... so if you have a nice mouse or keyboard that's plugged in, you won't have access to its software because it picks it up as a generic mouse/keyboard.

That said... I'm a fan of the Belkin switches. They work well.

i've been using a 4 port belkin kvm switch for years now, never had a problem with drivers. i use my keyboards extra winamp controlling buttons daily.

 

[zodder]

I have a 4 port D-Link (DKVM-4) that I've been using for about 2 years and it's been pretty darn reliable.

 

[crowdx]

Been surfing to see what I can get locally, not much choices, CompUSA have high prices. Anyone know what prices are like in Fry's in CA?
Patrick