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Is this a decent switch anyone know? Or what do you recommend?

Belkin kvm

Belkin Components 2-Port KVM Switch bundled with cables part# F1DJ102P-B
this Belkin 2-port KVM Switch is an affordable switching solution that saves workspace while giving you control of two PS/2 computers from one console. It frees up desktop space and draws power off the keyboard, eliminating the need for a power supply.
Features:
Includes two 6 ft. OmniView KVM Cables Kits
Supports video resolution of up to 1920x1440@65Hz
Supports multiple operating systems
Features hot key switching
Includes automatic scanning function
Offers keyboard and mouse emulation
Requires no power supply
Comes with a Belkin Three-Year Warranty and Free Technical Support
Price $37 + $5 shipping at newegg

First time I'll be getting a KVM, that's the one I was thinking about. Comes with cables, I looked at others you need to buy cables seperatly and cables aren't cheap either.

Mostly I just want to use it for the monitor, but I'll use it for all 3 anyway. I am always one monitor short when building a new system. It is getting to be a real pain to disconnect a monitor and move it all the time. Never enough free space near one in use for building.

Also most of these KVM's are for p/s 2 keyboards and mice. Anyone know if you can use the adapters that come with some keyboards for the old large AT conecters and If I can skip a mouse connection and use a USB mouse directly on a system with out problems?

The omniview is a good one. Worth the extra $ IMHO

I took a look at the omniview. Looks nice but expensive.
One I looked at doesn't seem to come with cables. I think those were about $16 a set extra.
About $99 plus shipping to hook up 2 pcs?
For a 2 port I don't want to spend much, I have a tons new of keyboards and mice. Stocked up on good stuff cheap awhile back. So all I need one for really would be a monitor. I like 17" kds xtreme flats and can buy those now for about $118. So I don't really want to get into a $100+ for a KVM unless I jump to the 4 port
I might consider doing that.

Know of a good one more in the $50 range with cables, ready to use?

I do like that Omniview though. Looks better and I like having a button switch on the unit better than using hotkeys. Just to much $$ for me.

On FleaBay.. Doesn't look to bad.. sure, the cables are an extra $18 for a set of 4, but that's still around $60 for a 4 port KVM.. Just a thought.. There's TONS more on there. eGoKVM Switch

Thanks, didn't even think of flea bay yet

Might go with a good 4 port if I can find a in-expensive one and cables.

I found one I liked a while back, it was a 4 port that came with the cables for like $100 shipped.. Haven't bit on it yet, because I use VNC now, much easier to use. Just hook it up to the network and instant access.. heh.. eGo

I use to use the omniview...then I got a monitor with BNC and 15Pin...now I use the monitor as a KVM....
it even has usb ports for key/mouse and they switch over with the video
Really cool...its a Mitsubishi

My other monitor was a viewsonic with BNC and 15Pin ,,, just used an extra Keyboard and mouse...


what are you REALLY using one for?
If you have a home network. you can always just setup computer 1 on monitor with keyboard and mouse. Computer 2 no keyboard, no monitor, no mouse. And use a program like VNC (kinda like PC anywhere but free and fast and simple) to control the second computer. I use this setup all the time now to control my server in the closet.

More info on VNC please

I was thinking about the KMV for several things. Mostly I never have an extra monitor when building or working on a system. Some-one brings a system to me to fix and I have to disconnect and move one of my 17" monitors from a system we use so I can see what their system is doing. Same thing when I build another new one. Never work space with in cable reach of a monitor! SO I have to move them around.

Figured with a KVM I would have the extra monitor cable stretched over to a work area and not have to disconnect or move monitors.

Then I also have older systems I want to use like for file storage that I might want to look at once in awhile also.

I'll check out the VNC and thinking maybe just buy another monitor for an extra.
With anything else company would not be able to use an extra system like for gamming anyway if we are a monitor short, like using a KVM.

VNC rules check it out at
RealVnC
Its a vpn\terminal emulation software
Since you yourself said the box wont be used for gaming its perfect you can monitor a remote system just as if you where there... I use it at work and also use it to fix my family members computers 3000 miles away... The best thing is that its cross platform - so if you wanna play around with a cheapo linux box you dont have to kvm it just vnc into it and have it at your desktop

Thanks for the link and info.

I downloaded the program and will try it soon as I get an O/s installed again on the spare system.

Looks like it will do alot of what I wanted a KVM for, but probably won't help alot while building a new system since nothing will be installed yet.

But this and ghost when I figure them out might solve most my headaches!!