dmbfan

I'm looking for a KVM switch to use for my PC and forthcoming mac mini - one that is available here in Canada. I currently have a USB mouse and PS/2 keyboard, but am willing to replace the keyboard with a USB one. Does anyone have anything running that works for them on both the mac and PC? I've seen one at Staples (a belkin model) but is says it is PC only. There are a few offered by Iogear, but they don't sell directly to Canada - tigerdirect.ca carries the Iogear GCS712U, but it takes PS/2 inputs. I have a PS/2 keyboard, and a PS/2 adaptor for my Logitech mouse, and the outputs are USB - would this work?

Iogear markets a model directly as "Mac Mini Compatible", the GCS632U, but I can't seem to find it in stock for sale in Canada (Future Shop carries is, but all stores and online are sold out). I have bid on one on ebay, but don't expect to win.

Any help here would be appreciated. It seems there are a lot of KVM switches out there, but less that switch a PC and a Mac, and even less that are available in Canada.

Thanks, eh?

Chad

bmovie

I too was looking for one of these. I have a G4 and a P3 with usb....I picked up a Cicero brand from Futureshop for about $49. It works great for me. the only thing is it has a manual push to switch between computers. But besides that It works great. Now this one is only USB, which is what I was looking for.
I also found a Belkin from tigerdirect.ca for about $80 which was USB as well.

At least at future shop....if you dont' like it or it doesn't work you have 15 days to return it for a FULL refund.

Hope this helps.

dmbfan

Can you tell me the model name of the Cicero brand so I can be sure I am picking up the same thing? THanks.

Hawking

I use a IOGear KVM between my PBG4 and WinXP PC. I tried a Hawking Technologies one before that and it was unreliable, IOGear tends to offer pretty good Mac support, so I'd recommend them. London Drugs carries IOGear cables.

Yvon C.

I also use Cicero brand KVM, there is no model number but it is a big box about 3"x6" ,and as Bmovie said look for a manual switch on top . It is the only one that works with my set-up : P-lll XP and G-3 Os 8.6 .You have to wait for a few seconds after you made the switch to the Mac or it may crash"

The problem was my Logitec MX 500 multi buttons mouse, now all the buttons works on both computers. As for the PS2 keyboard I use an adaptor from Radio Shack it is a one to one unit do not get the "Y" unit it does not work as good. It also works with the accents letters on the Mac.

It is also possible to share other USB unit but I did not try it. It as total of 4 USB ports.

Yvon C.

bmovie

The manual switch takes a second for the computers to recognize ie. usb mouse to start. But it's nice to have a 4 port usb connection.
For the price it's a good unit.

The only problem I had was with my Apple 17" BW monitor. It wouldn't work with that monitor. But it works with my BENQ 19" LCD

Must be something in the apple monitor that doesn't like being put through a KVM switch.

Todd

I use a StarTech SV431USB and it works great!

Disclosure: I work for StarTech too!

Adam

will this KVM work with my Apple Pro USB keyboard, and play nicely with both Mac and PC (and not give me video ghosting?). I'm looking for a good KVM and have so far been unsuccessful.

Adam

gundamguy

I have the Cicero usb kvm from Futureslop, it works ok but causes my powermac to take an extra min to display the video when first powering on, boot takes longer as well and my wintel pc hates it (lol) always get unrecognized usb devices on it for my mouse (a logitech one)

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matt@carbonation.com

From what I have read, there are compatibility issues in regards to the Apple Pro Keyboad and KVM switches. I would recommend changing keyboards.

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