KVM Switches For Your Bench

[thor999]

I am lookin to buy a KVM and a few things I debate USB or PS2 I can do both but you get a little pricey then. I am not sure on brands but some I have used Avocent and Belkin units in the past both seemed to run solid. Should we have to worry or care about D-SUB, DVI, or HDMI?

Can't you use PS2 -> USB adapters? The majority of PC's I work on are VGA or DVI, I have yet to see one w/ only an HDMI output. DVI's even are infrequent enough to necessitate a KVM for them, which is good as they're costly. Your experience may differ, but save the investment for later.

 

[Blues]

I can use PS/2 -> USB adapters but why buy an extra piece if I don't need it. I am just wondering others thoughts and maybe some brands to avoid and/or brands to aim for.

 

[iladelf]

I use a Zonet KVM 3004 4-port. It's only a PS/2/VGA, but has worked for me since I bought it, probably 8 years ago. It will work (most of the time) with a PS/2 to USB keyboard/mouse adapter, but not always. Some screens on some PCs look a little flaky, and occassionally on bootup, the mouse isn't recognized. I've learned the workaround is to always have the screen of the bootup computer active on the KVM; this eliminates the mouse issue. Came with all cabling. Guess the new one has a proprietary cable system on the KVM end. I'd buy another one, if I needed it.