[geeks] KVM dilemma...

[Mike Hebel]

Thus spake Lionel Peterson:
>>From: Mike Hebel <nimitz at nimitzbrood.com>
>>Date: 2006/11/27 Mon AM 06:12:58 CST
>>To: geeks at sunhelp.org
>>Subject: [geeks] KVM dilemma...
>
>>I'm finally starting to get systems set up at home in my office and I
>>would like to use a KVM but I only have a PS/2 one.  The problem?
>>
>>1 - U10
>>1 - G3 8600 "Frankenmac"
>>1 - Blue & White G3
>>1 - O2
>>1 - AMD PC
>>1 - G3 "Pismo" PowerBook
>>
>>Switching the monitor is obviously easy between all those systems as long
>>as it supports the proper sync/refresh/etc.
>>
>>Keyboards and mice however are a bit more problematic...
>>
>>Suggestions?  I'd like to NOT have to get a $500 KVM but I'm not holding
>>my breath. :-/
>
> I like KVMs, and am starting to feel that good ones are worth the money.
> Having said that, I too would be reluctant to spend $500 on a KVM.
>
> The systems you list break down into a few groups, with the obvious
> problems
> with keyboard types. IOGear has some nice PC/Mac/Sun (USB) KVMs (4 port,
> $180
> list price [0]), but the older "Franken" Mac will cause problems requiring
> adapters to turn USB into ADB for the Mac and the Sun U10 will need (most
> likely) a series of USB to PS/2, PS/2 to Sun (whatever) connector. In the
> end,
> it may be cheaper to look on eBay for a high-end KVM and secure specific
> adapters as required. I think the "Franken" mac will be a problem (as it
> is
> not usually installed on a KVM, I suspect).

Since that's an old-world-mac and doesn't use OpenFirmware using a USB
keyboard or USB->PS/2 set of adapters would solve the Frankenmac problem.
I'd only have to plug a keyboard into it to boot from the CD most likely.

I'll check out the Iogear one when I get home due to limited connecticvity
at work. *cough*filter*cough*  But I think you're probably right.  I think
I'm going to end up using a higher-end KVM and adapters.  Which means I
might as well get a bunch of the USB->PS/2 adapters of both genders and
try using the existing KVM I've got.  That will be cheaper than the
alternative even if I go with the new KVM.

I _hate_ having to cobble adapters together though... :-(

Mike Hebel
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I forgot what I was going to say here...