Tom
On Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 05:27 PM, Brent Randolph wrote:
On Monday, July 28, 2003, at 07:50 PM, Thomas D. Kearns wrote:1. a cheap box to connect to my SMC ethernet hub but I don't want to add another monitor or another keyboard. I have enough floor space but I don't want another screen or keyboard - no room.
2. a cheap (as you can see price is important) laptop w WiFi to connect to the Airport.
I'd check local computer stores (or ebay) for a cheap Windoze box. You can usually get one (sans OS) for around $250-$350, drives and all. Barebones units (just add chip, memory, and drives) usually go for around <$150, but you will need to know how to install hardware and where to purchase it. It's usually easier and cheaper to just buy a cheap Pre-Built (again, between $250-$350). If speed isn't a great issue, you could track down a cheap PII 233-333 on ebay for less than $150, complete. If you'd rather go name brand refurb with a tech support contract, check out Dell's refurb PC options. I've seen them with complete P4's as low as $399, including tech support and a small warranty.
The next issue is how you're going to connect it. You could get a USB KVM (anywhere from $79-$200), but there are a couple things to overcome when doing so:
1. Getting a Windoze AND Mac compatible keyboard (Logitech makes a nice multimedia keyboard that has keys for both platforms).
2. Making sure your PC will boot and use a USB keyboard instead of the normal PS/2 or AT type. Most PC's built within the last 3 years are capable, but make sure a) they use onboard USB controllers/ports and b) there is a BIOS option to seek a USB keyboard instead of PS/2 or AT.
If both these requirements can be met, a USB KVM (I know Belkin and Kensington make a few) should allow you to use your USB keyboard and mouse as well as your monitor on both (or more) machines by either a key combo or pressing a button on the KVM.
One thing to remember, most KVM's don't like monitor resolutions above 1024x768, with select few going as high as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Anything above a 60Hz refresh rate usually causes "ghosting" (slight echos of windows along their sides), and always make sure your KVM cables are thick and appear strong and of high quality. The last thing you want is interference from power cables, etc causing distortions on your display.
-- MacNetwork is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and...
XRouter Pro | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! Dr. Bott | Only $199 <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH130.html>
Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html>
MacNetwork list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/macnet.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; end list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/macnetwork%40mail.maclaunch.com/>
Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
