Back in the summer of 2003 (!), there was a lot of discussion here of KVM switches and their successes and failures. Since then, the topic has arisen a few times, but not since May 2011, so I assume everyone has either stopped using them or has found something that works. I certainly have (found one that works) and here's my story for anyone interested.
I had been using a Belkin KVM until this year, when we bought our first Win7 system (on a file and weather server). I quickly learned that Win7 and most KVM switches don't play well together, and I began looking for a replacement KVM. My search brought me to IOGear and their GCS1794 "4-Port HDMI Multimedia KVMP Switch with Audio (TAA Compliance)" ( http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS1794/ ). (I have no interest in this company; I just use their switch). My situation is: 1 Thinkpad T60 with DVI running XP SP3 1 Thinkpad T420 with DisplayPort running Win7-64 Pro SP1 1 Lenovo M70e server with a replacement video card with HDMI, running Win7 Pro SP1 1 Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 with HDMI and Win7 Home Premium (usually resides in the theater) 1 ViewSonic VX2753MH-LED 27" Monitor with HDMI ports Wired USB mouse and keyboard For the T60, I had to buy a DVI->HDMI adapter. For the T420, I needed a DisplayPort->HDMI adapter. And for the M70e, I bought an inexpensive video card with HDMI output. Port switching is by front panel pushbuttons or by hotkeys. Analog audio and a USB port can be switched along with the KV&M, but they don't have to be. I have each system's audio output connected to the provided cable, and I have one set of speakers connected to the switch. My desk is a lot less cluttered now. It took a little playing around with the NVIDIA graphic control panel in each system to display correctly at 1920x1080, but once set everything has been stable. I'm aware of only two possible drawbacks with this switch: 1 - It's relatively expensive; the price can be seen at the web site, although it can be acquired elsewhere for less. 2 - I understand that cordless mice and keyboards either don't work or don't work well with this KVM. I haven't tried, so I'd be interested in learning from anyone who has. I'm VERY satisfied with the result. Mike Michael Stack http://www.kcats.org _______________________________________________ Thinkpad mailing list [email protected] http://stderr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/thinkpad
