KVM Switch questions and configuration

[lewdogg21]

So I am starting a new job where home will be my primary office. I currently have a desktop with 23" monitor and a keyboard/mouse combo I love (I'm a gamer). Previously at work I ran dual monitors which was great for estimating on one and email/word/excel/stuff on the other.

I should be getting a laptop from my new employer and so here is my questions (2 scenarios).

1) I want to run dual monitors with a KVM style switch that can go back and forth from desktop to laptop. Both monitors need to independent (not showing the same thing on both) when using them. What are my options? I understand this may be expensive


2) Single monitor setup with KVM switch to go back and forth between desktop and laptop. What are some good KVM's?

What is the best way to accomplish the intent in Scenario #1 and #2?


Also since my current monitor has both VGA and DVI-D connections is it possible to use a KVM switch and one of the two monitors use a usb to vga adapter plugged into the laptop to use a 2nd monitor that shows different content than the primary monitor?

[stilly]

So I am starting a new job where home will be my primary office. I currently have a desktop with 23" monitor and a keyboard/mouse combo I love (I'm a gamer). Previously at work I ran dual monitors which was great for estimating on one and email/word/excel/stuff on the other.

I should be getting a laptop from my new employer and so here is my questions (2 scenarios).

1) I want to run dual monitors with a KVM style switch that can go back and forth from desktop to laptop. Both monitors need to independent (not showing the same thing on both) when using them. What are my options? I understand this may be expensive


2) Single monitor setup with KVM switch to go back and forth between desktop and laptop. What are some good KVM's?

What is the best way to accomplish the intent in Scenario #1 and #2?


Also since my current monitor has both VGA and DVI-D connections is it possible to use a KVM switch and one of the two monitors use a usb to vga adapter plugged into the laptop to use a 2nd monitor that shows different content than the primary monitor?

From my experience:
Uhhh, two concurrent input feeds into 1 video monitor you might be asking for trouble. Dual monitor KVM are gonna be expensive, but look around here: http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/d...vm-switch.html

Good KVMs are: raritan, io gear, and others, ymmv

[lewdogg21]

Maybe I made a mistake in describing but I only need one computer to broadcast to the monitors at a time. Utilizing 2 separate screens is ideal for mostly work.

[stilly]

Maybe I made a mistake in describing but I only need one computer to broadcast to the monitors at a time. Utilizing 2 separate screens is ideal for mostly work.

Well then, if you want to utilize two monitors then a dual KVM switch is what you will need if you intend to output to both monitors, one computer at a time. That will cost a bit more than a regular kvm switch, the link should still be good.

[stonith3901]

I am a big fan of synergy (open source software). It works for mac, linux, and windows. You can have your keyboard/mouse from your desktop control your laptop through the network or vice versa.

[zfields]

Good luck with any "good" KVMs.

I've gone through more then I wish to remember, for some reason they never seem to last more then a few months.

[stilly]

Good luck with any "good" KVMs.

I've gone through more then I wish to remember, for some reason they never seem to last more then a few months.

I agree with this. I have found a couple of brands that I like and that have worked well for me, but other brands that were recommended to me have sucked. I paid good money for an ATEN 4 port KVMP and I had to take the damn thing apart (metal frame, ready for rack mount) and literally move a jumper to put it into UPDATE mode so that I could flash it and it could play nice with my comps. Long story short, after several e-mails back and forth to tech support, it now works, but not as intended and I do not have all features (usb and sound sharing) which is the whole BLOODY reason why I even bought the damn thing. I gave it a GREAT review on amazon. and yet here it sits next to my computer because I have not replaced it with my raritan that I bought for $76 about 3 weeks after getting this one.

I will say this though, I dunno about DUAL monitor support, but those manual CHEAP metal boxes with the knobs that let you select back and forth, those seemed to work great, but they were not high tech looking nor cool. I like the scroll scroll and I am off to the other comp via kb.

If you can live with ONE monitor, I/O gear might have a decent low end piece for you. KVM only though. I can not recco any kvmp, just kvm.