KVM Switch

[NoctisReitop]

I often use both of my computers at the same time to accomplish some kind of complicated task that I make up. A long time ago I got a KVM switch that is all ps2 and vga. That worked for a while; really until I've gotten new stuff: I'm looking to purchase a nice LCD monitor during the holidays, I've got a g15 keyboard and a copperhead mouse, and both of my computers are now solely DVI (not counting the crossover, which is currently in use in both computers).
Anyway. I've looked around and saw that even a two port dvi usb kvm switch is HELLA expensive =\. If I wanted to go the route of a switch, would it hurt my user experience if I was to convert my dvi's to vga and my usb's to ps2? Is the nice kvm switch worth the price that they put on it?

[gvblake22]

I've never used a KVM switch, but I have used the VGA to DVI and USB to PS2 adapters without any trouble. You'll lose some ease of use with the USB adapter, but there shouldn't be any serious video problems using a VGA to DVI adapter.

You can always get your new monitor and try it all out with the KVM switch you have and decide for yourself it the result is acceptable.

[NoctisReitop]

I guess, I don't think I'd ever really spend that much on a KVM switch. I bought mine because it was somethin' like 10 bucks, from Wally Mart. I think for anything more than 50 bucks, i'd just use two keyboards, two mice, and two monitors (or the lcd if it's a laptop). I guess there's always the buddy usb hub.
By "ease of use", you mean in the sense that I'd have crossovers upon crossovers and hassle? or it would affect the use of the devices in question?

[Hitman]

You can buy a KVM switch with VGA and USB. IIRC Belkin makes a pretty decent one. When you convert DVI to VGA though a KVM you loose a lot of quality, more then a regular conversion from the monitor straight to the computer.

[Tech Geek Deluxe]

Another solution is a remote desktop type of software ... of course you would have to have a KB and mouse for the other PC ... however if you were on a network with both ... you can control the one from the other.

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by Tech Geek Deluxe

Another solution is a remote desktop type of software ... of course you would have to have a KB and mouse for the other PC ... however if you were on a network with both ... you can control the one from the other.

Thats a good solution, that works out really well with dual screens. That way you can access both computers at the same time.

[tiredoldman]

I just wish I could get one to work cross platform, so I could run all my computers at one main computer. I've tried some "Headless"setups,and some remotes. BUT, I run Vista/XP Pro/Ubuntu , cant find a way to run them all from single main rig. So, my folding is getting the "back seat", very low priority.

[[Dr. V]]

Originally Posted by Hitman

You can buy a KVM switch with VGA and USB. IIRC Belkin makes a pretty decent one. When you convert DVI to VGA though a KVM you loose a lot of quality, more then a regular conversion from the monitor straight to the computer.

VERY true - it's not worth saving the bit of doh, however much it may be. The loss of quality is simply too noticeable.

[Stormcrow]

Originally Posted by ST!X

VERY true - it's not worth saving the bit of doh, however much it may be. The loss of quality is simply too noticeable.

So there is a high loss of quality? All I've ever had is this 19" CRT, so I'm running the 8800 to it through a VGA adapter. Guess I don't know any better to notice anything

[Yellowhello]

Originally Posted by Stormcrow

So there is a high loss of quality? All I've ever had is this 19" CRT, so I'm running the 8800 to it through a VGA adapter. Guess I don't know any better to notice anything

I have a DVI-to-VGA adapter also (my LCD is VGA) and I can't see any loss of quality either...