Off Topic: can anyone recommend a USB KVM

[Sean Bruno]

On Sun, 2008-01-20 at 21:48 -0800, Richard England wrote:
> Claude Jones wrote:
> > On Sat January 19 2008, John Summerfield wrote:
> >   
> >> I rather think Claude's looking for users' experience, not just a
> >> catalogue of what's available.
> >>     
> >
> > Yes, exactly. There are two all USB KVM's I've tried, and both were flaky, a 
> > Startech and an Avocent. So far, I don't think anyone has addressed the 
> > precise question, or at least, not with sufficient precision. Most USB based 
> > KVM's require PS2 keyboard and mouse, and they connect to the client machines 
> > via USB - those generally work, though, with caveats. I'm looking 
> > specifically for a KVM that accepts USB keyboard and mouse, and connects to 
> > clients via USB, AND WORKS -- that's the criteria. I'll check the IOGear 
> > units, which I have had good results with, but, the ones I've used were PS2 
> > inputs from the mouse and keyboard, and USB to clients. Since the respondent 
> > who suggested IOGear didn't specify precisely what his units' specs were, I 
> > still don't know whether he was addressing my specific question...
> >
> >   
> The IOGear KVMs I mentiioned earlier were either PS2 to PS2 or USB to 
> USB. There was no crossover.  I was not aware of those until it was 
> pointed out that they exist here.  
> 
> These were NOT powered units.  I've seen one Belkin multiple connection 
> externally powered unit (4 ports I believe) that it, several years ago, 
> was a right royal pain.  Things just never switched properly with it. 
> Could have been that switch, but it was new at the time.  The newer 
> ones, however, might be better so do not take my anecdotal evidence too 
> strongly unless you are acquiring a used Belkin.
> 
> ~~R
> 
I would have to second the IOGear.  They have worked very well for me.
Belkin units just seem to flake out on the mouse if X is running.

sean