Advise sought - KVM switch equivalent required

angelavdavis

Hi all,

I work freelance for multiple customers at the moment.

Unfortunately, I have to use their own PCs to connect via VPN to their networks, so am lumbered with 3 laptops to use, as well as my own desktop which contains Photoshop and other software that I also need for my job.

I am constantly switching between laptops/screens and have insufficient desk space to have them laid out side by side.

I had a KVM switch which had 3 ports which was great when I only had to connect using 15 pin HD and PS/2 style connectors. Sadly, the new laptops include USB mouse/keyboard connectors.

Any suggestions on a decent hub that combines HD/PS2 and USB connectors that you can recommend - I haven't found any so far on the market?

Thanks

Belnahua

I think Belkin make one!

http://www.kvmswitchdirect.co.uk/acatalog/Belkin_rack_mountable_switches.html

S0litaire

if all the PC's are Windows then set them all up for Remote Desktop connection.

You then can connect to the 3 Laptops using your Desktop (I did something like that at my last place when i had to keep an eye on 2 servers from my desktop)

You can keep the laptop windows minimised until you need to use them.

Also talk to them and see if you can arrange for you just to use your desktop. (Might save a lot of hassle and expense)

Belnahua

S0litaire wrote: »

if all the PC's are Windows then set them all up for Remote Desktop connection.

You then can connect to the 3 Laptops using your Desktop (I did something like that at my last place when i had to keep an eye on 2 servers from my desktop)

You can keep the laptop windows minimised until you need to use them.

Also talk to them and see if you can arrange for you just to use your desktop. (Might save a lot of hassle and expense)

Yes, but the clients may not like this. And you do have to be careful as it can link local resources and the clipboard, which if you needed could end up copying and pasting from one system to another.

The worse thing about RDP is that is if you need it to copy and paste, but then swap to another RDP session, is that is transports the copy and paste function across, and if it's a large file you've been copying, it takes ages to swap RDP sessions.

It's a great idea, but across different client's systems may not be such a good idea!

Belnahua

loaner wrote: »

you can get adapters that convert usb to ps/2 connections.

Yes I forgot :-

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=236173&CatId=747

Edit :- Sorry LOANER, see you beat me to the link!

angelavdavis

S0litaire wrote: »

if all the PC's are Windows then set them all up for Remote Desktop connection.

You then can connect to the 3 Laptops using your Desktop (I did something like that at my last place when i had to keep an eye on 2 servers from my desktop)

You can keep the laptop windows minimised until you need to use them.

Also talk to them and see if you can arrange for you just to use your desktop. (Might save a lot of hassle and expense)

Thanks for this, its doable with my personal PCs (I use logmein to connect occasionally to my own home PC, work desktop and mother's PC) but I know 2 customers definitely won't allow this! They both have the most heavy security policies I have come across.

angelavdavis

Belnahua wrote: »

I think Belkin make one!

http://www.kvmswitchdirect.co.uk/acatalog/Belkin_rack_mountable_switches.html

thanks for this, and the other adapter link, I think 7 pounds per lead is a bit more my funding level(!). It would also allow me to use the Dakota switch I have at the moment which is nice and compact.

Thanks loaner too for the link!

I don't know why I didn't think of that solution before!!!

Cheers!:T

mdbarber

word of warning bout the usb/ps2 adapters they often don't work as no strict specs been laid down on them.
a docking stations for the laptops would probably be the best bet, see if they can get them with ps2 connectors combined with usb and or ps2 kvm. they are out there google "usb kvm"
Could always make it sound like a health/accessability requirement to see if any help with funding would be available from the clients

Poppycat

I have a KVM switch (2 pc's) (dlink) for years and have no issues with my current mouse/keyboard (MS usb mouse and Logitech usb keybboard ). Only issue I had was with a microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse combo using usb/ps2.