Setting up a PC+MacMini development environment using a KVM switch

[ManuelFLara]

I'm going to get a MacMini soon but I want to reuse my current screen, keyboard and mouse, as I already do with a KVM switch between my two PCs.

The problem is that my KVM works with PS/2 input devices, and I don't know if the MacMini allows them. If not, what kind of KVM switch do I need to buy? Do you know where can I buy it on-line (that ships to Spain)?

I'd like to know any suggestion or problem I'll probably face from someone who has already done this.

Thanks :)

[Nutter2000]

Haven't got a Mini Mac personally but I have been looking into it.
As far as I am aware the MacMini needs USB input connections but you can buy PS/2 - USB changers cheaply enough so that shouldn't be a problem (I think)

As for shipping to spain, wouldn't there be power voltage problems?
(sorry not very well informed on the matter)

[z3lda]

I don't think there will be a problem, but MacMini is only USB. Just buy a converter(USB -> PS/2) that can connect to the KVM.

[Cartman]

I just installed a MacMini on my KVM switch this week. It worked flawlessly. No problem with mouse, keyboard or monitor. However, my switch has usb going out to the machines. (Belkin model) I think that you should be fine with just putting converters (like z3lda mentioned) on your cables.

Great machine by the way. Took about 10 minutes to set up. I didn't find a manual in the packaging at first, and turned out it was so easy to set up that you didn't even need it.

[Mike Boeh]

I have 3 pc's and a mac mini in my PS/2 kvm switch. The little usb->ps2 converter gizmo works like a champ :)

[revve]

You get plenty of KVM switches that does USB out to computers. Most of these will simply have a VGA plug and a single USB for both keyboard and mouse (the KVM acts as a small USB hub for this). You shouldn't have to bother with converters. Rextron has a nice unit, that isn't expensive at all. Look at their "pico" line. I haven't used that specific one yet, but we use several of their large enterprise units at the office.

[soniCron]

For what it's worth, there's a highly popular Belkin KVM switch that seriously disappoints! I can't for the life of me remember which it is, but the point is, do lots of research and find out everyone's opinions. The particular Belkin KVM switch simply breaks after a couple weeks while Belkin refuses to do anything about it. (And we're talking about a $200 device here!)

[markkj]

I'm also thinking about hooking up a Mac G5 box and PC via a KVM at the moment. I used to have a PS/2 KVM switch for two PCs but that's gone to the big bit bucket in the sky.

I had a logitech mouseman via this old PS/2 switch, which the KVM ended up representing to the PCs as a generic PS/2 mouse (so lost the use of additional buttons on the mouse).

Anyway, before I splurge on a new KVM, I have a quick question for those who have USB-capable KVMs & fancy mice with lots of buttons (or keyboards with multimedia stuff):

Do the devices show up properly (with all requisite buttons intact) for all the boxes connected to your switch?

Thanks,

Mark

[Phil Steinmeyer]

I had horrible results with a 4 port Belkin KVM (DVI + USB).

Returned to Belkin for refund, never got refund (despite it being promised).

I bought an ATen (also 4 port, DVI, USB) and it's wonderful - highly recommended.

[Codemattic]

I have a Mac and a PC on a usb kvm. Does anyone know how I can switch while keeping my Mac asleep. I put the Mac to sleep. When I switch to the pc the Mac wakes up. I guess the Mac senses a change in the usb connection and wakes up. Is there a way to either tell the Mac to ignore this and stay asleep - or do some kvms get around this problem.

I have an old Starview 4 port usb/vga kvm and I dont recommend it. When I push the button to switch, it races between the 4 ports - its a challenge to get it to stop at the machine I want. Its pretty old so maybe their newer products are better. YMMV.

[tentons]

I had a Belkin switch that just died out of the blue. Very frustrating!! Due to time constraints I wasn't able to order one online (needed it immediately) so I was forced to shop local, and of course the only brand I could find (among 4 different stores) was Belkin. So I hope this one doesn't cough up blood and die for no reason like the first one.

I love the Mac Mini, though.