KVM: IOGEAR GCS84A or GCS62 or Linksys Integrated 2 Port Switch

ju421019 · 05-21-2003, 06:26 PM

I am in the process of buying a KVM Switch, I searched this forum and saw a couple of topics but they didnt include one.

I have two computers and a laptop right now, might/probably will get more soon (don't know how soon).

I have to decide from the following - these are amazon.com prices - because I have $30 GC which I will use, but these are the prices right now:

Linksys KVM2KIT ProConnect Integrated KVM 2-Port Switch - $33.24

IOGEAR GCS62 MiniView Micro KVM Switch - $34.19

IOGEAR GCS84A 4-Port MiniView SE PS/2 KVM Switch Kit (PS/2) - $82.09 after MIR

Which one should I get? Any opinions and reviews would be extremely appreciated, since I would like to buy soon.

Lastly, anything I should know about compatability with LCD monitors. Currently, I have a 17in. CRT but will soon get a LCD.

Thank you.

ride2bhi · 05-22-2003, 12:34 AM

I am interested in this as well. I did some research about a month ago and was unable to find a KVM that had DVI inputs. You will need a DVI input/output in order to fully use the visual capablities of the LCD. None of the ones you have listed have DVI capailities. Good luck in your search.

Jeffbx · 05-22-2003, 05:28 AM

Dunno about the IOGear, but the Linksys is great. I have one at work and at home, and both are sharing a monitor at 1600x1200 with no noticable degradation in the signal quality. Have a look at Gateway.com for this one - I bought my home one from there for $34 shipped free w/no tax.

rajatQ2 · 05-22-2003, 11:14 AM

I agree with JeffBX. I have one of the linksys Proconnect KVM's, and i was pleased with it. It is old. I only had one problem - my logitech mouse, the special feature buttons, like the double-click button, did not work. They have probably fixed this in the 3 years or so since i bought that switch.
Also, for DVI, you will not be able to find a KVM with DVI switching too. Maybe you should hold off for a bit. What i ended up doing when i got a LCD monitor, was to keep my old CRT plugged into the switch, and got a new Radeon card with a DVI out. THe VGA out was plugged into the KVM, and the DVI went directly to the LCD. that way, i could switch machines and have them on different screens. Windows was able to stretch between both desktops. kinda cool but not that much of an improvement.

ju421019 · 05-22-2003, 12:49 PM

So your telling me that if I buy a LCD I won't be able to use a KVM? Is DVI optional on a LCD? Am confused, I read people with the Dell 18in LCD using KVM's

Jeffbx · 05-22-2003, 01:31 PM

Yes - you can use DVI with a KVM switch. You'll either need a DVI - VGA adapter, or a REALLY expensive KVM switch.

The problem with using a KVM switch with a DVI monitor is that you lose the digital signal when you go through the switch. You can certainly do it, but you won't get as good of an image as if you had the LCD plugged directly into the video card.

ju421019 · 05-22-2003, 02:26 PM

Do all LCDs come with DVI?

Or do they have both like a regular video cable ouput and DVI?

ju421019 · 05-22-2003, 02:27 PM

I'm confused as to which one to buy now

Jeffbx · 05-23-2003, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ju421019
Do all LCDs come with DVI?

Or do they have both like a regular video cable ouput and DVI?

Not all LCDs come with DVI. Some have both, some have VGA only & some have DVI only. However, there are converters available to go from one to the other.

05-21-2003, 06:26 PM	#1
ju421019 Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 55	KVM: IOGEAR GCS84A or GCS62 or Linksys Integrated 2 Port Switch I am in the process of buying a KVM Switch, I searched this forum and saw a couple of topics but they didnt include one. I have two computers and a laptop right now, might/probably will get more soon (don't know how soon). I have to decide from the following - these are amazon.com prices - because I have $30 GC which I will use, but these are the prices right now: Linksys KVM2KIT ProConnect Integrated KVM 2-Port Switch - $33.24 IOGEAR GCS62 MiniView Micro KVM Switch - $34.19 IOGEAR GCS84A 4-Port MiniView SE PS/2 KVM Switch Kit (PS/2) - $82.09 after MIR Which one should I get? Any opinions and reviews would be extremely appreciated, since I would like to buy soon. Lastly, anything I should know about compatability with LCD monitors. Currently, I have a 17in. CRT but will soon get a LCD. Thank you.

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05-22-2003, 12:34 AM	#2
ride2bhi Lieutenant Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 362	I am interested in this as well. I did some research about a month ago and was unable to find a KVM that had DVI inputs. You will need a DVI input/output in order to fully use the visual capablities of the LCD. None of the ones you have listed have DVI capailities. Good luck in your search.

05-22-2003, 05:28 AM	#3
Jeffbx Fleet Admiral Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Michigan Posts: 9,390	Dunno about the IOGear, but the Linksys is great. I have one at work and at home, and both are sharing a monitor at 1600x1200 with no noticable degradation in the signal quality. Have a look at Gateway.com for this one - I bought my home one from there for $34 shipped free w/no tax.

05-22-2003, 11:14 AM	#4
rajatQ2 Commander Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: boston, ma Posts: 1,020	I agree with JeffBX. I have one of the linksys Proconnect KVM's, and i was pleased with it. It is old. I only had one problem - my logitech mouse, the special feature buttons, like the double-click button, did not work. They have probably fixed this in the 3 years or so since i bought that switch. Also, for DVI, you will not be able to find a KVM with DVI switching too. Maybe you should hold off for a bit. What i ended up doing when i got a LCD monitor, was to keep my old CRT plugged into the switch, and got a new Radeon card with a DVI out. THe VGA out was plugged into the KVM, and the DVI went directly to the LCD. that way, i could switch machines and have them on different screens. Windows was able to stretch between both desktops. kinda cool but not that much of an improvement.

05-22-2003, 12:49 PM	#5
ju421019 Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 55	So your telling me that if I buy a LCD I won't be able to use a KVM? Is DVI optional on a LCD? Am confused, I read people with the Dell 18in LCD using KVM's

05-22-2003, 01:31 PM	#6
Jeffbx Fleet Admiral Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Michigan Posts: 9,390	Yes - you can use DVI with a KVM switch. You'll either need a DVI - VGA adapter, or a REALLY expensive KVM switch. The problem with using a KVM switch with a DVI monitor is that you lose the digital signal when you go through the switch. You can certainly do it, but you won't get as good of an image as if you had the LCD plugged directly into the video card.

05-22-2003, 02:26 PM	#7
ju421019 Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 55	Do all LCDs come with DVI? Or do they have both like a regular video cable ouput and DVI?

05-22-2003, 02:27 PM	#8
ju421019 Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 55	I'm confused as to which one to buy now

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