Comments on: Windows sucks even when you don’t use it.

By: Histrionic

Histrionic — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 17:03:16 +0000

I would also like to know if the working KVM switches work with the Mac startup keys, such as C and Option. The Belkin SOHO unit I use (PS/2 terminal but allows either PS/2 or USB computers, via the correct cables) does not. Mine also often loses the extra mouse button functions, like the scroll action on the scroll wheel, when I switch between my Mac and PC.

By: Reimer

Reimer — Wed, 31 May 2006 01:30:39 +0000

As to your questions:
The avocent kvm switches keybd, mouse, video, sound and a USB2.0 hub. It lets you switch via user definable kbd combinations:

- Keybd, Mouse, Video, sound, usb2.0 hub
- keybd, Mouse, Video only, sound is sticky to old selected
- Keybd, Mouse, Video, usb hub is sticky to old selected
- Key, Mouse, Video, usb hub and sound are sticky

One major reason i went with it, was that it supports 1920×1200 DVI resolutions.

As to your 2nd question: No, I have no resolution switch problems at all. I can run various resolutions (games) on the PC and switch back to the Mac (1920×1200) etc pp with no issues.

Cheers
__Reimer

By: Ben Stanfield

Ben Stanfield — Tue, 30 May 2006 16:10:16 +0000

I’ve got the same IOGear DVI switch and the same problem. Mac PowerMac resizes everytime I switch back to it from Windows or from my intel mini. Oddly enough, the mini seems to keep it’s screen resolution with no problems. That means not only does it not rearrange everything on my screen, but switching to it is instaneous instead of the 5-10 second delay I get when I switch to my PowerMac.

Also, you can indeed use the keyboard to switch quickly. I have set mine up to use ctrl-ctrl number 1-4 to switch. Works like a charm, except for that damn G5 tower. I’m following this thread with much interest.

By: Reimer

Reimer — Tue, 30 May 2006 15:32:26 +0000

I am using the 4Port Avocent Swtichview/DVI (DVI, USB) with no problems between various macs and PC’s.
I am using win2k and its a known bug that you get the ‘unsafe removal of device’ panel when you detach unmounted (!) USB drives. That personally drives me crazy…. windows is such a byzantine hack…

__reimer

By: Ed Silva

Ed Silva — Tue, 30 May 2006 13:57:38 +0000

I have a Dr. Bott’s MoniSwitch Pro DVI that works great for the three Macs that are connected to it, but the windows box doesn’t see the USB devices for about 15 seconds or so, which makes switching back and forth a pain.

By: ncodding

ncodding — Tue, 30 May 2006 06:09:31 +0000

I've been running into this too when using my MBP both connected to an ACD at work, and on its own at home. I whipped up my own app to remember where I want the windows in each situation, and restore their positions(/sizes) when it detects display configuration changes. Also, one of my co-workers is having good luck with Desktility.