USB Switcher Box

[Bounty Hunter]

Hi,

Can you buy a device that you can sit on your desk that switches between different USB devices?

IE - I have a Laptop in a docking station and a desktop and at the flick of a switch I want to use the same keyboard and mouse for both. Is this possbile?

And whats it called? (I did a search for switch box USB and found something else)

Thanks

Tom

[jamieboy]

Have a quick google for a USB KVM switch (keyboard, video, mouse) - there's loads, but I couldn't recommend a specific one I'm afraid.

Edited by jamieboy on Monday 18th December 17:25

[Bounty Hunter]

Jamie

Just what I was looking for! Google is only as powerful as the users vocab!

Thanks

Tom

[jimmyjimjim]

Bit of advice; pay a little extra, and get one with a button!
The really cheap ones (my first was a really cheap belkin)support hot switching only, i.e. hit scroll lock twice then up or down. This can get confused and refuse to work. On a number of occasions, it has locked completely and necessitated removing all power from the KVM. Not a problem, you might think...but its powered by the keyboard and mouse ports, so you have to unplug everything.
Real pain in the behind.
Since getting a slightly less cheap belkin with a switch button, never had a problem.

[JonRB]

Some "KVM" boxes give you more than just KVM (making it a bit of a misnomer, but never mind). Many now support running the same set of speakers between multiple machines as well. May be worth considering this.

Also, choose your ports carefully. If both machines support USB keyboards and mice then great, go for a USB one. However, if either require the use of PS/2 ports then make sure your KVM supports it.

A quick Google shows that Belkin does one which supports both and may be worth considering.

See
www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1337

[arfur]

Belkin do a 4 port switch ... works perfectly, even sound .. had it for a couple of years ... They sell them in PCWorld .. just make sure you get enough cables

[Bounty Hunter]

Excellent stuff guys

Thanks

Tom

[JonRB]

arfur said:

Belkin do a 4 port switch ... works perfectly, even sound

You mean the one in the link I posted?

[arfur]

JonRB said:

arfur said:

Belkin do a 4 port switch ... works perfectly, even sound

You mean the one in the link I posted?

Dunno ... didnt open the link as I was actually touching one at the time