KVM Switch?

elevature

Here's my situation:

I have a desktop PC running XP, with a standard USB mouse and keyboard. I have a Macbook, and want to get an Apple keyboard and Magic Mouse (yes, it's expensive, but it's so pretty and I'm a whore, that's not the point). I want to use the regular mouse & kb with the PC, the apple kb & magic mouse with the Macbook, and the same monitor for both. Ideally I'd have two separate set-ups, but I'm short on desk space. I'm willing to swap out the kb and mouse, though.

Is a KVM switch the best way to go? Is there another way to share a monitor between two computers? I'd like to share speakers too, if possible.

Improvolone

For monitors, Synergy.

Deicist

Improvolone wrote: »

For monitors, Synergy.

Synergy is 2 (or more) computers, each with their own screen but sharing the same keyboard and mouse isn't it?

That's pretty much entirely the opposite of what the OP wants.

a KVM is probably the only way to go, unless someone does simple monitor switches... I'd imagine if there is such a thing it'll be dirt cheap for vga and pretty expensive for DVI.

Mr_Rose

Get a monitor with multiple, selectable inputs.

UncleSporky

I agree with Mr_Rose, a KVM switch is for switching keyboard and mouse as well, and all you want is the same monitor.

elevature

The monitor sounds like a much more elegant solution, but also a more expensive one. And cheaper is better.

How about something like this: http://www.belkin.com/flip/

It does share kb and mouse, but I'm assuming I could just not connect those to the switch, and only use it for the monitor.

Mr_Rose

Alternatively, get the KVM and the new mouse/keyboard and just ignore the "windows" mse/kbd when working with the shiny apple ones, since they are by default bluetooth and tiny now. I never heard of a PC having a problem with multiple keyboards/pointing devices before.

Bartholamue

Just throwing this out there that you can use the Apple keyboard and mice with PC's. That might save desk space.

Mr_Rose

Bartholamue wrote: »

Just throwing this out there that you can use the Apple keyboard and mice with PC's. That might save desk space.

Even the Magic Mouse? I wasn't aware anyone had Windows drivers for it yet.

elevature

Bartholamue wrote: »

Just throwing this out there that you can use the Apple keyboard and mice with PC's. That might save desk space.

I did consider that. I don't know how well the Apple keyboard works for gaming. But I may try it.

Foomy

how are you hooking up to the monitor? vga or dvi?
if it's vga than theres this:http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10106&cs_id=1010601&p_id=54&seq=1&format=2

for dvi: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011004&p_id=4069&seq=1&format=2

and just in case hdmi: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011001&p_id=2786&seq=1&format=2

ArcticMonkey

Monitors with VGA, DVI and HDMI are pretty cheap. I have a cheap BenQ LCD which swithces between the my 2 PCs (DVI and VGA) and my PS3 (HDMI) fast enough (2-3 sec ish).
Remember the DVI output on the back of your PC is only a cheap passive adapter from a HDMI or VGA signal. If you bought your GPU boxed you might already own them.