Hi

My trusty old KVM switch is for PS2 stuff and at the moment it serves up mouse and keyboard for my Win95 machine, my Win98SE machine and my WinXP machine.

However, I read that I can expect to need adaptors to be able to carry on using it for the next machine I will need to buy .... which is still only a dream at the moment

Not only because of the PS2/USB different fittings but also because of "power" differences.

Is that right ??

So I've been looking around and found THIS gadget.

Am I on the right track ??

Or do I need to start saving up and eventually invest in one of THESE which caters for both PS2 and USB ??

Thanks.

Mad

It "looks" like it would work. You'd plug the USB part into the computer and attach the PS/2 parts to the mouse and keyboard PS/2 connectors coming from the KVM.

But sometimes using both an adapter and a KVM makes unpredictable results -- especially with a computer that has no PS/2 ports.

If you can find a computer with a single PS/2 port, that would be better than none. You could use that PS/2 port for the keyboard. Mice often come with their own PS/2 to USB adapters.

Hi - And thanks, Jenny100

I'll add your reply to the "things to bear in mind" list I've started

Cheers.

Mad

Dont think you would need them. All modern pcs have ps2 and usb connectors.

Skeeter, they're starting to make computers without PS/2 connections. For example the Dell Studio 540 had no PS/2 connections.

If your spending money on adapters why not just get a usb keyboard and mouse there not that expensive.

ebay search link to em

It's a convenience thing.
She's got a setup where her 3 current computers are attached to the same keyboard and mouse using a KVM. This way she doesn't have to shuffle 3 different keyboards and 3 different mice around when she wants to use one of the other computers. She was hoping to add her future computer to her current KVM setup.

If Mad can get a custom built computer, she can specify that it have PS/2 ports and avoid the USB compatibility problem entirely.

Thanks again, Jenny100 !!

You are describing exactly what I have now and what I need to have in the future

Lazy thing.

Get a kb and mouse for others then ur family can play multiplayer games with you hehe.

--

Ok well best luck whatever u decide (get usb) take care.

SkeeterUK

I am shocked at even the thought of multiplayer games !!