From: Andrew Webber (awebber_at_wwwebbers.com)
Date: Thu May 18 2000 - 11:06:42 EDT
I just got my Linksys KVM kit, I had to get the slightly more
expensive one that supports AT keyboards because I couldn't find
the cheaper PS2-only one in stock anywhere. I haven't tried it
yet, but I think this is an incredible buy if it works -- cheaper
than a manual switch and 6 cables!
www.linksys.com and the parts are PS2KVMSK and KVM100SK. I wanted
the former but bought the latter. If it had been available, the
PS2 one would have cost about C$100 (<U$70). The one I got was
C$134 (U$100). These kits include a two-PC switch _AND TWO 4'
CABLE SETS_! It's the latter that makes it a bargain I think,
those things sell for about C$30 each (from other manufacturers, in
6' lengths).
Anyhow, I'm going to try this and see what happens. There's a
warning in the manual about ThinkPads and keyboards and mice, but
it's an IF THIS HAPPENS type of thing so we'll see.
Also included was a flyer for their other products. One that stood
out, and thus the subject line, is a PCMCIA network+modem card that
takes the cables directly. I've always been attracted to the
Xircom RealPort but I thought the loss of both slots to be more
than I could accept (I have a 3Com 10/100 card in one slot and an
Adaptec SCSI card in the other).
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=98&grid=11 (the
product number is PCMLM56).
It looks like what Linksys have done, is instead of having the card
gradually widen until it's two slots high at the edge of the PC
(Xircom's approach), is make it a regular card but with a
rectangular piece stuck on the end, outside the slot. So if it's
in the top slot of my TP600, it will leave the bottom slot
accessible. In effect this is a big integral permanent dongle.
Obviously there are tradeoffs with this, like there's a bit
sticking out, but presumably one would either live with it, and/or
eject the card for packing (which I tend to do anyway).
I have no need for this but thought it interesting. Comments on
this approach?
Thanks!
andrew [awebber_at_wwwebbers.com]
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