Peripherals for 3 computers?

[Enilder]

I currently have 2 laptops and a desktop. Are there reliable "switches" out there to have single keyboard and mouse linked to all 3 computers? I've previously used an HDMI switch, which only lasted 2 months before it stopped working (it was for monitor switch, which is a different topic).

 

[fantabulous]

I use one of those "usb printer switches" along with a tiny usb hub to shift my keyboard/mouse around to a few different machines. It's been working well enough for me for about a year.

 

[Enilder]

I use one of those "usb printer switches" along with a tiny usb hub to shift my keyboard/mouse around to a few different machines. It's been working well enough for me for about a year.

What do you use? I had several USB hubs that died within a year. Not really sure why these things break so easily...

 

[450]

Have you tried Synergy or Input Monitor?

 

[fantabulous]

What do you use? I had several USB hubs that died within a year. Not really sure why these things break so easily...

One of these: http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F1U200V-4-Port-USB-Switch/dp/B000EJUCVE/ (along with some sort of small 4 port hub)

I just use my monitor's OSD to switch video inputs. Fine for switching between my workstation and gaming machine. The button isn't spectacular, and I sometimes cycle past the input I'm after. Once in a while my gaming machine doesn't detect the keyboard/mouse and I have to cycle inputs again. Minor inconvenience over buying a different switch, and it was the cheapest 3+ switch I could find.

This only allows me to use the keyboard/mouse/etc on a single machine at a time, which is exactly what I want. Software like synergy is probably what you want if you want to "seamlessly" control multiple machines.

 

[Enilder]

Thanks for the suggestion. Going to take a look at Synergy...http://synergy-foss.org/