I almost bought a mac (mini mac $499) yesterday until the tech help at CompUSA told me that i could not hook it up to my KVM switch. I like to be able to use a single keyboard/mouse/monitor for all my computers. Just hit a button for the one I need to work on. I run old P1 and P2 since I mostly just write java code and don't need a super duper cpu for that. But right now I need to simulate a server farm and need a box on my intra net with little more horse power. Suggestions are welcome, didn't what to buy a celeron PC, an AMD pc would be ok, but it ight be fun to have a mac hanging around.
Huh? The only hang-up I've heard of is that the Mac uses USB for keyboards, while many existing PC installations use PS2 keyboards. Hence, you would need either a) a new USB keyboard, or b) a PS2-to-USB converter to stick in front of the KVM switch.
Note: You have to also figure out if your video is VGA or DVI. DVI KVM switches are a bit newer, and more expensive.....
You should be able to run a quick google search to see if you'll have major issues or not. Also remember: CompUSA is full of dunderheads - that's why they're there selling computers, rather than doing something useful with 'em.
I don't even know what a KVM switch does...
What I do know, is that my Mac needs no drivers for most devices. They are intuitively found by the OS, and placed where they need to be.
I wouldn't let a $29 keyboard, and $10 mouse stop me from enjoying good technology. Besides, it will be a chance to try the integration yourself. Someone has already done it, I would bet... and if you do a search, can find a way!
If I were buying today, it would be a $1300 G5 iMac... or spend the extra to write DVD's and view a 20"! I have a G5 desktop, with a almost new 30" display. You gotta see it, to love it! I carry a 17" G4 PowerBook on the road...
Why not? Lots of people are doing it with no problems.