Hello, This is my first time here on the Apple Support Community forums. I am currently thinking of migrating to a Mac Mini (the new i7 with Thunderbolt support).

Used Kvm Switch

I currently have a Dell Percision M6300 notebook using a docking station. This docking station outputs to VGA.

My monitor is an HD capable Samsung LED unit, capable of supporting HDMI and VGA connections to it. My goal is to seamlessly switch between my Mac Mini and and older Dell notebook, as I would rountinely be doing work on both. I already have a gigabit switch and router setup in my office, so I would obviously have the two machines networked on the same subnet. So, file transfer (via network) should be a breeze between Mac OS X and Windows 7.

The only sticking point here would be the ability to seamlessly continue to use my exisitng keyboard and mouse with both machines. What kind of KVM switch would be recommended in this case? I would like something very stable, with relatively no frills. Thanks, Colin.

I've had good results with the KVM switches from IOGear: I have a couple of the four-port units, one VGA and one DVI, and they've been problem-free. Disclaimer: any product suggestion and link given is strictly for reference and represents my opinion only. No warranties express or implied. I get no personal benefit from the sale of any product I may recommend in any of my posts in the Discussions. Your mileage may vary.

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Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show. No animals were harmed in the making of this post. I have used a KVM between a Mac and a PC in the past and in theory there should be no specific issues relating to that. You would want one in this case that switched VGA video and USB for the keyboard and mouse. There is one issue to be aware of. VGA is a very old standard and is not really well supported on modern Macs i.e.

Those using a Mini Displayport interface. Yes you can get a Mini Displayport to VGA adapter and you would need one to do VGA at all, but there are lots of reports of issues whereby it might not initially 'detect' the VGA monitor signal and require either multiple efforts at disconnecting and reconnecting the cable/adapter or even rebooting. Ideally you would use either DVI or HDMI connections but of course in your case your constrained by what your old PC laptop has available. You say you are using a Dell docking adapter. Most of these have VGA and at least one other video interface - possibly a Displayport connector. If so it might be possible to use a Displayport to DVI adapter and then use DVI on both the Mac and PC.

Or use a Displayport to HDMI adapter and then use HDMI on both. Note: You can also use a DVI to HDMI converter to allow the Samsung to accept DVI.

I would therefore have a closer look at your dock and see what connectors it has and if possible consider using a HDMI adapter and KVM. Apple Footer. This site contains user submitted content, comments and opinions and is for informational purposes only. Apple may provide or recommend responses as a possible solution based on the information provided; every potential issue may involve several factors not detailed in the conversations captured in an electronic forum and Apple can therefore provide no guarantee as to the efficacy of any proposed solutions on the community forums. Apple disclaims any and all liability for the acts, omissions and conduct of any third parties in connection with or related to your use of the site.

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