Video Schmideo
Currently I work from home (saving much spondoolies) and so therefore have a work laptop and a home desktop PC. Few months ago, I wanted to get a KVM switch. So did so, hooked it all up and saw that the video resolution for my laptop was crap, desktop was fine. Anyway, returned the cable and was told it was something to do with signals and what not, so decided to get another one (about 60 quid!!) that had DVI connections on it.
Got it home, hooked up the desktop with one DVI, and then went to the laptop to connect the other. Mmmmmmmmm no DVI on the laptop.....DOH!
(McPhisto, Mon 3 Oct 2011, 14:40, 3 replies)

I might just be able to explain the crap resolution
There are four signals on the connector which are to do with detecting the capabilities of the monitor. If the "Monitor ID x" lines don't get through the switch correctly because the designers got lazy (oh how could that happen!), then the computer on the other side is unaware of what type of monitor is present and may end up defaulting to the bog standard resolution because that is the only resolution that it knows all monitors understand despite the fact that most of then will do a minimum of 1024x768 these days. I have the same issue with a Sun Sparc system and a high-end KVM I got off of fleabay on the cheap.

But then KVM's do have a tendancy to be a bit crap anyways. They'll do the job, but there will always be something they don't quite do right.
(An eejit passing by in a purple satin skirt with sparkly bits, Mon 3 Oct 2011, 17:20, closed)

May I suggest something?
Instead of a KVM you could RDP into the laptop from your PC instead or, if you have room on the desk, sit it next to your monitor and use Win to VNC.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Mon 3 Oct 2011, 19:31, closed)

I am pleased to see someone who approaches shopping in the same manner as I do.
Also, I disagree with the eejit, I've had my 4 port ATEN for a few years now with no issues whatsoever. Nothing makes it easier to simply plug a clients box or lappy into and boot up to see the problem.
(Misery McUglywife an attention seeking sociopathic fuckstain., Mon 3 Oct 2011, 23:21, closed)