The Off Topic Thread.

[k31th]

a USB switch (like a KVM switch but just for either Keyboard or Mouse only) is a superfluous item as you can just get more USB ports (via a USB hub) and use all of your USB items at once (as long as you have hte required voltage running through the hub, of course).

switches like KVM switches allow you to use minimal amounts of USB devices for multiple PC's.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I wish to use 1 USB RX between a desktop and a laptop dock.

[tab]

That's why he wants a switch. One device, two computers.

Currently the dilemma in the Wiggum household is some peanut takes his lappy to work but leaves the usb receiver plugged in to it which then renders the PC useless as it can't be driven.

Edit: What the said peanut said

Edited 14/08/14 04:28 AM by tab

[k31th]

and are the desktop and laptop dock in the same or different physical locations?

[Ralph Wiggum]

same desk buddy....

[k31th]

Then you definitely need a KVM switch (just use the K/M sections of the KVM switch, unless of course you have a secondary monitor for the laptop which is used for the desktop, too!).

But this will mean you won't have the external keyboard and mouse when you take the laptop away from that location (keep a bluetooth mouse in the laptop bag, ideally, if you need an external mouse on the go).

[Ralph Wiggum]

Perhaps now might be a good time to go back, read through all the posts regarding this and then have a break from posting for the afternoon?

[tab]

Or you could just dodgy up something yourself Rukey with a 4 pole switch. Something classy like this http://rivergum.net/projects/diy-usb-sharing-hub or http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-USB-Switch/ (but in reverse obviously, one vag to two peni)

[Rab]

Put the receiver on a USB extension cable. That way there's a long cord hanging out of the lappy that you can't help but notice and unplug when packing it away.

[k31th]

If people have made these items themselves, then they are too stupid to go and buy a $10 KVM switch...