Computer Column-8

There are countless reasons we sometimes wind up with two of something in the home. However when it comes to computers, it's usually because either other household members want another computer so they don't have to share, or the original one is getting really old and it's time to get a new model. If it's the first scenario, welcome to a lot more peace and quiet in the home. Now let's look at the latter scenario and decide what to do with the older model.

If you try and sell it, I can pretty much assure you that you won't get much for it. Some will offer it as a hand-me-down to the kids to justify getting the new one, but that usually doesn't work since it's the newer one that's going to have the necessary technology to play all the current games the kids want to play. However there's another way to go and to make it happen you'll need something called a KVM switch.

With a KVM switch you will be able to control both computers using only one Keyboard, Video screen and a Mouse, which is where the "KVM" gets its name. This type of setup offers many advantages in that you can now keep a lot of your older work on the older computer while using the newer model for more contemporary applications. Or you might want to consider moving to a different platform. In other words, if your older computer is a Windows machine, you can add on one of Apple's Mac Mini models that require you bring your own keyboard screen and mouse anyway.

KVM switches are not created equal. And while most of them look like a boring little box with buttons and lights, I'd like to draw your attention to something new from Belkin. It's called the Flip and if ever there was a consumer-orientated KVM switch, this is it. At first glance, the Flip looks pretty much like a fancy Y-adapter cable. But it's actually a very clever and unique design. Currently Belkin offers three different models. There's the Flip with PS/2 connector ($49.99), the Flip with PS/2 and audio ($59.99), and the Flip with USB and audio ($59.99). Plus there's a really cool wireless version due to be released shortly, the Flip wireless with USB and audio ($79.99). Note that only the USB and wireless versions have the ability to switch between a PC and a Mac.

The audio models let you also use one pair of speakers to monitor both computers. But the Flip also has the ability to "lock" the sound coming from any computer no matter which one you happen to be monitoring at the moment. This is ideal, for example, if you are listening to something playing on iTunes. By locking the sound on the iTunes computer, your music won't be interrupted when you switch over to the other one.

Connecting the Flip to each computer is pretty straight forward. You just connect the appropriate cables into the back of each computer and plug your keyboard, screen and mouse into the Y portion of the Flip. To switch between the computers is a breeze. The Flip sports a little disk-shaped remote control. Just press your finger on the indented top of the disk. Do it again and the other computer becomes active. When you power the computers on, a little dual-colored LED in the remote lights up. As you toggle back and forth, the LED changes to either a green or yellow color that corresponds to the color-coded Y-cable.

Finally the wireless model introduces a cordless remote disk. The only thing is that the LED doesn't change colors when you switch. Still for me, the fewer wires the better, so I'd go with the wireless model. So before you unload that other computer, think about using a KVM switch. It's a great way to add something new without burning a bridge.