MoniSwitch, the Easy-Switch!
Availability: MoniSwitch Pro LDI available for SGI and other LDI-capable hardware.
Overview: Dr. Bott has taken the simplicity and ease of use of the original MoniSwitch and elevated it to a whole new level. MoniSwitch Pro LDI includes everything you need to share USB peripherals and an OpenLDI, LVDS flat panel between 2, 3 or 4 Open LDI equipped computers.
Configurations: MoniSwitch Pro LDI is available in one configuration for up to four computers. MoniSwitch Pro LDI is a manual switchbox that switches both video and USB ports.
Video Connections: MoniSwitch Pro LDI features standard video connectors to support OpenLDI/LVDS displays. The MoniSwitch does not limit the possible resolutions of a connected monitor in any way.
USB Connections: USB keyboards, mice, hubs and other peripherals are connected directly to the USB "A" I/O port built-in to the MoniSwitch. MoniSwitch Pro LDI also includes USB cables to connect to the USB "A" port built-in to most computers.
Cabling: MoniSwitchUSB includes all necessary video and USB cables (6 feet long). We have taken special care to choose the highest quality video cable available. Our cables do not degrade image quality in any way nor do they show characteristic shadows in the video image often seen with other cables. The "digital advantage" in LDI/LVDS flat panels helps ensure that you will see absolutely no ghosting or other artifacts on screen. The screen image will be 100% identical to the image you see when connecting the LDI display directly to your computer.
The USB cables also are of excellent quality. We have taken special care to ensure that your USB devices will function the same through the switch as they would directly connected to your computer.
Space Saving: One of the key features of digital flat panel displays is the space they save. The MoniSwitch products take this space saving one step further by allowing you to use a single flat panel display, keyboard and mouse with up to 4 computers.
Value: Digital flat panel displays are not inexpensive. The MoniSwitch allows you to leverage your investment over multiple computers to get the most value out of your display. When compared with purchasing multiple displays the MoniSwitch can save you thousands of dollars.
Typical Uses: People have found many different applications for MoniSwitch. Some of the more common include those who are required to use both a Mac and PC. It is also used in server rooms where each computer may only need to be accessed briefly during the day. Finally, MoniSwitch begins to make its appearance in show rooms and trade shows, where multiple setups can be demonstrated at the flick of a switch - Steve Jobs at Apple Computer Inc. has been using MoniSwitches to present Mac OS X in recent Mac World Expo keynotes.
MoniSwitch reduces the risk of confusion and error that increases when using multiple keyboards, mice and monitors. Obviously, MoniSwitch will save space and will allow redeployment of existing equipment or will save the cost of new equipment in such environments.
Compatibility: MoniSwitch Pro LDI is compatible with any OpenLDI/LVDS display that has the standard mini-C 36 pin connector and with any USB peripheral that has the standard USB type A connector. Compatible computers include newer Macintosh computers with PCI and USB ports such as the G3s, G4s and Intel based PCs. Computers require an OpenLDI video card.
USB on the MoniSwitch products is compatible with any operating system that supports hot swappable USB. PCI cards are available for both video and USB that are compatible with most computers.