Vetra multiplexer --> Europe (UK)

[Monkofdoom]

Just in case anyone from the UK is looking into purchasing an 8 port multiplexer (http://vetra.com/848text.html) I thought i would just post this snippet from an email I received.
Note. The GBP and EUR conversions I have added myself and as such will be slightly below what you will probably end up paying out.

VIP-848-BC $339.00 (£171.76 / €227.80)

Shipping
via FEDEX ECONOMY = $144.00 (£72.96 / €96.77)
via FEDEX P1 = $156.00 (£79.05 / €104.84)

Typically ships 48 hours ARO

Terms are prepay via major credit card or bank transfer. There is a $30.00 (£15.20 / €20.16) fee for the bank transfer.

The postage is a killer but at least they will ship it.

[Crucial]

What's the advantage to using a hardware based multiplexer instead of a software solution? So far the only thing I'm seeing is greater cost. Can you do things like temporarily enable/disable the multiplexing with the keyboard?

[Xzin]

If you add a 2 port KM switch then yes you could.

[Monkofdoom]

As much as the software solutions out there work not everyone chooses to rely upon them, at the end of the day with hardware you know every game, every package, every program will work without any limitations.

Using programs such as keyclone are fine but I just like to have more wires on my desk o/

Also simple things like using a multiplexer allows you to have multiple keyboards plugged into each machine, one sending to all machines, one sending to individual machines (and even sub groups if you buy lots of stuff) and you can pretty much work things exactly how you want to.

[Xzin]

Ignore this comment :(

[Monkofdoom]

Bah - Didn't look at it long enough. I don't think this multiCASTS.

hmm O_o I assume you meant brads post ?

[Monkofdoom]

If you add a 2 port KM switch then yes you could.

Don't you need a Y-Mouse or a PS/2 --> USB converter in there somewhere as well?

I believe those are if you wish to use both mouse and keyboard or have usb connections rather than ps2 etc and as such not required depending on your setup ?

[Monkofdoom]

Ahh I see your point ,

and as you say, for me individual keyboards would be usb based and the main keyboard ps2

[Xzin]

Bah - Didn't look at it long enough. I don't think this multiCASTS.

hmm O_o I assume you meant brads post ?

Yeah... Total brain fart there. I meant to reply to Brad's post. Ignore my prior comment.

For the A/B Switch, you would also need either a Y-mouse or a USB -> PS/2 converter.

[Monkofdoom]

/me kills FEDEX,

Although I specifically stated that this was a private delivery to a company address and that in no way should my company accounts be used during this transaction... guess what

I just had a 10 page fax thrown on my desk asking why I've charged $200 to the companies shipping account, joy of joys !