Thinkpads Forum

We all know that ThinkPads have always had a problem with KVMs. I've tried many KVMs (Belkin, Linksys, Zonet, IOgear, you name it), but none of them worked well with my ThinkPads (T21, T30, T42). When I used T42, I finally found something that kinda worked (interestingly a cheap Zonet worked--abeit not perfectly--while $199 Linksys failed).

Now I got a T60, and my current KVM does not work. It think it is something to do with the fact that newer docking stations have only 1 keyboard port (I had to use a Y-adapter to connect both a keyboard and a mouse). I have 3 different KVMs, but none worked.

So, here I am. Is there anyone who has successfully used a KVM with T60 (and any of its docking stations)? If you have, can you please let me know the brand and the model of your KVM?

I suspect a USB KVM may work, but I don't want to invest before I am sure.

Thank you!!!

i am sure it works.

Hi Gunston,

I won't be so sure. I once bought an IOGear USB KVM for my T42 (and Mini-dock), but it did not work. The keyboard was not always recognized, and the mouse jerked.

So, I am interested in knowing if anyone has used a KVM (either USB or PS2) successfully with T60.

Thanks.

hmm.
interesting...
did you update to the latest software version?

Hi Gunston,

Yes, I used the latest drivers, and it does not seem to resolve the problem.

Further, if possible, I would like to use a PS2 KVM because my favorate keyboards are PS2 versions. But considering that there is only 1 keyboard port in the newer docks, I may be out of luck.

Thanks.

my gf's mini dock is working fine...
it is regconizable.

Hi Gunston,

Does your girl friend have T60? Also, does she use a USB KVM? Then, would you mind sharing the brand and model of the KVM?

This will be very useful piece of information for me.

Thanks.

she is using X60,
yes, she did use the USB KVM, it is Linksys brand.

Hello drblue,

what you need is a PS/2 to USB Adapter with a signal converter like following from ATEN (same from other brands):

http://www.aten.com/products/productIte ... =subClass2

Just plug in your PS/2 Cables into the adapter and your KVM Switch will work fine.

I am using T42 & T30 with a Mini Dock & KVM Switch from ATEN & works fine.

Good trying!

Hi Webballou,

That is interesting. I haven't thought about doing this. I will certainly give this a shot. Thanks!!!

hopefully it works for you too

I finally found a KVM that works after trying 7 different KVMs and adapters!!!

It is well-known that ThinkPads do not provide enough power to the PS2 ports, and, due to this, I've been experiencing problems with KVMs. I've tried many PS2 KVMs, but none of them worked (even higher-end models by Linksys).

USB KVMs do not suffer the power problem, but suffer differerent kinds of problem, including (1) USB ports on the dock does not work, and KVM should be plugged directly to the computer's USB port; (2) any extra buttons on the mouse and keyboard do not work; and/or (3) PS2 keyboards using an adapter does not work.

I tried the PS2-to-USB adapters (as suggested here), but those things did not work well--the KVM function works, but I lost all the extra button functions, and I had to plug the KVM directly to the computer (i.e., does not work with the dock).

I almost gave up, but ordered one last thing (IOGEAR GCS712U). It was cheap (had a rebate), and it is a combination of USB/PS2. So, I gave it a try, and IT WORKED PERFECTLY. I don't lose any extra key function, and it works with the docks (both Advanced dock and mini-dock). It is only $20 after rebate, so if there is someone who has been struggling to use a KVM with a ThinkPad, get this!!!

P.S. By the way, I use a Microsoft PS2 keyboard, and Logitech Gamining Mouse (USB version with PS2 adapter). Other keyboards/mice combination may not work.

congratulation!!!
i just wonder why did you afford to buy so many thinkpad models?
are you using them all by yourself???

Hi Gunston,

i just wonder why did you afford to buy so many thinkpad models?

It is not that many if you consider my first one was bought more than 10 years ago. My work involves some heavy statistical analysis (large dataset), so I need fairly strong computers. Also, I bought most of them using extra funding from work/foundation. ThinkPads are not that expensive these days, but, 10-years ago, almost no individual buyers could afford a higher-end ThinkPad (only companies could). It was when 10.1" color screen was considered to be a "monster." I certainly wouldn't have bought one if I had to pay for it

i am in the same boat, use a USB KVM perfectly fine with my T42, upgraded to a T60 w/mini-dock and my usb devices dont get detected by the kvm.

its only when it boots into windows does the kvm light activated, which makes it rather useless for bios passwords and the such.

one thing ive noticed that it does that my t42 dock didnt, when i have both vga/dvi plugged in, from bootup till i get into windows, it would not show me anything, i'd have to go into vga to see stuff (bios pass prompt for example) but with this t60 dock, im seeing stuff in through the dvi connection.

i've even tried unplugging the other monitor/usb cable (yeah i know, defeats the whole point of a kvm!) but no dice still.

tried unplugging all usb devices but its still no good as the kvm doesnt seem to power up at all till its too late.