Want Mac mini and G4 to share Display and USB keyboard and mouse

Question

I bought a KVM switch at a local electronics store. I got the only one that claimed Mac compatibility (PPA Int'l). I can't plug the switch into the G4 Cube. No such ports. With the adapter that accompanied my brand new Mac Mini, I can plug the KVM monitor port into the mini's monitor port, BUT that port is currently being used by the Apple DVI-to-ADC adapter I bought so I can connect my Cinema Display to the Mac mini.
The KVM switch wants 3 ports on each computer: a VGA (monitor) port, the keyboard port, and the mouse port; but the keyboard/mouse connectors are not USB.
As things stand--without the switch--I can shut down whatever computer I'm working on (mini or Cube), unplug the display from one, connect it to the other, power up and everything's fine. I suppose the only advantage with the KVM switch is being able to power off, switch, then power on without having to move the display plug.
My QUESTION is, does anybody manufacture a KVM switch I can use between two Macintosh computers to share use of my USB keyboard powered from a USB port on the display, and my USB mouse powered from a USB port on the keyboard?
Or is the answer NOT to go for the convenience of a KVM switch?
Does it matter that the mini OS is Leopard, and the Cube OS is Tiger?
I am heartily impressed with the mini. Setup was over in 5 minutes, and I must say it's fast. Appreciate any help from the experts. --Spot

Answer 1

I had the same problem, and finally came up with two other alternative solutions.
First, if you have a recent LCD monitor, it is fairly simple and cheap. The Mini has a digital connection for the monitor. My G4 400 MHz has both digital and analog connections. I have a Samsung 19 inch widescreen monitor that has both a digital and an analog input. I connected the G4 to the monitor using the analog input with my old cable, and connected the Mini using the digital input. The Samsung has a switch that will use either the digital or analog input - very easy.
Now the keyboard and mouse. I got a 6 foot USB cable with the A plug on one end and B plug on the other, plugged the A plug end into the G4, and ran the cable with the B plug up near the Mini. It helps to keep it close. You already have the keyboard/mouse plugged into the Mini. You simply unplug the keyboard cable from the Mini, and plug it into the B plug from the G4. Switch the monitor from digital to analog, and you have the G4 (remember to start it up). Once you have run the cables, it takes about 10 seconds to make the switch.
Second, and I use both ways, is to get an inexpensive wired router. I bought a Belkin 4 port router (about $30, I think), got a couple Cat 5 cables, hooked both the Mini and G4 up to the router, along with my internet connection, and have both computers available on one monitor with no physical switching involved. You will need to go to System Preferences/Sharing and turn on Personal File Sharing (there may be another change, but I can't remember it right now).
When all is hooked up, you go to GO in the Finder Menu Bar (make sure the G4 is booted before doing this) click on either NETWORK or CONNECT TO SERVER, find your G4 and connect. It may be confusing the first few times, but it works great because you have access to both computers at once, along with your internet connection - the best of both worlds!
I did this in January of this year, so please forgive me if I have forgotten a step somewhere. Ask me and I'll be glad to try to walk you through it. The first solution is the simplest to do, and the second in the most versatile. It's your choice.
Hope this helps. Just don't be intimidated by it - if I can figure it out, we can get you connected. Good luck!