KVM Switch - xBox & Mac - Planar PX2611W 26" IPS

[kvcrawford]

So I got the newer xBox S (the slim black one) for Christmas. I bought an HDMI -> DVI connector and connected it to the monitor, played some Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and it looks GORGEOUS. (don't worry if the box says DVI -> HDMI, both ends are male, so it will go either way). I was a little worried since I couldn't find any information regarding using an xbox with this monitor, but I am very pleased so far. I have it running in 1080p mode. The monitor's native resolution is 1980x1200, at 26" - http://www.planar.com/products/flatpanel_monitors/px2611w/

Unfortunately, the monitor only has a single dual-link DVI-D port, and no HDMI port, so I need a KVM switch to be able to switch between using the monitor for my macbook pro and my xbox. For a 2-port, dual-link DVI KVM switch, prices are all over the place. I just want something that effectively unplugs 1 device, and plugs in the other device. I don't want anything that could affect the video quality. Since I'm a computer programmer, I don't mind something that might be a little work for future use cases like another computer instead of an xbox (meaning USB/Audio).

Here are some of the products I've looked into:

• IOGEAR 2-Port USB DVI-D Cable KVM with Audio and Mic GCS932UB -- looks decent enough, but it's not dual-DVI
• StarTech.com SV231DVIUAHR 2 Port High Resolution USB DVI Dual Link KVM Switch - Looks like a good solution, $166
• IOGEAR 2-Port Dual-Link DVI KVMP Pro with 7.1 Audio GCS1782G - supports 7.1 surround sound, $200

I'm really surprised by the cost. Is there such a thing as a KVM switch that ONLY does the DVI ports and doesn't worry about USB/audio? Does anyone have any advice? Thanks

 

[NCX]

Wouldn't it be smarter to buy a second IPS panel for 200$ (Asus VS229H/ML239H)?

 

[10e]

You don't need dual-link DVI-D for resolutions 1920x1200 and below.

Get a cheap HDMI switch or single-link DVI switch and you'll be fine.