hot-swapping mouse/keyboard via switch?

[johnnyzero]

I'd like to switch between two different input device (mouse/keybaord)
setups in Windows XP - without rebooting, if possible.

Setup #1: Wired PS/2 mouse & keyboard -> dual-PS/2-to-USB adapter

Setup #2: Logitech Bluetooth mouse/kybd combo -> Logitech Bluetooth USB
dongle

Here's my plan: I'd run both of these into a simple USB 2-to-1 manual
switchbox, which would connect to a USB port on my computer.

I'd like some advice as to whether anyone thinks this would *actually
work* before I go out & buy the hardware. I've never used Bluetooth
before, and I'm not sure how hot-swap-friendly it is.

Of course, I could just forget about the switchbox, and use WinXP's
"Hardware Profiles" feature to select the input device configuration at
bootup, but I'd prefer to be able to switch on-the-fly without having
to reboot if possible.

Any advice or feedback will be appreciated.

best,
JohnB

 

[Yves Leclerc]

I'd like to switch between two different input device (mouse/keybaord)
setups in Windows XP - without rebooting, if possible.

Setup #1: Wired PS/2 mouse & keyboard -> dual-PS/2-to-USB adapter

Setup #2: Logitech Bluetooth mouse/kybd combo -> Logitech Bluetooth USB
dongle

Here's my plan: I'd run both of these into a simple USB 2-to-1 manual
switchbox, which would connect to a USB port on my computer.

I'd like some advice as to whether anyone thinks this would *actually
work* before I go out & buy the hardware. I've never used Bluetooth
before, and I'm not sure how hot-swap-friendly it is.

Of course, I could just forget about the switchbox, and use WinXP's
"Hardware Profiles" feature to select the input device configuration at
bootup, but I'd prefer to be able to switch on-the-fly without having
to reboot if possible.

Any advice or feedback will be appreciated.

best,
JohnB

Bluetooth combo may not work!

Wired PS/2 mouse/keyboard to USB may work as long as you only use the standard
drivers (no enhanced Intellipoint/Intellitype or Logitech drivers!)

 

[johnnyzero]

Thanks, Yves. You're right: the Bluetooth stuff might not be happy when
hot-swapped - that's what I'm not sure about.

There may be only one way to find out: actually trying it. At worst, I
would only be out the cost of the switchbox and adapter - $10 or so.

btw, I never use any of those mfg's "enhanced" mouse/kybd drivers -
usually more trouble & resources than they're worth.

JohnB