I need to connect 3 monitors, 2 keyboards, and 2 mice to the same computer, preferably with everything turned on at once (not a switch) At the very least I would like 2 monitors going at the same time, mice and keyboards can work independantly of each other. Any help?

Well if you think about it, you are asking to be pulled in 2 different directions. I don't know of any way to set up parralel inputs for mouse or keyboard. I suppose there may be a way to daisy chain serial inputs, but I don't believe the OS is capable of negotiating protocol for multiple input devices involing the mouse or keyboard. I feel certain it would have to involve some type of external third party controller, which would insure only one input access at a time. Basically a box which buffers inputs and sets up protocols for sharing. An automatic switch box. The three monitors can perhaps be split into simultaneous outputs, but there again a third party device is needed, unless you have a video card with parallel outputs. If what you are trying to do is setup 2 simultaneous controls within one program, I believe the best way (if not the only way) is to setup a server with file-sharing capabilities, and at least one other computer networked.

I have never heard of such a thing either. What is it you are attempting to accomplish, just out of curiosity. ~me~

Actually, now that I think about it, how can you have 2 cursors? And if you did, how would the PC know which one to act upon first? Keyboard is more feasible because they are essentially dedicated serial input device with no variables involved such as pointing. In other words, the "D" key on one is equal to the "D" key on the other, however, once CAPS is selected on one, it would apply to the other as well. Don't think you will achieve what you are looking for with the keyboard, and don't think it is possible to have two cursors, hence two mouses.

OK, heres the deal :) I have a dual monitor arcade cabinet, and running mame, so I want 2 monitors going at the same time, with a keyboard (hotrod stick) and mouse. BUT I also need to be able to switch over to a different monitor, keyboard, and mouse when I'm done playing and the kids get a turn to play their games in a different room (Only about 7 feet away, but they can't exactly reach the arcade machine) :) So My first post was confusing, I did some more research and a monitor splitter is $90 (OUCH!) I would have thought it would just be akin to splitting the cable but I guess not. So basically, I could live without both keyboards and mice going at the same time, I just need to switch (easy enough) But I'd LOVE to find a cheaper way to split the monitors (same image on both screens, one for first player, one for second player)

A matrox dual head video card might be the ideal solution for your 2 monitor operation. also onsome motherboard it is possible to run an agp video card and avga card at the same time. Check out matrox I have heard their video cards will run in paralell with their cards as well as cards from other manufacturers.

Instead of 2 k-boards, use a k-board for p1 and a joystick for p2. I have MAME32 and use both myself equally. As for the mons: If you have a vid card, you should be able to plug one mon there, and one direct to the pc. But you may have to find some type of software that will tell the comp to b-cast on both screens. The vid card may be proprietary on not let the i/o conn on the pc receive any signals. Don't know... give it a try and let me know what happens. Dino