Dr. Bott MoniSwitch ADC
History
Introduced: October 14, 2002
Discontinued: ?
Original Retail Price: $299
Tech Specs
Connector type: ADC (Apple Display Connector)
Connectors: 2 input, 1 output
Condition & Notes
The MoniSwitch ADC is a product made by Dr. Bott, an Oregon-based manufacturer of Mac hardware accessories beginning in the early 2000s. It is a KVM switch that allows the user to hook up two ADC-based computers to a single display, switch between which system is being displayed, and also share any peripherals attached via USB to the hub in the display.
The product works with all ADC-based LCD Studio and Cinema Displays (i.e., not the 17” ADC CRT Studio Display), and also works with DVI-to-ADC adapters for DVI graphics cards. The box says it works with displays of up to 1600 x 1024 resolution (the 22” Cinema Displays), but I have verified that it works with my 23” ADC Cinema HD Display as well.
Originally launched in the fall of 2002, the MoniSwitch ADC is one of several products that Dr. Bott produced in the MoniSwitch line. A “Pro” version of the MoniSwitch ADC launched in 2004, which featured sharing between up to four computers instead of two. There was also an ADB MoniSwitch and a DVI model as well, which is still available for purchase today. As of mid-2025, Dr. Bott’s website is still online and appears to be operational, though viewing the product page for this item requires use of the Internet Archive.
This unit was in NOS condition when I acquired it, and is complete with the original box, packaging, ADC cables, and documentation.
Packaging
The product shipped with only the box itself and two ADC cables. No other cables or parts are necessary to use it.
It was NOS when I acquired it (never been opened) - the black marks on the yellow button are actually just scuffs on the plastic wrap where it had been rubbing against the black paint inside the cardboard box for many years.
MoniSwitch ADC
The front of the box simply has some status lights and a single button to switch between displays. No other controls are needed due to its relative simplicity.
ADC connector, a modified and proprietary version of DVI that also carries power and USB
The rear of the box only has the two input connectors, single output connector, and power switch. The box draws its power from ADC so there is no separate power cable.
MoniSwitch box hooked up with two input cables and output cable to ADC LCD display
Documentation
The instruction sheet goes over the proper startup procedure for the MoniSwitch, which involves first turning on the box itself, then computer “A”, then computer “B”.
This side of the sheet goes over the system compatibility details. It works with all ADC LCD displays, meaning it is not compatible with the 17” ADC CRT Studio Display.
The other side of the sheet provides a visual step-by-step setup guide, similar to Apple’s visual setup guides that shipped with products like the iMac during this era.
With Power Mac G4 QS & MDD
With Quicksilver G4, MDD G4, and 20” Cinema Display
With Quicksilver G4, MDD G4, and 23” Cinema Display
The MoniSwitch box slots neatly under the acrylic enclosure of this generation of Studio and Cinema Display LCDs, meaning it tucks away neatly and effectively doesn’t use up any desk space.
Switching between the two video inputs is nearly instant. In this example I switch from the Quicksilver running OS 9 (in windowed mode due to graphics card limitations) to the MDD running OS X.
The flickering in the various power LEDs seen here is due to the refresh rate of my camera; they all remain solid in actuality.