two computers two monitors single kb/mouse

kg648 · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:17

Hi guys,

I am after something which will allow me to use a single USB keyboard/mouse along with a dual monitor display between two computers without changing the cables around.

Obvious firstly a KVM would come to mind, however for a dual monitor KVM with usb support is almost £200 is there any cheaper solution?

A monitor for each is not a solution

Thanks.

PhillyDee · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:20

2 KVM's? Just remember to switch both at the same time. You could get 1 manual, and one automatic. Especially as the second can just be a crap one since it doesn't need usb support.

Orford · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:27

you could go for a switch for the monitor and http://www.inputdirector.com/downloads.html for the keyboard and mouse. The software allows you to use 1 keyboard and mouse in PC1 to control both PC1 and 2 over your home network. Leaving you just needing a monitor switch. The software detects when you move the mouse to a area of the monitor or vis a hotkey and then switches the imput to the other PC. No need for a KVM just let your LAN handle the keyboard and mouse imput.

Heres a guid to setting it up. Multi monitor support and also share your clipboard for copy/pasting files over you network. If it looks dated there was a BETA released in February.

http://www.inputdirector.com/

Hope this works out a lot cheaper.

kg648 · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:30

VNC wouldnt be good enough for playing games though would it...?

kg648 · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:34

PhillyDee said:
2 KVM's? Just remember to switch both at the same time. You could get 1 manual, and one automatic. Especially as the second can just be a crap one since it doesn't need usb support.

Good idea, however I have one plug socket left and would rather not have a third extension lead.

Howeverthis maybe my only option.

Orford · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:38

kg648 said:
VNC wouldnt be good enough for playing games though would it...?

Have the gaming PC as the master and the work none gaming PC as the slave.

PhillyDee · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:42

kg648 said:
Good idea, however I have one plug socket left and would rather not have a third extension lead.

Howeverthis maybe my only option.

I have a KVM here which is surplus to requirements. Doesn't require power.

kg648 · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:43

I do have one thing to mention, my monitors both have two inputs DVI and VGA I can switch between them by pressing a button on the monitor.

Would a VGA>DVI adaptor make the VGA port appear at 1920x1080? and look the same as it would as if it were a DVI port?

Cycrow · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:52

cant guarnetee it'll look the same.
it really depends on the gpu and monitor

some monitors have poor vga connecters, some have decent ones, etc

best just to try it and see

vga will do the rez fine thou

Orford · 8 Apr 2011 at 00:55

kg648 said:
I do have one thing to mention, my monitors both have two inputs DVI and VGA I can switch between them by pressing a button on the monitor.

Would a VGA>DVI adaptor make the VGA port appear at 1920x1080? and look the same as it would as if it were a DVI port?

Winner what you lose isnt worth mentioning unless you really need the 3ms response time on the refresh rate. What model are your monitors check what res they support under VGA.