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    Laptop and comp, how do i share external monitor between two?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by sandrodz, Mar 23, 2011.

  1. sandrodz

    sandrodz Notebook Consultant

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    Ive following situation at work. I use two comps Hp laptop and a desktop pc. I use ext monitor as extended desktop for laptop, its cool to work on 2 monitors hooked on laptop. But sometimes i have situation when i need Pc on too... Its work pdl so specific software runs on it that i cant install on laptop. Is there a switch or something that will allow me to switch between pc and lapto? Its really annoying atm i have two power down pc whenever i need 2 screens on lap and vice versa...

    Any help appreciated

    Ps ive heard about kvm and splitter but im not sure they will be useful in my situation.
     
    sandrodz, Mar 23, 2011
    #1
  2. ssssssssss

    ssssssssss Notebook Evangelist

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    What monitor is it? Quite a lot of monitors already have two inputs with a switch on the front to swap between them, so that's a sensible thing to check before we get you spending money on switches or whatever.
     
    ssssssssss, Mar 23, 2011
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  3. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    A KVM is what you want. The laptop will fall back to just displaying on the internal screen when the KVM switches away from it: IOGEAR GCS72U 2-Port USB Cable KVM Switch with Audio
     
    Pitabred, Mar 23, 2011
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  4. linuxwanabe

    linuxwanabe Notebook Evangelist

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    Just a cheap KVM switch. Consider your connection and whether you want to share a keyboard and a mouse.
     
    linuxwanabe, Mar 23, 2011
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  5. sandrodz

    sandrodz Notebook Consultant

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    I just checked ext monitor, it doesnt have second input.

    Ps can i switch using kvm without powering down any of the comps?

    In general is it safe to connect discpnnect ext monitor without powering down laptop?
     
    sandrodz, Mar 24, 2011
    #5
  6. sandrodz

    sandrodz Notebook Consultant

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    Ps is there a kvmi version? With built in hub so i can share internet too?
     
    sandrodz, Mar 24, 2011
    #6