"Want to connect one monitor to two computers..."

Topics: computers, technology, monitors

Asked by miller508 20 months ago

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I was looking at KVM switches, but they are awfully expensive. I am hoping someone knows of a better option for me...

I have one 22" wide screen DVI monitor that I like to use with my vista desktop and my Mac laptop. I want to say the resolution on the monitor is 1680x1050 or something like that, I am blanking on the resolution and not at home right now.

I use the blue tooth connection on the laptop for the keyboard, so I don't really need to be able to connect keyboards or anything... just need to be able to switch the monitor between the computers without having to crawl under my desk each time.

Any ideas?

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"KVM may (or may not) be your only option"

by wilcoxon on Jun 07 2008 (20 months ago)

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The only options I’ve seen for sharing a monitor between two computers are:

KVM Switch - you can pick one up for as little as (depending on video connection type - does not count resolution): $10 for Dsub (VGA), $25 for HDMI, $50 for DVI, or $200 for DVI+Dsub. I have no idea how good the lowest end KVM switches are. I have an older VGA KVM switch that cost me ~$25 and works pretty well (at 1024x768 resolution). Looking on NewEgg, there seem to be very few (if any) KVM that list widescreen resolutions.
If your wide screen monitor has both a VGA and DVI connector (some do), you can connect one computer to the VGA input and one to the DVI input and switch inputs on the monitor.

Sources: Experience

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"Cheap KVM"

by PamPerdue on Jun 06 2008 (20 months ago)

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You don't have to spend a lot on a KVM. Bottom of the line models are pretty inexpensive, and durable enough for your purpose.

PamPerdue's Recommendations

TRENDnet 2-Port USB KVM Switch Kit (Includes 2x KVM Cables)

Amazon List Price: $24.19

Used from: $22.39

Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 53 reviews)

$25 solves your problem. You really won't find it cheaper than that.

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KVM is really your only option, but they aren't that expensive. Some models sell for around $25.