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Two Computers One Monitor

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97thruhiker:
Does anyone here know of a good monitor switch to run two pc's (pc and mac mini) off one monitor.  I don't really need a kvm switch because I want to use a separate keyboard and mouse between them.  I'm just looking for something that can switch the video from one to the other.  Thanks.

Zero_Hour:
Your best bet is probably to just get a cheap KVM switch and use your keyboard and mice separately as planned. We use dedicated Video switches where I work, and they are more expensive than most consumer grade 2-port KVMs.

SavannahLion:
Conversely, some newer monitors do accept input from multiple PC's. Recently picked up an LCD that accepts an input from a DVI and VGA source. They don't necessarily have to be the same source.

The KVM is a bit of a workaround though. A KVM also redirects the keyboard/mouse input. I guess it'll work if you don't have to worry about the input from at least one of the keyboard/mouse not working about 1/2 the time and you have to remember which keyboard triggers the switch over.

True video switch boxes aren't too bad. They start at around $15 for the low end low resolution crap to around $50 for the low end better resolution crap and go up from there. Right about what one would expect for KVM's anyways.

shmokes:

--- Quote from: SavannahLion on April 28, 2009, 02:11:37 am ---
I guess it'll work if you don't have to worry about the input from at least one of the keyboard/mouse not working about 1/2 the time and you have to remember which keyboard triggers the switch over.


--- End quote ---

This wouldn't be a problem for him as he wouldn't be running either keyboard/mouse through the KVM.  He'd only run the monitors through the KVM and he would use the hardware buttons on the switch itself to switch between video signals.  In other words, he would be using it in exactly the same way he would use a dedicated video switch.

SavannahLion:
Not all KVM's come with buttons though. All the four+ port ones I've ever picked up comes with hard switches, but some of those two port models seem to be hit and miss on that.

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