two computers, one monitor...

[boyse7en]

I'm sure this must be possible, but i just don't know what to look for.

I'm trying to save some desktop real estate by using one monitor for both a Mac Mini and a Dell laptop. Ideally, they would also be able to use the same keyboard and mouse too. I could do it by unplugging HDMI leads, but it is a bit of a pain to get to, so i thought there must be some sort of interface that would allow the monitor to switch between inputs

[ARHarh]

I use an VGA input for one PC and HDMI for the other and just toggle input using the monitor buttons. But this will.depend on what inputs are available.

[Forester1965]

ARHarh said:

I use an VGA input for one PC

486DX?

[dudleybloke]

You can buy HDMI switches for not a lot.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Basics-Switch-Pigt...

Edited by dudleybloke on Tuesday 20th February 16:47

[S6PNJ]

Surely that's just a KVM switch that is required?

[nyt]

Are they networked?



https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9WZDNCRFJ3PS?hl=...

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-des...

You can simply 'remote' into your PC from your Mac (or possibly vice-versa, not certain)

[Tycho]

What's the monitor? Some already have KVMs built in. If it doesn't then there are loads of cheap KVMs on Amazon. The other option could be to get a docking station (I got a Dell one 2nd hand from CEX) and just swap plugs around when switching between the laptop and the Mac. Mine connects via USB-C and is Thunderbolt 3.

[PF62]

Two solutions -

1. Use a KVM Switch - www.aten.com/global/en/resources/feature-articles/...

2. Use two different inputs on the monitor to the different devices, and use a keyboard and mouse that can switch between different devices.

I use option 2 with a Mac mini and a Dell PC, with the Dell connecting via VGA and the Mac via HDMI, then for a keyboard and mouse Logitech MX Keys for Mac and a Logitech MX Anywhere.

[rlg43p]

Logitech used to do a bluetooth keyboard/mouse combintion that could toggle between 3 different computers.

[w1bbles]

I have my keyboard and mouse dongle plugged into a Dell docking station so when I switch the docking station's USB-C lead from my home laptop to my work one the keyboard and mouse also move seamlessly.

[nickd01]

Try https://symless.com/synergy

[ARHarh]

Forester1965 said:

ARHarh said:

I use an VGA input for one PC

486DX?

Yep.i.know. The monitor is not new, not is the graphics card but I am sure you could similar with display port or something like that.

[JayBM]

Deal: HDMI KVM Switch 2 PC 1 Monitor Support 4K@60Hz USB 3.0 KVM Switches for 2 computers Share 1 Monitor and 4 USB 3.0 devices such as Keyboard Mouse Printer. Power Adapter and Wired Controller Included https://amzn.eu/d/8o3wuJT

I bought this a few months back. Single monitor using HDMI connected via the switch to 2 laptops. Wireless keyboard and mouse dongles plugged in to the switch.

It also comes with a toggle button on an extension so you can have the switch stored out of sight.