Two Computers using the one Monitor??

AxeMan · 10-26-2007, 12:11 AM

I have 2 PC's that i want to connect to the one monitor. But i also want to use the one mouse, keyboard and speakers aswell.
Is there any kind of switch unit available that can make this happen and where i can plug everything into?
I've heard that a company named Belkin makes some kind of flip-switch but i'm not sure if this is what i need.
Thanks.

**Gorganzola** · 10-26-2007, 12:22 AM

KVM is what you are looking for. If it comes with its own VGA or DVI video cables ensure they are good quality ones. The PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse switching isn't as sensitive.

I'm using one from StarTech for the keyboard and mouse switching. It has VGA switching.

So, two things you need to know is do you need VGA or DVI switching, and do you need USB or PS/2 switching for the mouse and keyboard.

Belkin does a good unit, they can be a bit pricey.

AxeMan · 10-26-2007, 01:05 PM

Thanks Gorganzola, i am using VGA and PS/2. Yeah i saw the Belkin one at Harvey Norman for $125. but Computer World had it for $90.....quite a price difference. I can't understand how anyone buys anything from Harvey Norman....they're a rip off.

Deer Slayer · 10-28-2007, 02:45 PM

Dude, I bought a chaepo $29 KVM from my local puter store, and it's 4 years old. They make a $39 version with audio switching built, both models come with cables. Wallyworld and best buy sell them, my buddy has the version with audio. It seems to me that anything over $50 is too much for a 2 port KVM. Maybe if it was a 4 port with replaceable cables. I bought a 2 port that has removable cables. It's just a little purple plastic box with ps2, and VGA ports for two puters, one monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It has a button to switch puters. I needed longer cables, so I can work on the other puter plugged in, and move it around. Plus, moving the patient puter will eventually break the cables, and I'll need to replace them. Anyways, hope you find a cheaper option.

yamawho · 10-28-2007, 06:07 PM

I have 2 cheap kvm's that are PS2 and have audio.
I purchased a Dlink and it was crap, I don't recommend it.
In fact Dlink tech support told me it was crap and to return it and get something else.

I would like to get a kvm that supports 4 systems with audio ...

littlerussian · 11-03-2007, 12:03 PM

You need a KVM switch.
KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse.

10-26-2007, 12:11 AM	#1
AxeMan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 9	Two Computers using the one Monitor?? I have 2 PC's that i want to connect to the one monitor. But i also want to use the one mouse, keyboard and speakers aswell. Is there any kind of switch unit available that can make this happen and where i can plug everything into? I've heard that a company named Belkin makes some kind of flip-switch but i'm not sure if this is what i need. Thanks.
(Offline)

10-26-2007, 12:22 AM	#2
Gorganzola ABXZone > Facebook Join Date: May 2001 Location: Hangin' with the fruits Posts: 9,380	Re: Two Computers using the one Monitor?? KVM is what you are looking for. If it comes with its own VGA or DVI video cables ensure they are good quality ones. The PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse switching isn't as sensitive. I'm using one from StarTech for the keyboard and mouse switching. It has VGA switching. So, two things you need to know is do you need VGA or DVI switching, and do you need USB or PS/2 switching for the mouse and keyboard. Belkin does a good unit, they can be a bit pricey. __________________ TTFN. I wasn't asleep at the switch, I was drunk. -- Homer J. Simpson Q. How many dull people does it take to change a lightbulb? A. One. A very useful tool on these forums: You can Meebo in public.
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10-26-2007, 01:05 PM	#3
AxeMan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 9	Re: Two Computers using the one Monitor?? Thanks Gorganzola, i am using VGA and PS/2. Yeah i saw the Belkin one at Harvey Norman for $125. but Computer World had it for $90.....quite a price difference. I can't understand how anyone buys anything from Harvey Norman....they're a rip off.
(Offline)

10-28-2007, 02:45 PM	#4
Deer Slayer Unscanable!!! Tatoo??? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Howell Michigan Posts: 3,836	Re: Two Computers using the one Monitor?? Dude, I bought a chaepo $29 KVM from my local puter store, and it's 4 years old. They make a $39 version with audio switching built, both models come with cables. Wallyworld and best buy sell them, my buddy has the version with audio. It seems to me that anything over $50 is too much for a 2 port KVM. Maybe if it was a 4 port with replaceable cables. I bought a 2 port that has removable cables. It's just a little purple plastic box with ps2, and VGA ports for two puters, one monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It has a button to switch puters. I needed longer cables, so I can work on the other puter plugged in, and move it around. Plus, moving the patient puter will eventually break the cables, and I'll need to replace them. Anyways, hope you find a cheaper option.
(Offline)

10-28-2007, 06:07 PM	#5
yamawho Linux user Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Montreal Posts: 4,067	Re: Two Computers using the one Monitor?? I have 2 cheap kvm's that are PS2 and have audio. I purchased a Dlink and it was crap, I don't recommend it. In fact Dlink tech support told me it was crap and to return it and get something else. I would like to get a kvm that supports 4 systems with audio ... __________________
(Offline)

11-03-2007, 12:03 PM	#6
littlerussian Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5	Re: Two Computers using the one Monitor?? You need a KVM switch. KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse.
(Offline)

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