Need to Know how to on the cheap: dual monitors + two computers + 1 keyboard / mouse

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:19 pm

want to ultramon on dual monitors for two computers and use 1 keyboard / mouse / speakers

I am trying to go dual monitors on two PC's with just 1 keyboard / mouse / speakers.

Besides buying an expensive Dual monitor KVM, are there any cheaper alternatives?

I have looked at the KVM program "Synergy" + manually switching between VGA / DVI inputs on both the monitors, but not sure if that is the most efficient way to go about it or go Synergy + some video switch box using a splitters.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:04 pm

If understand you correctly, you want to use dual monitors (2 monitors connected to 1 PC for a double size desktop across both monitors).

Additionally, you want to do this with two PCs and then switch the dual monitors between the two PCs with a KVM?

They do make dual monitor KVMs, much to my surprise. Here's several sold on NewEgg: http://shrunklink.com/djoe

Looks like they're all in the $175+ range.

A poor-man option I can think of that is to use one standard single monitor KVM (which you can find for less than $50) to just switch one monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers (yes, some KVMs also switch the speakers - I bought one for a client recently). Buy 2 monitors that each have a separate DVI and VGA input. Connect one monitor to via the KVM, connect the other directly via it's two separate inputs. You would have to press a button on the KVM, and then whatever button on the 2nd monitor that switches inputs. A big awkward but cheaper.

WOuld either of these work for you?

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:28 pm

Thanks FP, you are right on target with your later suggestion, I wanted to take advantage of the expanded real estate ultra-mon would give me. I can really use the ability to line up two spreadsheets on the 2 monitors for analysis.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:39 pm

Make sure to re-read my post. I edited it several times and you may have seen an earlier version.

Correction of terms BTW: When you say "Ultramon" you mean "multimon" (the shorthand term for multiple monitors). Ultramon is a 3rd party utility that gives Windows some added features for multiple monitors.

So will the dual monitor KVM do the job for you? Those prices are a lot higher than a single monotr KVM, although to put it in perspective just 7 years ago a single monitor KVM cost over $200.

I bought a real nice single monitor KVM for a client the other day. It worked with USB. Unlike some it has push buttons on it in addition to a "soft" keyboard switch. In my past experience I have found that the KVMs with only soft keyboard switches sometimes lock up so it's nice to have an override switch. This model supports speakers as well although we're using it on two servers so we didn't use that feature. It's made by TrendNet and I think I got it from NewEgg for $30.

Lmandrake · Post by **Lmandrake** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:59 pm

If you need a ps2 single monitor kvm, I have several.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 11:23 pm

Actually, he probably does mean Ultramon (that's what I use). Nice multimonitor manager.

Another suggestion would be two KVMs, but only hook the keyboard, mouse, sound to one. Just use the second for monitor switching. I believe that they are powered by the monitor plug, so it should work out fine.

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:52 am

Thanks guys, the KVM's I am seeing are powered by their own transformers. I may just get the 2 cheaper KVM's and call it a day.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 7:32 am

Most of the cheaper KVMs are powered by the keyboard connection. All the ones I've ever used were. But yeah, like Normalicy said, get 2 self-powered KVMs with hardware switches (a software switch won't work for the one on the 2nd monitor). Switch keyboard, mouse & 1 monitor on one, and just the 2nd monitor on the other, and just press 2 buttons to switch.

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:31 am

What do you all think about this on on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dual-Monitors-Display-USB-KB-mouse-2-ports-KVM-Switch_W0QQitemZ220496194439QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCOMP_EN_Networking_Components?hash=item335698eb87

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:23 pm

Sounds too cheap. 102 feedback in 12 months? I wouldn't trust him. Actually I don't trust Ebay at all. Try looking on Amazon. At least Amazon stands up for you if the seller screws you.

---------------
EDIT:

Here's one fpr $105, http://www.amazon.com/Linkskey-LKV-DM02 ... 72&sr=8-10

Since it's TigerDirect you can deal with them directly if you want:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... LKV-DM02SK

Only 2 reviews but they're both good.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:29 pm

I'm the crazy kind that would take the chance on the ebay one. But I still haven't learned. Not to mention, since the restructuring at ebay, it's been much more reliable. I recently had two amps (from different sellers) non-functional & received a full refund. One was from the seller & one was from Paypal after initiating a complaint. It's definitely one of the nice things about ebay owning Paypal.

If my KVM is powered by the keyboard, then it's at least activated by the monitor. It won't show the channel available unless there's a monitor attached, however, if the keyboard isn't attached, it still powers (not sure if it's grabbing power from the other computer or the monitor).

Key Keeper · Post by **Key Keeper** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:18 pm

Guess Im not understanding this properly. Im assuming cuz of ultra-mon that RDP is out of the question?

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:36 pm

RDP wouldn't give you dual monitors.

Key Keeper · Post by **Key Keeper** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:31 pm

Ive never tried but just guessed if ultra mon was on both machines that you could tick the boxes for experience in rdp and it would work. Oversight by me though.