Dual Monitor set up for two laptops Mac and Windows. Suggestions

chrismatt on 02/04/2021 - 23:27

I have a work laptop and a personal mac. Due to space constraints, I would like to create a dual monitor set up connecting both mac and windows. Switch between them as needed. I came across this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXDBdvyYGTk which talks about KVM switch.

I have not tried this before. Before I invest in these devices, thought would check with Ozbargainers and their experience with this dual monitor setup.

At the moment, I have connected each of the monitors to the laptop and mac separately(that is one each).

Computing

Comments

  • Pelicannn on 02/04/2021 - 23:33
    +1

    We use them at work. Basically two different computer networks display over 1/2/3 monitors depending where you are sitting in the office and how important you are at work of deserving a second monitor.

    They can be configured to display two different screens (aka one windows and one mac as you say) but only one being active at a time with a single keyboard and mouse, or you can configure all screens to work only on one source and you just flip flop between them at the press of the button.

    They work pretty well, but the set up from the back looks a bit nightmarish. Lots of cables and such but that also might just be due to the computer networks we run at work.

    • chrismatt on 02/04/2021 - 23:41

      Thanks. Do you use KVM Switch?

      • Pelicannn on 03/04/2021 - 08:43
        +1

        Yep I use it daily. Haven’t run into any problems in the years I’ve been using them.

  • kanad on 03/04/2021 - 09:00
    +1

    This can be expensive if you have 4K monitors. A cheaper solution that I use which works good only if you don’t change screens too frequently is use a software KVM like synergy or share mouse or barrier (free). These allows you to use one computer’s mouse keyboard to be used in the other computer. You will have to switch the monitor inputs manually but it is very easy with Dell Monitors.

    • chrismatt on 03/04/2021 - 18:34

      Wasn't aware that there is a software version. I need to explore this a bit. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • gosuOaf on 03/04/2021 - 10:19
    +1

    i use a KVM switch daily for work. i have 2 monitors, mouse and keyboard plugged into it, and then connections to my desktop and work laptop docking station. it's as simple as pushing a button to tell the device which computer to display and use the input devices.

    they do get really pricy though. i had a display port or HDMI requirement for my monitors, and this pushed the price up to around the $500 mark, and i have a cheaper branded one.

    the lesser quality display versions that use VGA are often cheaper, but the resolution and display quality you'll get out of them will probably be very substandard compared to the direct laptop screens, or what you have now on your monitors.

    as toshjammi mentioned, the cables at the back are crazy because there are so many of them, but i've tried to keep them as tidy as possible. i don't go back there much. be parepared for triple the amount of display cables needed. i have 2 monitors, so i have 2 display port cables running from them to the switch, then 2 display port cables from there to my pc and 2 to my laptop. 6 in total.

    • chrismatt on 03/04/2021 - 18:37

      I have a Philips 27 Inch and lenovo 24 inch monitor at the moment with 2 sets of keyboards and 2 sets of mouse. There is already umpteen number of cables running in parallel between the 2 laptops and monitors. I have the video camera that I switch between the laptops depending on the need with USB hubs.

      I am hoping that KVM switch might add a bit more complexity to the clutterd-ness. But it would enable me to use dual monitors for both the laptops efficiently. I can close one of the laptops and hide it away.

  • anfuni on 03/04/2021 - 12:39
    +2

    Have you thought about remote connecting to the device?
    Seems like a more elegant and cost effective solution

    • chrismatt on 03/04/2021 - 18:38

      No not thought about it. But It could get slow isn't it? Also work laptop comes with a lot of restrictions when it comes to installing softwares.

      • anfuni on 03/04/2021 - 21:03
        +1

        There may be some performance downsides when compared to a direct connection - just depends on your network / remote connection used.

        If there are restrictions with your work laptop, I suggest checking with your IT department if it's okay.

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