How Do I Share a Monitor between MBA 15" and HP Laptop?

LOzHan on 28/06/2024 - 22:38
Last edited 29/06/2024 - 13:16 by 1 other user

Hi everyone, I've recently purchased a MacBook Air 15" from a recent deal, and I also have an HP laptop (with USB-C and HDMI output) for work.

I want to use a single monitor (LG Ultrafine Ergo 32UN88A) for both laptops and switch between them effortlessly. The setup needs to support 4K at 60Hz. I don't need to share the keyboard and mouse since they already support multiple devices.

Is there a particular KVM switch that would best suit my needs or is there an alternative setup?

Thanks in advance!

Computing Computer KVM Switch Laptop Monitor

Comments

  • ihfree on 28/06/2024 - 22:45
    +1

    Use different inputs on the monitor and a Ugreen USB switcher.

    You could use a program that controls monitors via DDC(eg nirsoft control my monitor) to get a more seamless set up. I haven't bothered as one of my monitors doesn'tplay nicely - changing input with the util results with in display corruption.

    • OzHan on 28/06/2024 - 22:49

      Thanks mate, I will look into the USB switchers. can't install any software on the HP though as its for work. How do you switch between the different inputs on the monitor without too much hassle?

      • CyberMurning on 28/06/2024 - 22:54

        My monitor recognise when laptop a is being turned on and switch to the input connected to that laptop. And same with laptop b.

        • OzHan on 28/06/2024 - 22:57

          Both laptops are almost always turned on.

  • freefall101 on 29/06/2024 - 09:57
    +1

    https://www.mwave.com.au/product/simplecom-km470-multiport-2…

    KVM with usb-c output, like this. I didn’t do any looking into specific models, but this will do the trick.

    Personally I just have one dock and switch the usb-c cable between devices. Probably not good for the port though

    • OzHan on 29/06/2024 - 10:45

      Thanks. Thats what I do personally too, way too much hassle if you need to do this frequently.

  • bargaino on 29/06/2024 - 11:27

    Consider a better solution: connect keyboard and monitor direct to one computer (probably your Mac) and use remote desktop to access the other (work one).

    With a big 4K screen, your work desktop can appear as a window on the Mac, but it can also be switched to fullscreen. A simple key combination will switch between the two. Once you have this working, a KVM is clunky in comparison.

    • ozbargainsam on 29/06/2024 - 13:04

      Ultimately depends what OP is doing on each machine. If the work is latency sensitive, you're sensitive to latency, or there's a lot happening on the screen (movies/editing, 3D work, etc.), or colour accuracy, it might not work for you. But the neat thing is that OP can try this out without any extra hardware.

      RDP works well for most general use cases, not sure about macOS screen sharing these days.

      Also, bold for emphasis is obnoxious as hell.

      • bargaino on 29/06/2024 - 13:38

        It is not for emphasis. Highlighting key words helps people who are skimming a thread for relevant information. Would you prefer ALL CAPS :-) OK, opinion noted.

        • ozbargainsam on 29/06/2024 - 14:34

          That's what titles are for

          I sense a straw man.

    • OzHan on 29/06/2024 - 15:53

      Unfortunately I don't have the permissions to allow RDP or any remote screen sharing protocols on the laptop for work. I would If only i could.

      • bargaino on 29/06/2024 - 17:19

        Then do it the other way around? I'm not sure how well that works in practise.

  • AustriaBargain on 29/06/2024 - 12:07

    I just change inputs on the monitor with the buttons on the screen. Annoying, yes.

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