Solved! Connect two laptops to one external monitor

[JanHF]

Hello, I work for two different companies; one of which provided me with a laptop. Both jobs require 2 screens. I don't want to use the work laptop to work for the employer who did not provide it.

Is there any way to connect both laptops to the same external monitor and just switch between them depending on who I'm working for?

 

[RetiredChief]

Yes, requires a monitor with two inputs and you simply select which input to display.

Example, I have a Samsung 27 inch (P2770HD) Monitor/HDTV.
I have two desktop computers connected to it (one to DVI, on to PC input)
Have a stand alone DVD recorder With cable input to record cable TV (goes to HDMI)
Also have External Ant to watch over-the-air broadcasts.

Also have a 24 In samsung Monitor that is simular, but has 2 HDMI inputs instead of only one.

On both I can have the 2 computers on and the stand alone DVD recorder and simply switch between them with the remote.

Also have an old monitor (only) with daul computer inputs. So just need to look at the specs and pick the monitor you need.

 

[nocheese]

External keyboard and mouse too? Look for a KVM switch. Also, many monitors have 2 inputs, 1 analog and 1 DVI, use 1 with one laptop and the other for the other.

 

[JanHF]

Hello, I work for two different companies; one of which provided me with a laptop. Both jobs require 2 screens. I don't want to use the work laptop to work for the employer who did not provide it.

Is there any way to connect both laptops to the same external monitor and just switch between them depending on who I'm working for?

wow! it is a 1-year old Acer x223w

 

[JanHF]

External keyboard and mouse too? Look for a KVM switch. Also, many monitors have 2 inputs, 1 analog and 1 DVI, use 1 with one laptop and the other for the other.

yes on the external keyboard and mouse thanks!

 

[nocheese]

yes on the external keyboard and mouse thanks!

KVM Switch will do the trick then. Just make sure to get one that matches your current tech (USB or PS2, DB-15 monitor or DVI).

They are available as small as 2-port and scale upwards. I use an 8 port at my desk myself.

 

[JanHF]

KVM Switch will do the trick then. Just make sure to get one that matches your current tech (USB or PS2, DB-15 monitor or DVI).

They are available as small as 2-port and scale upwards. I use an 8 port at my desk myself.

k thanks now I'm totally confused but will print this and take it to the geek squad?

 

[nocheese]

k thanks now I'm totally confused but will print this and take it to the geek squad?

Nah, it's easy. Is your keyboard and mouse USB? Probably. Which connector does your laptop and monitor use for video signal? Blue is DB-15 (analog) white is DVI. How many ports means how many computers (laptops) to connect? You specified 2.

So, USB mouse\kb with blue monitor cable can use this (cables included)...
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817403063

USB with DVI (cbles included)...
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817801090

 

[JanHF]

Nah, it's easy. Is your keyboard and mouse USB? Probably. Which connector does your laptop and monitor use for video signal? Blue is DB-15 (analog) white is DVI. How many ports means how many computers (laptops) to connect? You specified 2.

So, USB mouse\kb with blue monitor cable can use this (cables included)...
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817403063

USB with DVI (cbles included)...
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817801090

oh, you really lost me now! Yes to the mouse thing and yes to the blue cable thing...hey, I do have a docking station I'm not using!

 

[nocheese]

oh, you really lost me now! Yes to the mouse thing and yes to the blue cable thing...hey, I do have a docking station I'm not using!

How are you lost? USB and blue cable = first link I posted...

 

[JanHF]

How are you lost? USB and blue cable = first link I posted...

okiedokie. Doing too many things at once + tech challenged. Thanks