2 Computers using 1 monitor?

Question

Iam about to buy a refurbished 8300 (cheapest way of upgrading) to go with my 8200 which I will continue to use for general computer use and internet, and keep the 8300 clean and fast for games. However, I have a very nice huge Dell Trinitron, and I havnt got the space or the money for two of these beauties, what do I have to do to have both computers connected to the same monitor, with only one computer switched on at a time? A similar question applies to my Altec Lancing 4.1 surround sound system, are 'Y' connectors available to connect each single wire from the system to both comuters, and indeed, is this the best way of doing it?   Many thanks Nambo

Nambo · Answer

Cheers Talmy, I looked at the Dell website at KVM swiches, first I was shocked by the USB KVM prices!!!, the PS/2 ones are quite reasonable but what is PS/2?

is this the one I want for Dell Dimension's?, doesnt stand for Play Station 2 I hope?

Nambo

talmy · Answer

You'll want a 'KVM switch' which will switch the monitor, keyboard, and mouse between two computers. I don't know if any will switch audio. You really can't use a Y adapter here. But an audio switchbox would work.

talmy · Answer

It's the type of connector (interface) that originated with the IBM PS/2 series oh about 15 years ago. If the connector for you keyboard and mouse is round then it is PS/2, if it is rectangular then it is USB.

Unless you've paid additional for the premium USB components, you've got PS/2.

I just looked on the site and there isn't much difference between the prices. The problem is that there are so many choices and the descriptions are poor. Try looking at these on the Belkin site which gives good descriptions: www.belkin.com The ones with built-in cabling are much less expensive than the Soho series.

Message Edited by talmy on 02-10-2004 02:50 PM

MiruSen · Answer

Check out this IOGear KVM switch that has audio and mic support.

http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/gcs182.html this is little pricey, but you may find cheaper ones in this website.

MiruSen.

Message Edited by MiruSen on 02-10-2004 03:33 PM

Monitors

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