KVM switches? calling all 'puter nerds...

[mazdamn02]

My dilema:

I enjoy being able to ocasionally post up on mnmazda forums and check the news throughout the day. I prefer to keep this under the radar when under the watchful eyes of big brother while you know where. This is where my crafty idea comes into play:
I have a monitor setup as a second screen already. It has a DVI and VGA in. Currently using DVI with my work 'puter. I also have a dell mini netbook with hdmi out, and know of multiple open wifi networks to use.
Is there a contraption that would allow me to plug my dell mini netbook in to a switch and be able to go back and forth?
Thanks for all your input, I'll provide additional details in relation to the situation if that helps...

 

[Workdawg]

Well... a KVM switch does what you want it seems... and since you know the name of it, I'm not sure what the issue is I guess, lol.

Do you want to hook up the dell mini to show up on the second monitor when no one is watching or something?

 

[Picklz]

If you could hook your work PC up via VGA you could use the DVI hookup for your dell laptop to the monitor and just switch using the monitor inputs. But you'd have to use the keyboard / mouse on the laptop or a separate keyboard/mouse for it.

Otherwise you can either get a KVM or a two in - 1 out DVI switch. KVM might be nice as you can use the same keyboard/mouse on your desktop/work PC as on the laptop. I have one that you just hit print screen twice and then either 1 or 2 to switch between channels.

Questions? Lemme know!

 

[mazdamn02]

Sounds like I'm on the right path, the goal is to use existing mouse and keyboard. I just don't need a timestamp record of everything my machine does in the IT lair...
Does this look like it would do the trick:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-+Video+-+Mouse)+Switches-_-IOGEAR-_-17107417

 

[Picklz]

If both PC's you want to hook up have a VGA port that will work fine, if you only have HDMI/DVI then it will not.

 

[Picklz]

Here are a couple that support dual DVI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817394047
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817802102

You can find more if you search for DVI KVM

 

[mazdamn02]

This ought to be money for my needs:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817399020
USB (both keyboard and mouse are USB) and DVI, I'm assuming I can get a hdmi to dvi adapter for the dell mini...

 

[Picklz]

That looks like it should work just fine Josh. And yes they sell HDMI to DVI adapters, check monoprice out for those.

 

[Z-licious]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2661&seq=1&format=2