Need Help with Setup of 3x Laptops Sharing 1x Monitor + 1x Wireless Keyboard/Mouse

saffrontea on 20/09/2022 - 23:15

Pretty much what the title says.

I used to have 2 x laptops with 1 monitor and 1 wireless Keyboard/mouse, but as my monitor is very old (no HDMI), I just connected 1 laptop via VGA and 1 with DVI, and switched source from the monitor. For the keyboard/mouse, I just physically moved the USB dongle to the computer I wanted to use.

Now there is one more personal laptop in the picture, and I need some help if I can use a better setup that is less work and I can seamlessly choose the laptop (out of the 3) that I want to use with the monitor and keyboard/mouse.

Is there a device which you can suggest? I have seen a few that are less than $80 or so, which can work, but I am not sure if they will work or if there is going to be any problems.

Hoping to get some feedback..

Computing

Comments

  • djkelly69 on 20/09/2022 - 23:24

    Can the laptops do video out via USB-C?

  • salmon123 on 20/09/2022 - 23:30
    +2

    Is there a device which you can suggest?

    Historically, people used a KVM switch. I guess you need something that supports 3 inputs.

    These days people just use any number of remote access software - RDP/VNC/Team Viewer … lots to choose from. It's faster than using a manual KVM switch.

    Unless, you're gaming or watching TV on these laptops, I'd stick to the remote access software.

  • Hybroid on 20/09/2022 - 23:31
    +2

    There's a few routes you can do here off top of my head:

    • The best option would be to get a new monitor of course. Anything newer with an actual HDMI port is likely to be better quality, resolution, maybe even size if you wanted. Probably less blue light and strain on your eyes with new tech too. You can even get USB-C monitors with hubs so it's one cable does all if your laptops support this.

    • Another option is to get a 4-way KVM switch which will switch over monitor/kb+m etc but most are HDMI and you'll fall into the same issue.

    • Similar to a switch you can get a normal dock to plug everything into then manual plug in USB-A or USB-C into whichever laptop you want connected at that time.

    • Another option is to get DVI to HDMI cable so you can connect them directly and/or enable above options.

    • Another option is to get a keyboard and mouse that support multiple devices. For example the MX Anywhere 2 can support 3 devices either dongle or bluetooth with little button at the bottom.

    • Another techie option is to consolidate the 3 laptops via virtual machines so you don't need to physically swap between them but can do so on software on the fly.

  • mitt on 21/09/2022 - 00:24
    +2

    Get a new monitor & an MX anywhere keyboard/mouse. Cheap KVMs are almost always garbage. I have never had a cheap KVM that didnt have weird signal loss/usb power issues. Once you fork out for a decent KVM you are well into new monitor money regardless. Most monitors have 3 inputs so you can leave everything hooked up & the MX anywhere KB/mouse can switch between 3 devices with buttons on the keyboard.

  • AndyC1 on 21/09/2022 - 08:33

    Get a 4 port USB KVM that has HDMI for video..

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join