Looking for Advice for KVM Model?

shutuptakemymoney101 on 29/07/2023 - 09:28

Hi,

I'm seeking advice on which KVM to purchase that will best suit my needs using my existing hardware below.

Use case:

I have 2 x LG LCD monitors (1080p with 1 x HDMI port) that are attached to and used by the house desktop computer. For one day a week I would like to use these two montiors (in extended mode) with a HP Probook 450 laptop.

The ability to plug in the keyboard and mouse for sharing is not 100% imperative as they are a logitech model designed to be easily swapped between different computers.

Any assistance appreciated.

Computing KVM Switch

Comments

AndyC1 on 29/07/2023 - 10:29

Is it correct that these monitors only have one HDMI port on them? And of course a IEC power connector.

What KVM's have you found so far?
shutuptakemymoney101 on 29/07/2023 - 11:20

One monitor has 1 x HDMI and VGA and the other has 2 x HDMI - they both have a barrel power connector.
AndyC1 on 29/07/2023 - 12:14

Then you can get away with any KDVM 2 port HDMI for the one that only has on HDMI. For the one that has 2x HDMI plug in the second HDMI directly to the Laptop and switch between the PC and Laptop via the monitor. I have a similar setup where I have a HDMI KVM for one monitor and the other has HDMI and DP, so I use the Laptop's DP on the second monitor and the KVM on the other.
- shutuptakemymoney101 on 29/07/2023 - 13:54
  
  Thanks for the reply AndyC1, that seems like a good (and less expensive) option.
  
  Just to clarify, as the laptop only has one hdmi port it's possible to connect the second monitor to the usb-a port with the appropriate cable?
  - AndyC1 on 29/07/2023 - 15:56
    
    Just to clarify your laptop has one HDMI output and NO other video outputs and only USB-A ports.
    - shutuptakemymoney101 on 29/07/2023 - 17:27
      
      1 x USB-C
      1 x HDMI
      3 x USB-A
      SD Card port
      Headphone Jack.
      Another slightly larger round port (looks like a big headphone jack?) not sure what that is.
      
      Incorporating your good advice of plugging the monitor with the two hdmi ports directly into the laptop I think I've come up with a viable solution.
      
      I ended up purchasing:
      
      HDMI switch - this will be connected to the monitor with only one hdmi port
      
      https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08R868KSZ/ref=ppx_yo_d…
      
      USB-C to Dual HDMI adapter
      
      https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B09QCVBPG4/ref=ppx_yo_d…
      
      This will pass power to the laptop as well so I'll see how things go with the power brick the laptop came with and if it charges to full, if not I'll probably pick up a power brick like this which I use already on my own laptop dock:
      
      https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B45T7PGL?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_…
      - AndyC1 on 29/07/2023 - 20:55
        
        @shutuptakemymoney101: Good luck with the USB-C adapter.
        
        shutuptakemymoney101 on 29/07/2023 - 21:00
        
        @AndyC1: Fingers crossed it will work as advertised, if not Amazon are pretty good for returns.
shutuptakemymoney101 on 31/07/2023 - 19:04

Just an update for anyone who might come across this thread at a later date, the above bits and bobs I purchased from Amazon work a treat. The USB-C to Dual HDMI adapter is even passing through enough power to keep the laptop fully charged as well.

Looking for Advice for KVM Model?

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