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Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: Claudlarue on March 28, 2013, 06:37:26 AM

Title: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
Post by: Claudlarue on March 28, 2013, 06:37:26 AM

My Dell laptop is sits in a dock on my desk.  Attached to the dock are two monitors, a keyboard, and a mouse.  A client will shortly be providing me with another laptop that I will need to use to help the client with a project.  My question is, can I attach the second laptop to the dock so that I can use the same monitors, keyboard, and mouse at the same time as the first laptop?  Would I need special software that would enable me to toggle back and forth between the computers?

Title: Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
Post by: soybean on March 28, 2013, 08:39:41 AM

I don't know about using the docking station to accomplish this since I've never used one.  I'm just wondering whether a KVM switch might be an option for you.  A reference: http://www.ehow.com/how_7301460_use-kvm-switch-dual-monitors.html

Perhaps someone else can comment on the docking station.

Title: Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
Post by: Claudlarue on March 28, 2013, 09:29:48 AM

Thanks for the suggestion soybean. Perhaps I won't need the dock if I use this device.  I'll wait to see if anyone has a comment about the dock.

Title: Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
Post by: patio on March 28, 2013, 10:38:18 AM

We don't know what dock it is...
But a KVM switch would certainly do what you need as Soybean stated.

Title: Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
Post by: Claudlarue on March 28, 2013, 10:43:52 AM

It's a Dell E-Port Plus.

Title: Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
Post by: patio on March 28, 2013, 11:09:30 AM

I don't see where a 2nd laptop can be connected to it so chances are no...

Title: Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
Post by: Claudlarue on March 28, 2013, 11:58:16 AM

Ok, thanks for your help.  I'll look into the KVM switch option.

Title: Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
Post by: Lisa_maree on March 28, 2013, 10:38:33 PM

Hello

What about attaching the second laptop to the network or use a crossover cable between your docking station and the clients laptop and run team viewer or remote desktop. This will allow you to copy and paste files and text , run programs etc. You could have your laptop on one screen and the clients on your other screen.

Lisa_maree