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Author Topic: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?  (Read 4112 times)

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Claudlarue

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    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?

    soybean



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    Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
    « Reply #1 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.

    Claudlarue

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      Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
      « Reply #2 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.

      patio

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      Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
      « Reply #3 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.
      " Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined. "

      Claudlarue

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        Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
        « Reply #4 on: March 28, 2013, 10:43:52 AM »
        It's a Dell E-Port Plus.

        patio

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        Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
        « Reply #5 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...
        " Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined. "

        Claudlarue

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          Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
          « Reply #6 on: March 28, 2013, 11:58:16 AM »
          Ok, thanks for your help.  I'll look into the KVM switch option.

          Lisa_maree



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          Re: Can two laptops be connected to the same two external monitors?
          « Reply #7 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



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