Thinkpads Forum

I have a thinkpad T60 and a regular desktop computer. The desktop computer has a Samsung LCD monitor (173P PLUS) with both VGA and DVI connections on it. The desktop computer is using the DVI connection. Can I connect the thinkpad to it using the VGA connection, and switch between the two as needed (digital vs. analog) without damaging the monitor? In other words, can both cables have a signal going to the monitor at the same time, but the monitor only displays the one I want it to? Has anyone on this forum tried something like that?

the reason I want to do this is because I have limited desk space, and the T60 will be used in "dual view" mode - displaying windows on both its own screen and the external LCD. The desktop computer will be used mainly as a file server as it has about 850 GB of hard drive space on it.

If your monitor has switchable inputs, then, yes, you should be able to do that. Have never used a Samsung 173P though so I can't verify that.

I decided to take a chance and try it out. It worked!!

How about installing VNC on the server and opening up its desktop as needed in a window on the Thinkpad.

have 2 monitors connected to one machine. Then use remote desktop to connect to the 2nd machine. Sometimes the 2nd machine I use full screen or as a window, depending on how I want to use my display real estate. I find it easier to use, since I can have part of the 2nd machine window visible if I need to track it's progress (like install), rather than switching monitor input back and forth between 2 machines.

Then for back up, I have the 2nd machine connected to the 2nd monitor as well, and switch the monitor input. I find that to run 32 bit graphics (or 3d graphics) that I can't use remote desktop, so in that case I use the 2nd monitor 2nd input and view the 2nd machine directly.

So for playing games, I switch the monitor input between machines, while for work/maintenance I use remote desktop.