How can I use my desktop keyboard and monitor with my X40?

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msafi · #1 Post by **msafi** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:46 pm

Ideally, I would like to be able to effortlessly switch between my desktop and laptop in the same session...

Is something like this possible?

Thanks

#2 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:27 pm

Sure, you can buy a 2 port USB KVM switch or use an application like Synergy.

http://www.engadget.com/2005/08/09/how- ... h-synergy/

msafi · #3 Post by **msafi** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:30 pm

Thanks a lot, Harryc.

I don't think Synergy will work if I want to also share the monitor.

The KVM solution sounds very interesting. Do you know if these KVM switches will let you switch back and forth between PCs using a keyboard shortcut or something like that?

#4 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:43 pm

Yes, most of them have a hotkey switch. I use a 4 port USB/DVI KVM to switch back and forth between a Macbook Pro, (2) Thinkpads, and a Thinkcentre desktop. The key combination to switch is to hit scrLK twice, the number of the port, then enter. This particular switch also allows you to switch just the keyboard and LCD, and leave USB and audio behind, or many combinations of those devices.

I like IOGear products. Here is their 2 port line-up;

http://www.iogear.com/solutions/kvm/?view=2port

This one is like mine, but a 2 port switch;

http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS1762/

Another nice feature of these is a 2 port USB hub built in for peripheral sharing. It is USB 1.1 though ...

msafi · #5 Post by **msafi** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 3:56 pm

Thank you for this information, Harryc.

Your 2 Port switch looks very nice, but I think there maybe cheaper solutions out there.

In any case, if I were to buy this DVI switch, how can I get it to work with my X40 when I only have VGA output?

Thanks again,

#6 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:01 pm

There are plenty of switches out there with VGA support. That is not one of them.

msafi · #7 Post by **msafi** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:04 pm

Do you know if there are switches with both VGA and DVI, because I'd like to continue to use DVI on my desktop!

#8 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:05 pm

I don't know of any. Many LCD's have dual VGA and DVI inputs, maybe yours is one of them. If it does, you could just switch the keyboard and USB stuff with the KVM, then use the LCD source switch to change to VGA. I do it all the time with R series Thinkpads, and when I had X30/31's. In other words, don't hook the X40's video out to the KVM, just to the LCD. Also, if you get a Thinkpad with DVI (and you probably will), you'll protect your investment.

mazzinia · #9 Post by **mazzinia** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 8:59 am

Not to intrude, but there's a possible side problem that could complicate things.
I've a kvm and it gets crazy if I attach it to the dock with an x31 inside. That moment I remember researching here and finding out that not all kvm are liked by thinkpads. (at least if my memory works still)

Bottom line, it would be nice to try before buying, or getting a model someone else here confirms working.

msafi · #10 Post by **msafi** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:35 am

I would like to use KVM but it does indeed sound like it's gonna be complicated, especially given my current setup. My video card on my desktop has two DVIs, out is going out to my desktop monitor and one is going out to my TV.

On my X40 side, I have one VGA out port.

These different ports make the job harder that I decided that I would just sync my important files between the computers and be done with it.

msafi · #11 Post by **msafi** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:39 am

I just reread Harryc's post. It sounds very interesting. My LCD does have a VGA in. I will definitely give this solution a try, and it doesn't sound expensive or complicated to just switch the keyboard.

Thanks a lot for this suggestion!

dr_st · #12 Post by **dr_st** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:02 am

If your LCD has a built-in USB hub - it's even easier - you plug the keyboard/mouse into the LCD, then just switch one cable between the laptop and the desktop. I used to have a setup like that (for two laptops, though) for a while. No KVMs required.

msafi · #13 Post by **msafi** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:07 am

dr_st wrote:If your LCD has a built-in USB hub - it's even easier - you plug the keyboard/mouse into the LCD, then just switch one cable between the laptop and the desktop. I used to have a setup like that (for two laptops, though) for a while. No KVMs required.

Do I have to manually remove the keyboard USB cable from one USB port and plug it into another one every time I want to switch between the laptop and PC?

fasterbybike · #14 Post by **fasterbybike** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:32 pm

msafi wrote:Do I have to manually remove the keyboard USB cable from one USB port and plug it into another one every time I want to switch between the laptop and PC?

Run your USB mouse and keyboard into the monitor's hub.

To swap between computers, unplug the USB cable (running to the monitor's USB hub) from the X40 and plug it into the desktop. Not as convenient as a KVM - but there for free if you don't swap often.

mikeh · #15 Post by **mikeh** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:47 am

There is a better way than a USB or KVM switch.

Do it in software, using "remote desktop" or VNC.
Then your laptop is just another window (possibly fullscreen) on your desktop.
If its set up right, you can even copy-and-paste between the two.

fixup · #16 Post by **fixup** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 7:14 pm

I use the IOGear GCS42UW6, 2 USB ports and VGA monitor. Very nice cable are built in. It says the two USB ports are for mouse and keyboard, but it works for whatever I plug into them. I plug in wireless keyboard/mouse into one port and a CF/SD card reader/writer into the other, both work like a charm for both computers. Cannot be happier.

I used to dislike those KVM switches because the thick and stick cable are really messy and hassle. This IOGear is very neat with its nice all-in-one monitor/USB cable. With a USB wireless 2-in-1 keyboard and mouse, no messy wires.

The only imperfection is: each time I switch monitor, I need to press the "auto" button on the monitor to center the position and focus up. As I use my laptop mostly and seldom switch to the desktop, this is something I can live with.

How can I use my desktop keyboard and monitor with my X40?

How can I use my desktop keyboard and monitor with my X40?

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