Setting up multiple monitors with multiple computers
I have had many different computer setups in the past and each time I reconfigure, I find out something new.
This time, I had a simple problem to solve : How do I setup a Mac Mini, PC laptop, and a dual boot Linux/Windows desktop with 3 monitors, 1 keyboard, and 1 mouse?
My Mac Mini has only 1 video out, the laptop has dual, and the desktop has quad. Each monitor has dual inputs (VGA and DVI). I initially thought a KVM switch would solve this dilemma but after a little digging, I figured $300 for a dual monitor KVM was more than I’d like to spend. It was also suggested to use a single monitor KVM and simply not use the video. At roughly $75 for a single monitor KVM, I thought I could do better.
Naturally, I asked my friendly IT folk at work and they suggested I try one of their USB switches just for my wireless keyboard and mouse while using the monitors’ dual inputs and switches to change monitor feeds.
I found a USB switch for $15 and it works like a charm!
P.S. – the only drawback is that I can’t use DVI out on all three for my desktop.
