2 mac mini with 1 monitor?

Question

Level 1

9 points

2 mac mini with 1 monitor?

HOW to use the same monitor for two mini's by switching from one to the other instead of having a separate monitor for each?

10.4.11 1.42 GHz PPC G4

10.6.8 1.83 Ghz Intel Cor duo 2 GB

Both appear to use the same output cable connections

Once in use what's the operational characteristics.... sleep on one, work on other; switch over, does sleeper wake up or ???

One off, one on? Same process?

(not trying to save $,, have multiple monitors, but would be easier to use them on same (largest) monitor.

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.6.8), 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo 2GB

Posted on Jul 22, 2013 10:59 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Jul 23, 2013 1:27 AM in response to AMBER93

The normal approach to solving this is to buy a 'KVM' this is a special switch (box) which lets you switch which computer is displayed on a single screen. There are 2-port models, 4-port models and bigger if needed. For you a 2-port would seem sufficient.

Not only will they switch which computer is displayed (the V standard for video), but they will also switch which computer is controlled by the keyboard (the K), and the mouse (the M). So you will also only then need a single keyboard and mouse.

Here is an example product for use with a monitor that has a DVI video connection.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-Port-Switch-Audio-Cables/dp/B001G8I0BG/ref=sr_1 _3?ie=UTF8&qid=1374567967&sr=8-3&keywords=dvi+kvm+usb

A second option that might be possible is to have a monitor with more than one input, it typically might have both VGA and DVI connections. The monitor would then let you select which is being displayed. You would connect one computer via VGA and one via DVI. This approach however will not share the keyboard and mouse.

Reply