Two computers...one keyboard/mouse/monitor

[Gonzo]

I have a home desktop and a works laptop. During t'Olympics, I'm gonna be "working at home" a lot as all my trains go though Stratford and I want to avoid the place like the plague.

Is there some sort of box gadget thingy that will allow me to share the monitor, keyboard and mouse of the desktop with the laptop without having to scrabble under the desk - perhaps by plugging it all into some sort of switch so I can flick between the two?

Have tried a search on t'internet but i suspect I'm not using the right terms.

Cheers

G

 

[rodders]

http://www.kvmshop.co.uk/catalogue/kvm_by_ports.htm

 

[stevekdavis]

http://synergy-foss.org/

software based, free and works well

 

[Northern Monkey]

http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/21503-2-port-kvm-switch-wbuilt-cables-2port-kvm-switchcab-belkin.html

We use these at work and they're spot on

 

[rce]

I use input director http://www.inputdirector.com/ free software that extends your mouse and keyboard between PCs.

You would end up still using the screen on the laptop but the mouse seamlessly moves from screen to screen, if your mouse is on the laptop screen your keyboard works the laptop, if the mouse in on your desktop screen your keyboard works the desktop.

Other way is remote desktop to your laptop.

Or buy a KVM switch....

 

[alistairl]

Top tip - software means you have to have both computers switched on, hardware kvm means you do not.

You didn't say whether this would be a problem or not.

A.

PS Argos http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Search/searchTerms/KVM.htm

 

[Gonzo]

Thanks for all the replies chaps.

It needs to be a hardware based solution as one of the PCs is my employer's laptop and locked down.

Obviously, as is the protocol, I have tried one from eBay which has turned out to be cheap tat and makes the screen flicker. Having sent that back I'll now work my way up to the next step on the foodchain - Maplins.

Actually, to be fair to Maplins, they've always come up trumps in the past, always willing to help and know their stuff.

 

[Gonzo]

Got one of these in the end: http://www.maplin.co.uk/2-port-usb-kvm-switch-99269

Works a treat! Thanks for the help.