I have a desktop computer and a work computer (IBM thinkpad) which is connected to a docking station. Attached to the work laptop (docking station) are two monitors. What I want to do is have access to both monitors from both my desktop and laptop through the use of a KVM switch. Does anyone know if a kvm will work with a docking station?
14 Answers
I have a similar setup and use InputDirector. It's basically a virtual KVM. You install it on both machines. Configure one to be the master and another the slave. Configure where the various monitors are and whether you want the mouse to wrap or not. It also has a "shared" clipboard so you can copy/paste text between the two machines. It's free for personal use.
Highly recommended.
Does anyone know if a kvm will work with a docking station?
Yes. You'll obviously need a KVM switch that supports two monitors (Startech makes one), but you should have no problems using a KVM switch with a docking station.
The bigger question is whether your work laptop has a way of connecting two monitors. A KVM switch won't help if your work laptop doesn't have anyplace to connect the second monitor.
I can recommend Synergy. It works for Windows, Linux and Mac Os X.
It's a virtual KVM just like InputDirector.
It works great. I've a similar setup with one mac and a thinkpad. Used it for years.
3Docking stations and KVMs don't mix very well. It depends on the brands, I guess.
I have the HP docking station and the IOGEAR KVM, and they are not working very well together. I have to plug the USB cable from the KVM directly into the laptop instead of the docking station. If I don't do it this way, the laptop won't boot.
