Okay, I get 1% profit for the idea:

[The Backlash Cometh]

One keyboard which can connect to two computers. It would be the same as any keyboard, but has a toggle switch so you can jump from one computer to the other.

[Sivart]

1. KVM switch??

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. Link?

[TahitiNut]

2. You're about 50 years too late.

:shrug:

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. Who manufactures it?

[TahitiNut]

6. I'm guessing there're a plethora of sources ..

... usually designed to switch the Keyboard, Monitor, and Mouse across a number of systems. Your average network administrator, over the years, would find it ridiculous without such equipment.

IOGear, Belkin, DLink, and Linksys are just a couple of the more prominent manufacturers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch

[KatyMan]

5. Go to Best Buy, KVM not just for servers anymore!

I have a switch for my work laptop and home computer, and regularly switch between the two--monitor, mouse and keyboard.

[Motown_Johnny]

7. I know a few gamers who have used them for years also

to play multiple characters on line at the same time

[Pryderi]

8. Or use remote desktop.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Connect-to-another-computer-using-Remote-Desktop-Connection

[Statistical]

9. You mean like this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch



There are thousands of varieties. Simplest is keyboard, analog video (over VGA) and mouse that connects a couple of computers using normal cables. DVI and USB are supported by other models.

More advanced are racked mounted switches that use unified cabling to reduce cable clutter and can allow multiple operators to access dozens of systems.

Even more advanced are switches which operator over ethernet to allow long distance remote control and the ability to control dozens or even hundreds of systems by multiple operators.


Don't feel bad. It has happened to me too. Think of a great idea only to discover it has been around a while.

[The Backlash Cometh]

10. No. One keyboard for two computers with their own monitors.

[Statistical]

11. Just don't connect the monitor to the switch.

KVM connects keyboard, video, mouse to a switch. No reason you can't disconnect the monitors from the switch. Given KVM switches are already mass produced just take a KVM switch and don't connect the monitors (instead hardwire monitors to each display).

Unless you need access at boot time you may find remote desktop much easier. Connect 2 monitors to a single computer. Then use remote desktop to reach the 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th computers. You can make remote desktop take up one entire full screen. When you don't need it you can handle dual monitors on the "primary" computer.