Want to share one external display between MBA and Windows PC

[Compile]

My desktop is a Windows based machine but I just ordered a MBA and I can't seem to find a switch for my monitor + keyboard. I also order an Apple mouse so I don't need a KVM for that just monitor(hdmi) and my keyboard (Ducky Shine II tenkeyless if anyone is wondering) which is usb.

I'm unsure of how to share my monitor with the desktop and MBA without disconnecting it every time.

The monitor is a LG 23EN43, connectors are 1x HDMI, 1x DVI, 1x VGA.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Some monitors have multiple inputs (VGA, DVI, HDMI, MDP, DP), thus if you use your Windows based PC via DVI and your MBA via MDP, you can just use the monitor's OnScreen menu to switch inputs.

Maybe if you state your exact display model, in case you are unsure of its capabilities, we can help you more.

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[simsaladimbamba]

Just as a hint, you could have easily added another post, as one does not see, if a thread has been updated by an edit of an already existing post, thus a new post makes it appear to be updated via Forum Spy or Subscriptions/UserCP.

The monitor is a LG 23EN43, connectors are 1x HDMI, 1x DVI, 1x VGA.
.

Now that you have listed the connections, if you use HDMI with your Windows PC, you use a MDP > DVI adapter with your MBA.
If you use DVI with your Windows PC, you use an MDP > HDMI adapter/cable with your MBA.

According to the manual of that display, it has an INPUT/Exit button on the bottom row of buttons, thus you should be able to switch the inputs.

Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt

Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.

To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt​

MDP adapters and cables can be bought online from:

Apple Online Store (or the physical Apple Store)

• MDP to VGA adapter
• MDP to DVI adapter
• MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter
• Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter

Monoprice

• Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

• Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cables
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cables

Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"
​

 

[Mikael]

I just made such a setup at home, sharing my monitor, mouse and keyboard between my Windows desktop machine and my MBA. Here's how I did it:

- Connect monitor via DVI to desktop computer
- Connect monitor via mini-DP to MBA
- Connect mouse and keyboard to an Aten US224 USB 2.0 switch
- Connect each of the two USB cables on the US224 to the desktop PC and the MBA respectively

Aten US224: http://www.aten.com/products/USB-&-...ort-USB-Peripheral-Sharing-Device-~US224.html

The Aten US224 has four USB connectors to which you connect your peripherals. It also has two USB cables which you connect to the two computers. Finally, it has a small wired button that you can place on your desk. Pressing this button once switches the USB peripherals between the two computers. In other words, the US224 acts as a regular USB hub that can be switched between two computers.

So, using this setup, switching between my MBA and desktop machine requires a click on the US224 button and then switching the monitor input via the monitor's front buttons. It takes just a few seconds and I'm very happy with how it worked out!