Saving Desk Space - Running Two Computers Through the Same Monitor???

[Starbuck1975]

I currently own a gaming PC and a MAC G4, with seperate monitors for each.

I intend to upgrade my PC in the coming month, based around a GEFORCE 7800GT.

In making the upgrade, I want to get rid of the two seperate monitors on my desk and switch to an LCD. The LCD I have my eye on is the 20" Apple Cinema Display. I know others have pointed out that this is essentially the same panel as the Dell version, but I have had so many problems with Dell products, and their cheap build quality, that I do not intend to buy from them again.

That being said, the Apple tech specs state that to work on a PC, it has to be DVI compatible...as far as I can tell, the GEFORCE 7800GT has a DVI connector.

Is it possible to run both the PC system I will build and my G4 off the same monitor without having to switch the DVI connector from one system to the other...I know there are monitor splitters out there, but I also know that Apple hardware can be troublesome for such options.

Thoughts or recommendations?

 

[Bartokomus]

Sounds like you'll be wanting a DVI KVM, like one seen here:

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/det...n=email,mwbfroogle&wt.mc_id=mwbfroogle

 

[ntdz]

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975
I currently own a gaming PC and a MAC G4, with seperate monitors for each.

I intend to upgrade my PC in the coming month, based around a GEFORCE 7800GT.

In making the upgrade, I want to get rid of the two seperate monitors on my desk and switch to an LCD. The LCD I have my eye on is the 20" Apple Cinema Display. I know others have pointed out that this is essentially the same panel as the Dell version, but I have had so many problems with Dell products, and their cheap build quality, that I do not intend to buy from them again.

That being said, the Apple tech specs state that to work on a PC, it has to be DVI compatible...as far as I can tell, the GEFORCE 7800GT has a DVI connector.

Is it possible to run both the PC system I will build and my G4 off the same monitor without having to switch the DVI connector from one system to the other...I know there are monitor splitters out there, but I also know that Apple hardware can be troublesome for such options.

Thoughts or recommendations?

Dell doesn't even make the monitor, they "outsource" it to other companies. I have a 2001fp and i LOVE it, best component on my computer.

 

[Parkre]

not 100% sure about the connect for an apple moniter. but the dell2405fpw has 2 inputs. you can switch from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 1st OR, run both side by side(if you did it this way it looks like two 15 inch monitors side by side and a little small),

did i mention that i love my monitor???

 

[Busithoth]

I set up a friend's computers so he could use both his mac and PC on his Sony LCD (like said above, VGA input for one comp, DVI for the other, you can just alternative using the monitor. He was very happy to shed the CRT that took up a third of his desk.

 

[imported_Kensai]

KVM.

 

[Starbuck1975]

The DVI KVM is a bit pricey...is there anything that can do a basic DVI monitor split without the extra USB and firewire connectors?

 

[ajikan]

I have a Princeton 19" monitor that can have two comps to a single monitor
it has a VGA in and a DVI in, and you just press a button to switch back and forth.

model number: VL1916
they probably have newer versions of this now..