Dual Monitor setup question

[Fencer51]

My work is giving me a laptop so I can log into the VPN to access all the engineering stuff ...

I would rather not swap my monitor back and forth at home, I have a Samsung 2493HM 1920 x 1200, and am looking at getting another monitor to run the laptop off of (larger than the 17 inch laptop screen) and use in conjunction with my desktop and current widescreen monitor.

My questions (that I know to ask you guys might have others)

1.  Do both monitors need to be the same size?

2.  Should they be the same brand?

3.  Is there a cable with two leads (plugs) that I can switch back and forth (just thought of this) to make connection easier.


And lastly I am looking for a powered USB hub to hook my backup external drive and scanner too (gotta save all 80+ skins incase the HD goes).

Thanks

[ebfd11]

I belive what you are looking for is called a KVM switch, at best buy they gor for approx 40 dollars or if you go to tigerdirect.com or newegg.com you can pick it up cheaper. I would also reccomend you go there for the powered USB hub.

[gyrene81]

Dual monitors wouldn't solve your problem Fencer. As ebdf11 pointed out you would need a KVM switch, and the 2 port USB models are $50. The KVM switch allows you to control multiple computers with a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. They can be a bit quirky if you're using a programmable gaming keyboard.


http://www.bestbuy.com/site/IOGEAR+-+2-Port+USB+KVM+Switch+with+Cables/6191569.p?id=1067390694346&skuId=6191569&st=KVM switch&cp=1&lp=1

If you want to run dual monitors, you can get a DVI to VGA or DVI to DVI splitter that would allow you to connect 2 monitors to a single video card output, but if you're wanting to use a DVI connection to the monitor(s), a KVM switch with that capabilities would run about $100 and BestBuy doesn't carry them. Both monitors do not have to be the same size or brand.


Check on Amazon for a powered USB hub.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MV7L6Q/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000I996HQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=12BRCJYZJ1KAEZJM56F4

[Reschke]

As your company for a docking station to go with the laptop. The company I work for sent me a two arm mounting bracket for dual monitors; only sent one monitor though; and sent a docking station (which has 2 extra USB ports on it and it allows me to use three screens at once...laptop and 2 monitors). Also the first monitor they sent me has 2 powered USB ports in it and my work desk has a built in Belkin powered USB hub with 4 ports on it.

In short just as for a docking station and you might be able to cover everything you need there.

[RTHolmes]

I use a Belkin Flip kvm to do this, works great. just a DVI and a USB to plug into the laptop when you need to