Could I use this to allow me to use an old laptop as an input device (laptop keyboard and mouse) and a display (laptop screen) for a SEPARATE connected desktop computer?
The reason I ask, is that I’m thinking of upgrading my laptop, and since I don’t need the mobility of a laptop, I was thinking of getting a desktop (more power for less money!).
The new desktop would be running Traktor, and have all of my controllers and my DJM-850 connected - but it would be located UNDER my desk. The laptop (showing the display from the desktop’s desktop) would remain on my desk on the Uberstand… Essentially, the laptop would be a “terminal” for the desktop.
However, there are other solutions available… Synergy is open source and cross platform, so that might be a good place to start - and is much cheaper than a KVM.
Are you sure - it looks like if I use Synergy, the desktop’s desktop would need to be on it’s own screen(?).
I want the display from the desktop to be shown on the laptop…
So, in Synergy language, the LAPTOP would be the SERVER, and the DESKTOP would be the CLIENT. BUT - the SERVER display would not be required - only the CLIENT (DESKTOP’s desktop) display, on the SERVER screen.
Ah, yeah, I see your dilemma. Hrm… not sure a solution to your problem exists - a KVM switch definitely won’t do it, and anything you do find is going to suffer from measurable lag as it takes time to transmit the video signal from the desktop to the laptop.
Now, a regular remote desktop connection >WILL< do what you want, but as I said, there will be lag.
Of course, it’s the lag that I’m worried about. Remote desktop over (hard wired?) LAN is definitely an option, but I’ve got no idea what the lag will be like.
I’d love to find a way of getting this working. Having a laptop and an input/output device for a hi-power laptop (that can sit under my desk) means I get the best of both worlds!
I’m just looking at some of teh software at Maxivista…
A KVM switch is simply used to have one output with multiple inputs. For example, I owned a PS3 and would use the switch to use the same keyboard, steering wheel set, display and speaker set for both my computer and the PS3. That is, until the PS3 broke…
These things can be very handy, just not for what you want to do. A LAN network would be something to look into.
Mate - that is the absolute OPPOSITE of what I’m trying to do! But thanks for trying to help.
Your desribing duplicating the LAPTOP output on a separate monitor. What I want, is to display the desktop from another COMPUTER on my laptop screen… (And have the laptopm keyboard & mouse control the “other” computer").
Sorry, I still don’t get it. You supposedly want to have the experience of a laptop with the money to power ratio of a desktop. And I just don’t see why you couldn’t just use the desktop.
But hey, if it makes you happy, by all means go for it.
I love the ergonomy of having a laptop on an Uberstand in front of my decks. That’s not really possible with the size and weight of a Desktop/Monitor/keyboard/mouse combo and the space I have available on my desk.
If you get yourself a fast ethernet hub, and your controllers are actually connected to your desktop, then RDP may work for you.
Maybe a nice gigabit connection, and have the hub right there under the desk, with the shortest cables you can possibly find that fit (to reduce chances of signal noise). You’ll still have a little lag, I can’t say whether it will be too much, but based on your description of the problem domain, I think this is the most obvious solution.
I reckon it will matter less than controller lag, since you most likely depend more on your ears than your eyes when tight timing is needed.
RDP would work well, you could also try programs such as splashtop or teamviewer, but they might not be as quick and would probably introduce a bit of lag… but they’re both free!!
I think the key is to FIRST get BOTH machines onto a hard wired LAN. Then at least I can try RDP and other software solutions.
I’d hoped I’d get an answer as to whether going out and laying down some £’s on a desktop was cost effective - but, I’m pretty sure that if I can’t do what I want to, I’ll have to fork out for an expensive ass laptop. The one’s I’ve seen that I like are >£1,000!!!
RDP on a wired LAN will work for you. make sure you use a network switch not hub (although I don’t think you can buy hubs anymore). Screen resolution will affect performance and well as amount of colours etc but it should still be OK. What apps are you expecting to use ?
But thanks for trying to help. 
