Laptop as second PC monitor

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derek2x

New Member
I have an old Toshiba Satellite m45-s359, it has a VGA port on the side and I have no idea how to utilize it!

I recently built a new desktop and ideally I would like to connect the new PC to the old laptop instead of buying a new monitor.

Some video cards allow dual monitors, however is it possible to run two computers from one laptop screen? I'm not looking to run both at the same time, however being able to switch back and forth would be nice.

Is there software out there that allows this?

Here is a picture of the side view

7xb7ujo.jpg


Here is a link to cnet and the specs

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/toshiba-satellite-m45-s359/4507-3121_7-31518007.html?tag=sub

Thanks!
 
yes there is! One program is called maxivista, wich make one computer act like an extra screen for another computer (like multiple monitors, refer to the link in my sig). But this program is not free.

But, probably closer to what you want to do, you can use this program called Synergy. It's completly free and allows you to use one mouse and keyboard for both computers by software (as opposed to KMV switches)
 
sniperchang said:
But, probably closer to what you want to do, you can use this program called Synergy. It's completly free and allows you to use one mouse and keyboard for both computers by software (as opposed to KMV switches)
Click to expand...

wait i don't get how this would work. that would mean the two computers has to be connected by parallel port or USB right?
 
WhiteFireDragon said:
wait i don't get how this would work. that would mean the two computers has to be connected by parallel port or USB right?
Click to expand...

Both programs work by Network (so LAN or Wifi). Click on the links I provided, all the basic info of the programs are described on their product website.
 
Sniperchang

While that is very interesting software (I didn't even know you could do that just on WIFI alone!) Im not sure its exactly what I want to do.

I have a desktop without a monitor,
I have a laptop with a VGA input I want to utilize.

Is there a way to switch between the two separate computers using only the laptop screen?

***EDIT***

Waiiiit, I didn't see the other program at the bottom of your post, this looks like it will work!!
 
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derek2x said:
Sniperchang

While that is very interesting software (I didn't even know you could do that just on WIFI alone!) Im not sure its exactly what I want to do.

I have a desktop without a monitor,
I have a laptop with a VGA input I want to utilize.

Is there a way to switch between the two separate computers using only the laptop screen?

***EDIT***

Waiiiit, I didn't see the other program at the bottom of your post, this looks like it will work!!
Click to expand...

Oh, you don't have a monitor on your desktop, then in that case those programs won't work, maxivista uses both monitors to do dual-display, and synergy is just used to control two PCs with one mouse/keyboard.

But there might be a way to do this with both maxivista and synergy, but it's complicated, probably won't work, and very impractical. Mabe, just mabe, you could use maxivista to display your desktop on your laptop, and use synergy to control the desktop. But you better have a look on the internet first in case there's a more adequate program.

You could always buy a cheap/used CRT and put money asside to buy a new monitor.
 
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