Using one monitor with both a desktop and macbook pro - a/b switch?

[Karbonkreationz]

Hello everyone. I have a quick question regarding monitor switching between a Windows desktop and MacBook Pro laptop.

Currently I have an HP monitor hooked up to my desktop and would like to find an easy way to be able to switch from using this monitor on the pc over to using it as an external monitor for my macbook. My initial thinking is hooking up a simple a/b type of switch, have both systems connected and just be able to switch back and forth when needed.

My current job requires a MacBook pro but I have a custom built pc at my house that I would like to maintain use of while getting the bonus screen size from an external monitor on the laptop when needed.

Any thoughts? Basically trying to avoid having to change hdmi cables every time I want to use the monitor as an external display for my laptop. Let me know if this doesn't make sense.

Thanks in advance

 

[reedo_43]

What are the video outputs of both?

 

[Solandri]

Assuming you already have a way to change the MBP's displayport output to HDMI, yes a simple A/B switch will work.

If you need to use both computers simultaneously but only have one monitor, look into remote desktop (Windows Pro/Ultimate/Enterprise for a server), or VNC (built into OS X, free servers available for Windows). That'll let you hook up one computer to the monitor, but have that computer show the other computer's desktop in a window.

 

[reedo_43]

http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=8147

Something like this would work.