2 computers connected to 1 monitor

[lacie123401]

Hello,
I had a setup where I connected my macbook air to an external monitor Dell UltraSharp U2312HM 23" Monitor with LED Details
I just purchased a PC desktop, and was planning on using it with the same monitor.
I have the monitor connected from macbook air via minidisplayport->Displayport and I plan on connecting pc from DVI->DVI
question is, do I need to unplug the cables from each computer everytime I use it? or can i just shut off one computer and turn on my other computer to use it while all the ports are connected.
Thank you

[metril]

99% of monitors with multiple inputs allow you to change to your desired input regardless of which cable is actively sending signals. That said, if your old monitor was able to do it, then surely the Dell will too. And if it doesn't then that's an oversight on Dell's part and no one would ever buy their monitors. However, autoswitching inputs may or may not work.

Side note, your question was a bit hard to understand. Please use proper sentence structure and capitalize when necessary and punctuate.

[katalin_2003]

99% of monitors with multiple inputs allow you to change to your desired input regardless of which cable is actively sending signals.

And that includes your Dell monitor as well, Lacie.

Leave both cables connected and just choose your input type from the monitor's menu.

[lacie123401]

Thanks guys for your help.
I appreciate your tips

[paper_wastage]

If you want to, you might want to do Picture by Picture (or Picture in picture)... there are some limitations, etc some described by this post below

unfortunately, your monitor model doesn't support it.... maybe upgrade?

ASUS PA238Q, Dell U2312HM or NEC EX231Wp - [H]ard|Forum

youtube: pip

Dell 2408WFP Picture-in-Picture Demo - YouTube

[Greg]

You don't need picture-in-picture. That's really only useful if you need to monitor one PC while using another (VNC works really well as a substitute). Just plug the DP input into the monitor, the DVI input into the same monitor, and go.

Changing inputs requires a few presses of those buttons on the monitor's bezel though. The latest Dell monitors can be programmed to have a small number of key shortcuts. I've got one key set to change to DVI when I hit it, and another key to change to DisplayPort.

[ViciousXUSMC]

2 Girls One Cu? Oh nevermind...

If your display is modern it has more than one input and a way to toggle between them as already mentioned.

If not or if you prefer a one button press just look into a hardware based switch.

Something like this: For only $29.64 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 2X1 Enhanced Powered DVI Switcher | Auto/Powered DVI Switches though there are many alternatives.

[TheAppleFreak]

Yeah, there's a way. They're called "KVM" switches; you plug in a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to the switch, and run the two DVI cables to each computer. That way, when you need to switch the active input, you just flip a switch and give it a few seconds.

I don't know if there are any reasonably priced units, since the only time I've seen them was at my old school while working in IT.

[Crafall]

Your monitor should be able to just switch the input, some monitors have some smart sense thing that when signal is coming through, it will automatically switch to it. You could also buy a cheap hdmi switcher or something too.