Can I share a monitor (an old Dell LCD w/ D-Sub vga connection) between my old desktop (Dell Optiplex running Windows XP) and my Nextbook tablet (running Windows 8.1)? I want to disconnect the old one from the internet and use only for running software I can’t use on the tablet, while using the tablet to watch youtube ( not at the same time) Would a docking station make it easy to switch the monitor between the 2 computers?
Hello Angie,
Thank you for showing interest in our products. Our docking station in combination with a USB switch (http://plugable.com/products/ud-160-a + http://plugable.com/products/usb2-swi…) would work but would not be ideal since the docking station would ad its own Ethernet interface to the XP computer. If the docking station is connected to your network/internet, it would pass it on to the XP computer. I think you would be more happy with a VGA switch or a KVM. This way it’s only sharing the monitor.
Kind regards,
Patric
Plugable Technologies
Thank you for your quick reply! I didn’t know of the existence of switches so that is very helpful. I barely understand my own network, though, so let me try to understand. Right now the desktop is connected to the modem/router via ethernet cable and runs the network (also connected to 3in1 printer via phone line, and also wi-fi) Should I hook up the Nextbook tablet to the router instead (I presume with some ethernet to USB to micro-USB adapter?) and then re-set the network up via the tablet? I was thinking before that I could just leave it all as is (tablet links to internet through wi-fi) and then just never open an internet browser on the old desktop. Maybe that wouldn’t work to keep it totally off-line, I don’t know. I’m also considering buying a new monitor with HDMI input, but really can’t afford much, so may delay that purchase.
Hi Angie,
The trick here is to keep things as simple as possible so you don’t loose the overview.
I forgot to mention you would also need an OTG cable (depending on your Nextbook model if it does not have a full size USB port) to adapt the micro USB to a full size one if you decide to go with the docking station/switch combination.
To keep things simple I would leave your setup as you have it now and keep the tablet connected via WiFi and not connect the Ethernet cord to the docking station. This way you keep your XP computer offline and you still can use keyboard, mouse and monitor for both machines (one at a time).
Kind regards,
Patric
Plugable Technologies
Thank you again! Do I also still need a micro HDMI adapter? And as far as the docking stations go, which model would be best? Any reason not to go with the Superspeed 3.0?
Thank you again! Do I also still need a micro HDMI adapter? And as far as the docking stations go, which model would be best? Any reason not to go with the Superspeed 3.0?
Hello Angie,
You can go with the USB 3.0 docking station if you wish but you would not be able to take advantage of the additional performance since the tablet houses a USB 2.0 port.
The HDMI adapter would not be needed if you are going with the docking station/switch combination since you would plug the monitor into the docking station.
Does the monitor have a HDMI port?
Kind regards,
Patric
Plugable Technologies
I am thinking of getting a new monitor which would have at least 2 HDMI ports. If I did this would the docking station really be necessary? Could I just use converter cables and the switch you mentioned before?
Hi Angie,
That’s a good idea to keep things simple. You would need a micro HDMI to full size HDMI cable to connect your nextbook to the monitor and then make sure the monitor has the same interface as your XP machine. This way you can switch the inputs on your monitor and call this project done.
Kind regards,
Patric
Plugable Technologies
Thank you very much for your help!
Hello Angie,
You are welcome.
Kind regards,
Patric
Plugable Technologies