Dual Monitors, Dual Keyboards

[Marc Anderson]

A dental office has asked me to help install dual monitors on each of their operating room PC's. They have also requested dual keyboards on each PC that can be typed on simultaneously:confused: (?). I'm looking for suggestions on video cards or other hardware add-ins that I will need to run dual monitors and dual keyboards. Any good "how to" resources out there in this regard?

Thanks!

[Gordon - Phosphor Media]

Marc:

As far as dual monitors, the best video cards I've found are the Matrox series. They've been doing it for longer than anyone. I've got them on three PCs. I know that ATI has now got into it as well, and they're a good brand.

Dual keyboards? Simultaneously? I'm dubious - how would an application decide who to "listen" to? AFAIK it's not possible.

[dotCOM_host]

Dual monitors can be done very easily with just about any mainstream video card these days - be it ATI, nVidia, or Matrox. Look for cards that have dual video out (usually VGI and DVI, but some higher end models also have dual-DVI options). Matrox specializes in multi-monitor video cards, having up to triple display options. Of course, with any video cards you can also have one AGP or PCI-Express card with dual display, and then add a PCI card with support for two more monitors (that's what I have - with 3 monitors at the office, two at home). Even on laptops you can do up to 3 monitors these days, thanks to Matrox TripleHead2Go epansion box.

As far as dual keyboards - well, it is indeed a crazy idea as you really can't have two people typing simultaneously - it's just not feasible. If it's supposed to provide for better ergonomics and have two keyboards to be placed in different locations but ultimately both connected to the same PC, so you don't have to move the keyboard with you... there are two options: a "PC sharing" device, such as one made by Raritan (http://www.42u.com/pcshare.htm), or, get a wireless keyboard and get used to moving it with you to different workstations. ;-)

[truXoft]

You can do both at almost no cost. Dual screen is possible with many graphic cards (even some really cheap ones), or you can add a second card.

As for dual keyboard - that's no problem at all. All you need is a PS/2 splitter connector that you can get in every bigger PC or electronic store for some $5. To test it, I just attached two external keybords with a splitter to my notebook, having so the total of three keybords connected - I can write on all of them simultaneously - left hand one keyboard, right hand second keyboard, and with the head hitting the notebook - the notebook listens to all of them and there are no conflicts at all :)

[truXoft]

And btw, if you need the same output being displayed on the two monitors, you do not even need any dual card - all you need is a splitter connector for it too.

I used combined VGA/keyboard/mouse splitters when developing industrial automation software - the machine controlled by a PC had to be controlled from two to three different places, each with own set of monitor/keybord. The splitter was unixpensive and contained also amplifying electronics for an increased length of the cables. You will certainly find such splitter today too. You can find plenty of such splitters everywhere on the web (http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=keyboard+monitor+splitter+connector&output=html) or in your local stores too. They are rather inexpensive.

[Marc Anderson]

Thank you all very much for your input. I will check into the video cards suggested and do some reading. I think the wireless keyboard idea is probably the way to go as it allows the greatest flexibility. I wonder if the same wireless keyboard is used in each operating room, if there is the potential for it to communicate with the wrong PC? Thanks!

[truXoft]

If you really need good mobility, it may be difficult to move both with a monitor and a keyboard in the same time. You may want to have a look at the AirPanels or AirSyncs from ViewSonic (http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktopdisplays/wirelessmonitors/airsyncv210wirelessdisplay/) - it is a wireless display panel with an on-screen touchscreen keyboard. A cheap wireless notebook or tablet with remote control software installed (i.e. VNC) may do the trick too.

[Julie Wilber]

I have to admit, I am still completely boggled by the two keyboards.

As far as the wireless keyboard communicating with the wrong pc, I have some friends who have set up, what I affectionately call the Command Center, there are about 9 desktops, 4 lap tops and more keyboards floating around than can really be healthy.

Three of the PC's use wireless keyboards and there has never been an issue with one keyboard talking to the wrong computer. Of course that assumes that they are using the right keyboard.

[Marc Anderson]

Excellent idea Ivo! Sure saves the expense of all the monitors, video cards, keyboards, etc, plus the installation. I've already contacted the dental office with your suggestion. Thanks for the advice!

[ILoveHostasaurus]

Dueling piano's I've heard of, but not keyboards. :)