one tablet, two PC's

[Mahlon]

Does anyone know if one tablet can serve as the simultaneous pointing device for two running PC's? In other words, have the pointer behaving exactly the same on the two monitors of two PC's at the same time.

Not totally sure what your exact needs are, and this may not be helpful, but there's an excellent free utility called synergy which allows you to use one mouse with two or more computers (similar to software KVM) all with separate screens. Not sure if it can function in the mode you describe. If that doesn't fit the bill, then try a google search for software KVM. One called Kavoom comes to mind which might do what you want. Also, there are a few other prominent ones which will come back in the search.

Mahlon

[shokan]

Sounds like what I need. Thanks very much, I'll go check it out.

[Mahlon]

Man, I love Synergy. Couldn't do without it. I have 3 computers with 3 different monitors side by side, and I can just travel back and forth with the mouse and keyboard as if they were one desktop -- except they're three!!!



Mahlon

[shokan]

Original poster here.
For my needs, the pointer has to be appearing at the same time on two monitors from two computers. Synergy allows you one pointer which slides from screen to screen.
Any more suggestions? How about having some kind of tablet output splitter (one cable becoming two, to the two PCs)?

[RobotClayton]

I know they have USB swithches, but I haven't tried anything like you want to do. I just use it for printing.

A USB switch is is something like $40. Like I said, I haven't tried it, but it could work?

[shokan]

Hmmm, I think I need a simple Y on the tablet output so it will go to two computers. I can't remember what port a Wacom tablet plugs into.

[RSingh]

I'm sorry to say I don't think you'll find what you're looking for. A USB hub is the opposite of you want -- it accepts multiple inputs into once computer. What you want is either a USB Y-Splitter or a USB server that allows multiple computers to access one port simultaneously. Unfortunately, neither of those exist as far as I'm aware. Might be time to go to Plan B?

[shokan]

I will continue to look into a one-in/two-out USB solution for a tablet. I have not been able to find this after some searching.
The other alternative is the mouse port. I really need a tablet type of thing, though. I know there are small standalone touchpads that use a plain stylus. This would suffice though I would not have the pressure sensitivity of a tablet, and they are small. It uses the mouse port, as I recall.

So, the next question is: can I use a splitter with this touchpad thingy leading to two seperate Pcs and have the pointer movement be identical on the two PC's monitors?

[RSingh]

If your device uses a serial or PS/2 port, then yes. They make splitters for those ports, since they're analog so it's just a matter of wiring. In fact, one option that springs to mind: You can find older tablets on ebay that use serial ports. Get one of those and a serial splitter & you're set.

[shokan]

Great idea! I will try look for a serial Wacom tablet. Thanks very much. I guess I'll be owning an old ArtZ Wacom again after all this time.

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