Using a Netbook to create a Dual Monitor Setup

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Can I use my laptop as a second monitor for my desk computer?

I bought a Netbook, and so far I love it. However, I'd like to get a bit more utility out of it. When I'm at home it just sits on my dresser, not being productive at all. I was thinking that I could use it as a secondary monitor for my main laptop. What software and hardware would be necessary for a setup such as this? Even though the screen is small I figure I could use it to augment various tasks. I figure it'd be neat to have two webpages open simultaneously.

It's an Asus Eee running Windows 7 stater, while my main laptop is a Sony Vaio running Windows 7 Home Premium. Both have Ubuntu 10.04 installed, however I'd like to stay on the Windows side for this.

Edit

I did a little more research and it looks like I may be able to do it with simply a VGA cable. Before I run out and buy one, I'd like to make sure I'm interpreting this right.

RectangleTangle

Posted 2011-02-21T08:35:18.293

Reputation: 415

– fretje – 2011-02-21T09:05:14.143

Concerning your edit: You can extend your desktop of either your netbook or your laptop with a vga cable, but for that you need an extra screen. It's not possible to share for instance the screen on your netbook with your laptop using a vga cable! – fretje – 2011-02-21T09:13:17.920

Answers

Look at Synergy, it allows you to move your mouse between multiple computers, its not exactly like adding a monitor, but it does give you the ability to use both computers and only use one single interface to do so, so it is similar to the concept of multi-monitor, but processes on both monitors do not need to compete for resources, though you cannot move windows between the monitors.

From the website:

* Move your mouse easily between computers
* Requires nothing other than existing ethernet
* Copy and paste between your computers
* No need to press any buttons (unlike KVM)
* You can still use multiple monitors on the same computer
* Lock the mouse to one screen

Also a bonus, it is open source, so there is no cost to use it.

MaQleod

Posted 2011-02-21T08:35:18.293

Reputation: 12 560

Sharing a keyboard and mouse is totally not the same thing as sharing a monitor. – fretje – 2011-02-21T09:07:07.027

I am aware of that and I made it very clear in my post. I also gave the reason why it can be better or worse, depending on what the user may want. His concern was not necessarily a dual monitor, but making use of the device. This offers an alternative that is perfectly viable based on his criteria. – MaQleod – 2011-02-21T15:18:17.650

MaxiVista is what you need:

MaxiVista is a Windows software utility with four major functions:

The Extended screen mode enables you to extend your primary PC's desktop to up to three extra PCs.

The remote control mode allows you to operate multiple computers from a single mouse and keyboard.

The clipboard synchronization feature allows you to share clipboard contents with all other computers.

The mirror mode duplicates the screen contents of one computer to another computer using any network connection.

fretje

Posted 2011-02-21T08:35:18.293

Reputation: 10 524