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Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

...well, actually, computers.

Earlier the week I received an newsletter from Stardock Corporation, the creators of WindowBlinds, DesktopX and Object Desktop.  In that newsletter was mention of a new product that they were releasing called Multiplicity.  Here's a blurb from their website:

Multiplicity is a brand new program that lets you control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse.

If you've ever used a multiple monitor equipped PC, then you can imagine how Multiplicity works. Each monitor is connected to its own PC. When the user moves the mouse over to a given monitor, the user is then controlling that PC.

It's ideal for power users, engineers, graphics designers, gamers, or anyone else who has ever seen the benefit of multiple monitors but wants the full power of multiple computers working seamlessly together. Multiplicity Pro even lets you copy and paste folders/files between machines.

I immediately downloaded the 15day trial and used it with my main machine and a laptop.  I was immediately hooked.  This product is easy to install, easy to use and, so far, rock solid.  I even went out this afternoon and picked up another monitor just to get the right sort of setup... now with a laptop on the left... main machine in the center and another development machine to the right.  Three monitors using three different processors... all controlled seamlessly from one keyboard and mouse.  The clipboard functionality works great.  The other night was playing World of Warcraft on the center screen and could not only monitor Email and IM occurring, but could respond accordingly.  That's something you can't do with a multi-monitor configuration using Windows.

I normally don't post about products, but I have to say this one is definitely changing the way I interact with these machines on a daily basis.  And it only cost me $69.95... well and the price of another monitor ;-)  But the KVM is outta here.

[1] - Multiplicity @ Startdock Corporations website.

Published Friday, March 04, 2005 10:39 PM by CorySmith
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Comments

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Saturday, March 05, 2005 12:37 AM by Mike Gunderloy
I probably shouldn't mention this now that you've spent the money, but (at least for two machines) Win2VNC will dot he same for free... http://fredrik.hubbe.net/win2vnc.html

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Saturday, March 05, 2005 1:54 AM by Cory Smith
Thanks for the post and there's really no need to appologize :-D

I am aware of Win2VNC. I think you missed a very important message in my post: "easy to install, easy to use and, so far, rock solid."

Also, one of the "known issues" for Win2VNC is: "Win2VNC is not able to send Alt-Tab, Ctrl-Alt-Del and other syskey events to the client computer. I hope to fix this in the future by using directinput." -- This product does not suffer from such deficiencies.

And the fact that it refers to itself as a "dual-screen hack for Windows", that doesn't inspire me to rush out and use it. Another point is the lack of the clipboard component... the fact that I can grab a link from one computer... move the mouse to the other computer, launch a new browser and past the link... very nice. Whether Win2VNC can do this, I don't know... but I do have to say that Multiplicity does it transparently.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Saturday, March 05, 2005 1:56 AM by Cory Smith
Oh yeah... forgot to mention... the 2 screen version without the file copy/paste functionality is only $39.95.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Saturday, March 05, 2005 2:41 PM by Scott C. Reynolds
This....is....cool! Thanks!

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Saturday, March 05, 2005 2:48 PM by T. Bradley Dean
I use Win2VNC over 2 computers with 3 monitors:

http://tbdean.com/images/workstation.jpg

It supports Alt-Tab and Ctrl-Alt-Del on the second computer is Ctrl-Alt-Ins. Clipboard sharing it also supported.

The only problem is that if I'm in the second computer and a message box pops up in the primary computer then I'll lose my mouse cursor in both. I've got to do Ctrl-Alt-Del bringing up Task Manager, kill Win2VNC, and restart it. HUGE pain in the ass. I'm going to download the Demo of multiplicity, I'll gladly pay $60 to get rid of that.

Let me point out that this kind of set up is perfect for developers. My main computer has two 17" LCDs and runs Visual Studio .Net and nothing else! This way nothing can contaminate the machine.

The second machine has a 17" LCD (it helps if all three monitors are exactly identical) and runs everything else: Outlook, iTunes, Stardocks Object dock, Desktop Sidebar, Trillian, etc.

Last November I had a problem where iTunes &%&@-ed up and I had to reinstall everything. If that happens again, with any app, I can continue working in VS.net while the secondary machine is down.

Also, the second machine works great for testing. Since it has no development tools, no licensed ActiveX's, ect. it's great for finding those unreproducable bugs. You know, the bugs that don't show up in the IDE but when you compile and run from an EXE they suddenly show up again? Add debug statements and run the app from your second machine!

Sorry for the long post, but this is just such an awesome setup. I've become a bit of an evangelist.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Sunday, March 06, 2005 2:34 AM by Jeff Atwood
> World of Warcraft on the center screen and could not only monitor Email and IM occurring, but could respond accordingly. That's something you can't do with a multi-monitor configuration using Windows.

Due to DirectX fullscreen game input locking. That's about the ONLY thing you can't do with a traditional multi-mon config. And if you're playing a game less, uh, boring* than WOW it's likely to demand more of your attention and thus offer less opportunity for actual interaction with other monitors.

I see this as a specialized, niche solution for gamers who play slow-paced games.

* my opinion only, of course, but based on several failed attempts to play. It's like trying to decide which number key on your keyboard is your favorite one!

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Sunday, March 06, 2005 6:03 AM by Cory Smith
You know... I had a nice long post completed that I decided to not post... rather hold my tongue just a bit. Jeff, it's obvious that you don't see value is such a product as a solution to a problem that obviously exists for some individuals. I was going to attempt to rip you a new one, however the fact that I don't know you, the chance that you may never see the response and bringing others into it just didn't seem fair; so I decided against doing such.

But I will comment on one specific piece that you stated:

"as a specialized, niched solution"

I'm leaving out the "for gamers..." so I can make a point. Specialized, niche solutions are the products of someone sitting there one day and thinking... hey, this is a problem... and... if I did this... it'd be a great solution. Sometimes these solutions are good enough to turn into something that could be marketable. And sure, there will even be people out there like you who don't see any value in such a thing. This is alright. It's not like I'm holding a gun to your head and forcing you to try the product or buy it.

I'm not sure what the purpose of your post was. Are you trying to criticize me for my taste in games? What? I guess I'm a bit lost as to exactly the point were were trying to make.

Obviously others see some value in the proposed solution to a problem that obviously exists... just read the comments prior to yours.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Sunday, March 06, 2005 6:06 AM by Cory Smith
Scott:

You are very welcome.

Bradley:

Excellent comments! No need to applogize for a long posting... you state some points that I probably should have ;-)

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Sunday, March 06, 2005 11:27 PM by Jeff Atwood
> I'm a bit lost as to exactly the point were were trying to make

My point: this is a HIGHLY specialized product. For most people, multiple monitors and remote desktop is a more effective (and basically free) solution.

The main advantage it has is dealing with fullscreen input locking apps = games. And even within games, only that subset of games that offers enough "downtime" that you could really pause the game and mess with IM on another monitor (eg, MMORPGs).

I'm also sick of having a room full of computers. Do you know how frickin' hot it gets in here? I may have to take Nelly's advice and take off all my clothes. And nobody wants that, believe me!

# Multiplicity or Remote Desktop: Control multiple machines from a single keyboard / mouse.

Monday, March 07, 2005 11:56 AM by Dim Blog As New ThoughtStream(me)
Why use Multiplicty when Remote Desktop does the same thing, for free?

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Monday, March 07, 2005 5:31 PM by Dustin Mihalik
Once again, it's not that useful since you've already bought Multiplicity, but Synergy (http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/) is also a great program for this.

It might not have all the features of Multiplicty (I've not downloaded the Multiplicity demo yet), but it does all the clipboard sharing, support of 2+ servers, and also runs on Windows, Linux, and OS X.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Monday, March 07, 2005 6:58 PM by Cory Smith
Was not aware of Synergy... I'll have to download that one and give it a go to compare features and ease of use. Not really needing multiple OS support, but it's good to know that option is available if the need arises.

Also, not that I actually run screensavers, but the screen saver sync sounds kind of cool. If nothing else, I need to suggest that feature to the Multiplicity guys.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Monday, March 07, 2005 7:01 PM by Cory Smith
Remote Desktop does the same thing!?!? That's a new one to me... anyone else able to confirm? (That's a retorical comment -- unless of course it really can do the same thing -- which, of course, I really doubt it.)

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Wednesday, March 09, 2005 2:48 AM by vbNullString
Very nice! I just went ahead and bought it... Well, before I knew about synergy. Never tried it, but if I could have done the same thing, I wouldn't have bought it, but hey, we should contribute to software engineers once in a while, shouldn't we? I'd like to be shown some appreciation if someone uses my software too!

I don't think you can do the same thing with Remote Desktop like Multiplicity. I guess he meant the same thing in that you can control multiple CPUs from one set of keyboard and mouse.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Friday, April 08, 2005 9:08 PM by darkxst
try synergy is rocks, has linux and mac support as well :)

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Tuesday, May 03, 2005 5:16 AM by Dusty
I think that if you'd done some looking around you'd see that you wasted your money paying for the 'features' of Multiplicity when you could just use win2vnc. I know someone else already mentioned it, and you already stated it's apparent downfalls, but there are patched versions out there that include copy/paste, clipboard sharing, ctl-alt-delete sending, mousewheel support, ability to use it on more than 2 computers, etc. Plus, it's not difficult to install OR use, unless you don't know anything about computers. Oh yeah, and to the guy who has been shutting down the process to get out of the message box/pop-up lock thing, all you have to do is move the mouse over to the client computer and click it and the mouse appears again.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Thursday, May 26, 2005 3:54 PM by raymond
I'm sorry but I have bought multiplicity, tried win2vnc, and syngery, and multiplicity tops them all. win2vnc is a pain to use, synergy is riddled with bugs (I can't count how many times i've completely lost my mouse and simply had to reboot). multiplicity_simply_works. BAM.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Friday, June 17, 2005 11:29 AM by Gary King
I don't see why people are having problems with Synergy. I haven't had any so far. The only one that I have experienced is that the mouse wheel scrolls too quickly, but that isn't that big a deal.

Although, I must say, if Multiplicity ever offers multi-platform support, or at least Windows + OS X, then I'd be hooked. And buy it in a second.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Saturday, July 30, 2005 3:09 PM by peaston
Multiplicity is wonderful...when it works. I disagree about being easy to set up. Every time I've tried to set multiplicity on my laptop with a new desktop, it has been an ordeal. I found this site googling for help. The new "troubleshooting" feature in the newest version of Multiplicity says I have everything set up correctly and running. But it simply will not connect. Help files and on-line support not very good. I would not mind paying the money for the pro version, even with cheaper alternatives, if there was better support. Esp. since I get this through ThinkDesk, a subscription service. Other subscription services, like ActiveWords, have great support, which is why I pay every year to use their software. Stardock has expensive subscriptions w/o the support.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Thursday, March 09, 2006 3:04 PM by JeffC
Well, I have to agree that Multiplicity is nice. I would guess that if you don't understand the need for it then you are probably better off with a KVM or VNC solution. Spaning two monitors (two systems) with the same keyboard and mouse, with only a smooth move to the edge of the screen is very nice. I've done the KVM route and the VNC route, but the only way to explain Multiplicity is "power user". Sorry to use that phrase, but I use it to drive two systems and bounce between them faster than a KVM could switch and more responsive than a VNC. It does take you to a new level.

My chief complaint is the loss of my extra mouse buttons in the client. Also, it seems to loose the ability to handle ALT-TAB and CTRL-ALT-BACKSPACE quite often. So it is not without its bugs.

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Sunday, April 02, 2006 3:29 AM by SteveD
I have my main computer on two monitors ( via a two output video card) so I have a nice big dual monitor display. Since both monitors allow for a second input (and easing switching back and forth) I wanted two additional computers on each of the other displays. I noticed synergy doesn't work with a dual monitor on one computer setup. Or does it? Or what else does?

Given current dual out vcards, cheap monitors with duals in - many more people will begin to use my setup ( both monitors for your main computer with secondary computers hanging off the secnond in of each monitor.

Anyone know which solution (tightvnc, synergy, multiplicty, win2vnc, remore desktop works best for this ) setup?

thanks in advance, steve

# re: Multiplicity... changing the way I use a computer...

Wednesday, May 03, 2006 12:11 AM by Travis
I have 4 PC's with 3 monitors and 1 keyboard & mouse i use a 2 port KVM switch between my main PC and my Gaming PC so all my mouse buttons work on the gaming rig i used to use multiplicity on the 3 of them (except Gaming) however after recently switching one to linux i could no longer run multi on all of them and had to switch to synergy on the linux box and win server. im still running Mulit on both windows PC's until i make the switch over to all synergy if all goes well.

All in all Multiplicity is a great program which is rock solid. a few bumps in the road every now and then with firewalls and such but overall great app if your running all Windows PC's

# Multiplicity - Bloody Sweet

Sunday, July 22, 2007 10:50 PM by Tales from the SharpSide

Multiplicity - Bloody Sweet

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