How to leverage a desktop iMacPro with a Macbook Pro?

Question

Trapped at home with COVID (not diagnosed, but sheltering in place). My company will not allow me to install VPN software on my desktop (an iMac Pro). However, I have my Macbook Pro 16 with me that does have VPN.

My hope was to be able to mirror the screen via Thunderbolt so I could take advantage of the larger monitor. I was also hoping to reuse the wireless keyboard and mouse from my iMac Pro.

Is there an easy way to in effect turn the iMac Pro in to a display while (easily) switching the mouse and keyboard between desktop and laptop? I am fine twice a day reconnecting Bluetooth between them if necessary but hoping there is a more lightweight solution.

Stay healthy and safe all!

Answer 1

I would use NoMachine for macOS for this.

Basically, install NoMachine on both computers, and setup the MacBook Pro as a NoMachine server (and note the IP address). Connect to it from the iMac, and you'll be able to quickly switch control between the two computers with a keystroke and mouse-click. You can control the MacBook Pro almost as though you sitting at the console: either in full screen or a separate window. NoMachine is very configurable: it forwards audio, connects to local devices, etc.