Desktop/Laptop Docking Station Question

aeonrevolution

aeonrevolution

2[H]4U
Joined
Aug 30, 2004
Messages
2,668
Looking for some pointers on what type of device I would be looking for if anyone has a second. Sorry this is so long, hard to explain in text.

I have a a desktop PC and a work laptop. My work laptop has a docking station that I run my laptop to which then outputs to my 49" ultra wide at home, or two separate monitors at the office. When I am at home I manually change my keyboard over to the docking station. The work mouse is a Logi receiver on the laptop itself, desktop mouse never gets touched.

For my work setup I flip display port cables, removing the desktop cable from the monitor and plugging in the display port from the docking station. I then switch the keyboard cable from my desktop to the docking station.

I'd like to find a device that would let me simply hit a button and the whole setup would flip between desktop and work laptop. So basically a button where the monitor changes sources, but the input peripherals plugged into the docking station are still in use.

Any ideas how I could achieve this?
 
For one button switching a KVM is what you need. Modern ones generally support 1-2 DisplayPort connections (dual screen costs more of course) and USB switching. Make sure you get a KVM with a sufficient DP version. You might also look into using multiple inputs on the monitor and turning it into a 2-button job if the price of a suitable KVM doesn't seem worth it. USB switches are dirt cheap.

Personally I just use a cheap USB switch and change monitor inputs using the buttons on the monitor. The reason for that is when I'm working I like to be able to switch the keyboard & mouse between my work & personal PCs independently. I have a side screen that's always connected to my machine. My machine is the one with the speakers, so I use it as a music player while I'm working plus I'll have my personal email and such open on that side screen.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top