Update to working from home setup

shredgodxp · 10 Aug 2023 at 06:53

Basically due to my job I have the ability to work from home a few days a week and i'm looking for a way to increase efficiency in terms of using my laptop along with my desktop PC.

Currently, I run a HDMI from my existing desktop monitor and have to unplug my keyboard/Mouse and plug them into my laptop every time I want to work from home and use my existing monitor setup. Is there a device or setup where I can leave everything plugged into this and when i'm working just plug my laptop into it and have video ran onto my main monitor (without the need to mess with any cables)?

I've looked into docking stations but not sure if these would work without hampering the gaming portion of my PC.

Rroff · 10 Aug 2023 at 07:02

What you want is some form of KVM - one of the better known brands being Aten. There are also USB switchers if you don't need to switch video as well.

mickyflinn · 10 Aug 2023 at 07:02

KVM switch will do it once set up .

throwaway4372 · 10 Aug 2023 at 07:02

Called a kvm switch

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Rroff · 10 Aug 2023 at 07:12

There are also other options like "Mouse without Borders" but personally I find a hardware solution better.

shredgodxp · 10 Aug 2023 at 07:34

Rroff said:
What you want is some form of KVM - one of the better known brands being Aten. There are also USB switchers if you don't need to switch video as well.

I don't think i'll need to switch video but not sure - my desktop will be switched off when I use my laptop and I have spare inputs on monitor (HDMI/USB) so my plan would be to look for a device which can support 2x HDMI monitors (1440p res on 1) with space where I can connect USB devices to (KB/Mouse) so perhaps a simple KVM would suffice?

Semple · 10 Aug 2023 at 08:16

If you've got a decent keyboard/mouse/monitor and the WFH is long term I'd avoid using them tbh. An extra 8 hours a day wear and tear for 3 days a week for the next 5 years will shorten the lifespan of them. Your employer is then unlikely to pay out for an expensive replacement.

.Ox. · 10 Aug 2023 at 11:13

Depending on how easy it is to switch inputs on your monitor, you could just go with a USB switch for the mouse & keyboard, then flick over to the other input.
It's more actions, but if your monitor refresh rate is above 60hz then you won't be limiting your refresh rate by introducing a KVM.

I have a UGreen USB switch button under my desk, then it's 4 button presses on my monitor which is in muscle memory now.

CaNsA · 10 Aug 2023 at 13:14

.Ox. said:
I have a UGreen USB switch button under my desk, then it's 4 button presses on my monitor which is in muscle memory now.

I have the same setup.

Works very well, sometimes causes issues with my logitech mouse but a batch file restart of the service ain't all that much of a hassle.

Hawk Tuah · 10 Aug 2023 at 13:17

I RDP onto the laptop from my primary (own) PC.

.Ox. · 10 Aug 2023 at 13:44

CaNsA said:
I have the same setup.

Works very well, sometimes causes issues with my logitech mouse but a batch file restart of the service ain't all that much of a hassle.

To save on USB ports (mini itx) I've got my keyboard and mouse plugged into my monitor USB hub, which occasionally struggles with the keyboard (spilt beer on it years ago)
Turning the monitor off/on gets it working again. I think it's more likely the monitor hub/keyboard than the switch.

CaNsA · 10 Aug 2023 at 14:22

Bug One said:
I RDP onto the laptop from my primary (own) PC.

I have my work kit isolated from other devices on my network.