this post was submitted on 29 Sep 2024
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Hello fellow lemmings!

Cross posted from pcmasterrace and techsupport

I am in need of some advice on how to expand my workstation.

I currently have 2 monitors and 2 laptops with 1 docking station that I switch back and forth between (I do have a second Bluetooth mouse that I connect to the laptop that is not currently connected to the docking station, if I need to).

I would like to have 4 monitors by the upcoming tax season. Also, I would like the option to expand to a total of 3 laptops within a couple years.

I have looked into KVM switches and the only one that I can find for 4 monitors and 2 computers is upwards of $800. Is there a KVM switch out there for 4 monitors and 3 computers, or is this just a pipedream?

What other solutions should I consider? When I expand to 3 computers in the upcoming years, would having 2 workstations be cheaper/more efficient?

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[–] owenfromcanada@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

Is there a KVM switch out there

Not that I've found. I have a similar setup (Thunderbolt dock with two monitors and two laptops). I think the single dock solution is enough for most people, so there's not much financial incentive for people to make a bigger KVM switch.

2 workstations

Depends entirely on your expected use case. Would having two different PCs active at once be helpful for you? I don't imagine it would be cheaper, but depending on your machine specs and desired performance, it could end up being cheaper (than having a dock that supports 4 displays and ensuring all your PCs can handle that through one port).