Hello fellow lemmings!

Cross posted.

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?

  • IMALlama@lemmy.world
    2·
    2 days ago

    Rather than 4x monitors, how about bigger and higher resolution monitors? I have 2x 27" 1440 monitors. They’re fine to read at 100% scaling, which gives me tons of space to put things. I often run four columns of windows side by side - two columns per monitor. Going back to 1080 in the office is a big downgrade. You could do a similar pattern with ultra wide and/or higher resolution.

    Monitors with a built in KVM are tons cheaper in total, especially if you care about high refresh rates. I share my M27Qs and a mouse/keyboard between my personal computer and work laptop this way.

    I’m not sure that I get the need for three laptops, but you do you.

  • grue@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    3 days ago

    Need more information: Why do you want all laptops? Why do you think you need multiple computers at all?

  • papertowels@lemmy.one
    3·
    3 days ago

    I haven’t used this in many years so I can’t vouch for the current state, but I’ve used synergy to share the same mouse and keyboard across multiple computers. I think this should enable your 4 monitor dream - 2 externals and two laptops.

    You’ll also likely run into a situation where a single laptop can’t drive 4 monitors - keep that in mind.

    EDIT: I don’t know why you’re targeting 3 laptops in the future, but I would heavily suggest looking at framework laptops. They’re upgradeable, modular laptops where you can buy new motherboards to upgrade. Once you do upgrade, you can actually use the old Mobo as a desktop machine.

  • Passerby6497@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    2 days ago

    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 reason you’re set on having a single kvm? I’m WFH and have both my laptop and PC hooked up to a single set of I/O, and I bought a kvm per monitor. Sure, you have to hit extra buttons to swap around, but I like the flexibility of having a different system on each monitor and the extra on-desk USB ports it gives me.