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?

  • papertowels
    3·
    3 months 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.

    • sbv@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      3 months ago

      Synergy can be pretty good. I think it syncs clipboards and stuff like that, doesn’t it?

      • papertowels
        2·
        3 months ago

        The website suggests it does. I just remember it served me well when I needed it.