Setting up home desktop and work laptop configuration
Setting up home desktop and work laptop configuration
For my home setup I have a Windows 10 desktop with two monitors (one HDMI, one DP) and standard peripherals. For work, I use a company-managed laptop that restricts driver installations. Currently, when working from home, I connect one monitor to the laptop via HDMI and use another keyboard and mouse. This allows me to keep my desktop available but it uses up a lot of space—two mice, two keyboards, and it’s somewhat cumbersome. I explored KVM switches and Plugable Sharing switches, thinking they could meet my needs, though they fell short. What I aim for is simplicity: only one mouse and one keyboard for both the laptop+monitor and the desktop connected to the other monitor, eliminating the need to plug in and unplug anything constantly. I’d appreciate your guidance on achieving this. Thank you ahead of time.
As above, but consider a lower-tech approach: manually plug and unplug.
How often does this need to happen?
Using the right extension cables can make connecting devices easier by keeping them in a convenient spot without having to dig under the desk or elsewhere.
This eliminates the need for extra switches, KVM units, or their cables.
You might still need an extension cable, but overall it’s much simpler.
It also keeps you more mindful of connections at any moment after doing some deliberate plug/unplug actions.
"Automation" is appealing, but simplicity can feel better.
That’s my take on the situation.
Logitech MX works well, but consider adding three monitors to each rig and having a method to copy-paste between them that fits your needs. A good laptop mount might offer more convenience than a great mouse if it sacrifices responsiveness.