I have a single 43" curved monitor that I use for almost everything. I actually bought it right before the pandemic for gaming, but I have been using it a lot for work since then. It's so easy viewing reports and excel sheets on this massive screen, and now I'm spoiled. I would prefer to use the large monitor for work related activities while I'm working.

So I end up switching the HDMI cable from the back of my desktop to my work computer and vice versa depending on what I'm doing and if I need to extend my monitor.

My latest client is a larger tech firm that distributes their own laptops to their employees. So now I have a work laptop, a client laptop, and my gaming desktop in my office with one beautiful monitor. I am going back and forth between my client laptop and my work laptop all day, and switching the cables out gets really annoying.

Is there a clean, subtle HDMI switch box that might help make the transition between these 3 computers easier? I'd love something small that can help me de-clutter my workspace. Bonus points if I can wirelessly duplicate a tablet screen or 4th laptop (but that's not required).

Any advice would be appreciated. I know a lot of you probably have the same issues.

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Posted by guedeaux

Tardis

Member since Jan 2008

13609 posts

Posted on 2/2/21 at 2:03 pm to dewster

KVM

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Posted by Joshjrn

Baton Rouge

Member since Dec 2008

27062 posts

Posted on 2/2/21 at 2:13 pm to dewster

Doesn't have quite the bells and whistles you're looking for, but assuming your monitor has multiple inputs (which that kind of gaming monitor absolutely should), what about just a usb hub with DP outs?

Something like these: LINK

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Posted by ColdDuck

BR via da Parish

Member since Sep 2006

2761 posts

Posted on 2/2/21 at 5:50 pm to dewster

Use Remote Desktop and just remote into the other 2 computers from the gaming computer. Windows 10 Pro comes with RDP, just turn it on. Then just crank up the other 2 computers with no monitor connected and RDP to them.

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Posted by BabySam

Member since Oct 2010

1504 posts

Posted on 2/3/21 at 7:02 pm to dewster

Hdmi switch seems like the answer...check amazon

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Posted by pheroy

Raleigh, NC

Member since Oct 2006

704 posts

Posted on 2/4/21 at 2:17 pm to dewster

RDP is probably the cheapest solution if you have Win Pro already.

I've used multiple PCs/devices of various types for years. (Win, Mac, thin clients etc.) Mostly have used KVMs from IOGear with solid results. I currently run 2 24" monitors so I've been using one of their dual monitor KVM, model GCS-1642. For the 43" monitor I assume it's a 4K resolution so you'd want to be sure a KVM supports 4K. I have a desktop & laptop hooked up like this.

Edit: the advantage to a KVM of course is the K & M, keyboard & mouse, are switched in addition to the video where a straight HDMI switcher would still require physical switching of those.

I also run a Mac Mini as a digital front end to my stereo system (running Tidal app and JRiver MC to a DAC), and use the Mac equivalent of RDP with VNC from my Win desktop to get to that one b/c it's physically elsewhere.

This post was edited on 2/4/21 at 2:20 pm

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Posted by GEAUXmedic

Premium Member

Member since Nov 2011

41598 posts

Posted on 2/5/21 at 2:41 pm to dewster

This is the hdmi switch I use:

LINK

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Posted by dewster

Chicago

Member since Aug 2006

25342 posts

Posted on 2/5/21 at 9:50 pm to dewster

I got a 4 port switch set up today and it works well. I need to get a webcam now because my laptops are just plugged in on the shelf. Don’t need to open them even.

My desk is now so much more organized.

Thanks!

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