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Question

Laptop/Desktop/Dual Monitor Solution

Apr 17, 2014 8:51AM PDT

Just got a new job, and they're giving me a Dell XPS 12 to use at work and remotely. I have an iMac and Macbook at home, so I'm considering getting rid of everything Apple and going with a new PC with dual monitors, and attach a docking station. I need a PC at home so laptop/docking station alone won't work (others use desktop).

1) If desktop is connected to monitors, and I also connect the monitors to docking station, how do I switch monitors for laptop use when I have the laptop connected to docking station?
2) Is there some kind of adapter/switch that would let me switch all the peripherals (keyboard/mouse/monitors) from desktop mode to laptop/docking station?
3) I plan to get a desktop with high end video card (maybe dual)...I know the laptop won't be able to drive the monitors with same resolution as desktop, but will switching from desktop to laptop create any resolution probs or will the monitors just default to laptop's display settings?

Thanks for any advice!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Ideas.
Apr 17, 2014 9:09AM PDT

1. MaxVista from http://www.maxivista.com/
2. "Dock"? I haven't seen folk use docks for over a decade as we are pretty wireless except for power.
Bob

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Dock
Apr 17, 2014 9:15AM PDT

Thanks for the reply Bob, I will check that out...Dell still sells several docking solutions, mainly because most laptops can only output to 1 external monitor, and nobody wants to plug in power, ethernet, multiple usbs, etc every time they come/go from work to home. At my current office, most everyone has a docking station with dual monitors connected, and their work keyboard/mouse attached, so they don't have to drag it all home.

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I would be guessing what the question is now.
Apr 17, 2014 9:17AM PDT

If you are getting a Dell model with docking, I wouldn't know what the question is now. Maybe you wanted to talk about a VGA or HDMI "switch" box?
Bob

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Dock
Apr 17, 2014 9:49AM PDT

The dock itself has an HDMI & DVI output, but my question mainly centers on how I switch from the desktop to the laptop, when I want to use laptop as primary computer. I thought a KVM switch was appropriate, but not sure how it would work with an attached docking station.

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Sounds like a video switch is required.
Apr 17, 2014 10:24AM PDT

KVM sounds like overkill as we put the laptop into the dock and use the external display. So, dock, switch the video switch and use it.
Bob