Recommendations for Monitor with USB hub

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  freefall101 on 07/09/2024 - 15:19

  +1

  No, it's not going to work how you want. There's only a single USB-C upstream cable, which is what delivers all the peripherals to the computer in question. You're going to have to switch that cable between your laptop and desktop depending on which one you want to use (or get a small USB switch for it). You're also going to still have to run USB + HDMI to your work laptop, which is a bit annoying.

  You can get monitors with a KVM built into them, I have a Dell P3424WEB (not what you want, it's 60hz) that I run USB-C to my laptop and a USB-A upstream and HDMI cable to my desktop then just switch between them.

  • 

    cimark on 07/09/2024 - 17:30

    Thanks for responding!

    Ok…so how about this. I plug both machines into my monitor. Keyboard, mouse, headphones are wireless and I put a receiver on both machines. As long as I only ever turn one machine on at a time, would the monitor display the machine that is on and will the peripherals auto connect to said machine?

    I did take a look at monitors with built in KVM but did not see any within spec and budget…

    Thanks again.

    • 

      freefall101 on 07/09/2024 - 18:04

      +1

      Most monitors will automatically go with whatever signal is coming in. It's like a TV, you can easily switch between sources but it defaults to one with a signal, that's not complicated.

      The other devices is no. Firstly, there is no single receiver that works with keyboard, mouse and headphones, I assume you mean bluetooth? Some keyboards and mice allow to have multiple connections but you'll need to press the button on each to switch device. There are multipoint headphones that'll handle the multiple connections too, on bluetooth, those would work fine.

      But what I don't understand is why any of this is easier than a simple KVM? Just buy one with a little remote button and hook it to the back of your monitor. It perfectly solves your problem and it's exactly why they exist. Turning computers on and off all the time sounds like a pain.

      • 

        cimark on 07/09/2024 - 21:26

        Thanks again. I agree I thought a KVM was the solution so I got one…

        https://www.austin.net.au/products/simplecom-km420-2-port-hd…

        But I found the cables really annoying and the switching very clunky. Sometimes I would switch and the peripherals would not switch but the monitors would. But this is with both machines running, so I guess I could just use them one at a time…

        Thanks for all the responses, literally saved me a bunch of cash. Will still be getting a monitor, but just wanna figure out a solution for switching peripherals.

        Open to any suggestions.

• 

  BewareOfThe Dog on 07/09/2024 - 21:43

  You can get a usb hub that attaches to the monitor. I had one on an imac 21

• 

  vu on 08/09/2024 - 04:54

  If you're still open to trying out more KVM switches, you may need to spend more than $39 and buy a possibly more reliable one.

  I haven't tried any of this myself, and YMMV, but it appears Anker and UGREEN make the switch you are after and they both cost at least 3 times the amount of the first switch you tried. As long as all your peripherals plug into the switch, it should be seamless.

  https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CS3H4TCL
  https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CFFFHFJT

  • 

    cimark on 08/09/2024 - 09:11

    Thanks for the response.

    Yeah I kinda thought I'd "dip my toes in" figuratively speaking to see if a KVM switch was for me. Turned out not to be a very elegant solution. Or maybe I need better cable management I dunno.

    Like I said in my update, maybe a wireless keyboard and mouse that can switch between multiple devices is the way. But they cost (for a decent set) about as much as the KVM 's you have suggested…

    I dunno man. Maybe I'll just keep overthinking until Cyber Monday then get everything hahaha.

    • 

      vu on 09/09/2024 - 09:55

      The two switches I linked to, like mitty's below, have a small separate wired remote to switch between devices so as long as you can hide everything else under the desk, it should be a pretty clean setup.

      Monitors with built in switches do exist, but not with the specs you've after. Scorptec have a category, other retailers also stock some (search kvm monitor).

      With an external switch you're adding another device in the chain, so it may increase the response time, though likely indistinguishable. That's why it's probably better to spend a bit more than what you initially did.

      You just need to determine what you're willing to compromise on. A switch is a cheaper investment and you can pair it with any monitor you want. A monitor with a built in switch severely limits your choices, even more so when you factor in your desired specs (price is out of the question).

• 

  mitty on 08/09/2024 - 07:45

  I have one of these (though mine is dual HDMI, though otherwise it's the same) https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/285712795248?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mk…

  Works well, the actual unit is hidden under my desk and only the small USB control pad with four buttons is on the desk under my monitor, I can switch between four different devices with it. I have two PCs, Laptop dock, and Xbox plugged into it. Works fine for my purposes. Though I believe Mine was quite a bit cheaper than this one a couple of years ago when I bought it :(. I used to run two monitors off it but now only run one.

  • 

    cimark on 08/09/2024 - 09:00

    Yo. What an absolute monster KVM haha.

    Thanks for the response. Since I'm in the market for a new monitor I might just bite the bullet and get one with a KVM built in. I dunno.

• 

  Lexar ANZ Chris on 09/09/2024 - 16:06

  I used to think the way OP think as well.
  But after checking how much it cost me to achieve that kind of switch.
  I decided to spent extra 350 dollars and solved my issues completely：
  I bought additonal set of keyboard and mouse in a different colour.

• 

  xylarr on 12/09/2024 - 09:42

  +1

  I have a Dell U3419W - it won't satisfy you because of the Hz requirements.
  But it has multiple upstream USB.
  One is USB-C which also carries video. I use that for my work laptop.
  The other is a USB-B which goes upstream to my desktop. It also has a Display Port cable for Video.
  I plug the keyboard, mouse, headphones, web-cam into the monitor.

  So yeah, you will want at least a USB-C and USB-B port, then several (at least four) USB-A ports.The problem I have found is that generally these features are targeted at more business monitors or monitors will good colour gamut for design work. For gaming, you don't tend to get any of this.

  • 

    cimark on 13/09/2024 - 20:58

    Thanks for the response! I was wondering if a USB C monitor would work like that. I have ended up with a solution actually. Not the most elegant but not too bad with a bit more cable management. I ended up getting a USB switch. In the end I figure I could use it for any monitor and it wouldn't cut out the gaming monitor selection, as you have pointed out USB hubs is more of a productivity thing. With a switch it also didn't affect peripheral choice. I did look for wireless gaming keyboard that could connect to multiple sources. May as well buy a whole new monitor lol.