I'm new to this forum, and I'm looking for advice on a hub or dock that can help me switch easily between my two laptops. I have a Dell 16 Pro DB16250, which connects via RJ45, and I also need to use my part-time company's Dell 15 DC15250 laptop. I want to avoid setting up two separate workstations due to lack of space. I heard that Dell doesn't make a compatible dock for both laptops. Is there a generic option out there or any other solutions that would make this switching process smoother? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
You need a KVM that supports dual USB-C connections, allowing you to connect both laptops at once. I suggest getting a USB-C dock paired with a USB switch; this way, you can easily toggle between computers with just a flip of a switch. However, there aren’t many reliable docks designed specifically for this purpose. Switching isn't super complex, so there might be limited demand for a dedicated dock.
You should definitely look into getting a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch! For most Dell laptops that utilize HDMI, a USB3 HDMI KVM would work perfectly. If your other device uses DisplayPort, you may need to invest in a DP switch, but keep in mind that it might require an active DP to HDMI cable to function properly. I’ve had mixed results with passive cables, so be cautious!
Thanks for the tip! I assume with a KVM, I can easily switch between both laptops without disconnecting a ton of cables each time?
I've had good luck using a Lenovo 40AF USB dock when switching between different laptops, including my Lenovo and HP models. Dell has similar USB docks available, but I've never tried them. It might be worth checking out!
I recommend checking out the Logitech Dock, it works fantastic with USB-C power and offers multiple USB-A/C ports, plus HDMI and DisplayPort options. It also allows for seamless teleconferencing! I pair it with a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse that lets me switch between devices easily. Might be perfect for your setup!
If you’re okay with a bit of a different setup, I actually just use remote desktop to bring up my work laptop on my personal system with two big screens. It's simple and I don’t need any extra KVM equipment. Just a thought!
Got it—just to clarify, I meant switching in the sense of docking and undocking. I only want one laptop connected at a time, so if I can just plug and unplug one cable to swap, that would be ideal! Sorry for any confusion.