Hybrid Desk setup advice

[Philgr]

I need help, suggestions, advice with how to config my desk space for my requirements.

Current desk space

This space was never planned to be a working from home space, like most people COVID changed that, and i now find myself working from home approx 50% of the time and the requirements for this space have changed.

As can be seen from the pic, i have 2 work laptops (2 x different companies, which i need to switch between for teams meetings, network file access etc..) currently I only have one laptop connected to the larger monitor.

I have a 2012 iMac which i plan to retire and replace with a Mac Studio & large monitor

My ideal requirements are

• One central workstation that i can switch between 2 x work laptops and a Mac studio
• single mouse / keyboard / headset
• plenty of screen real estate.

What is confusing me is what i need to achieve the above, or even if i can ! , there seems to be a multitude of hubs, switches etc..

any suggestions on how to achieve my hybrid desk space would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Phil G

 

[mk313]

So I only have two computers, but I'm in a similar situation. Here's what worked for me:

1. Logitech MX Keys keyboard (can connect to up to three devices & switch pretty seamlessly)
2. Logitech MX Anywhere Mouse (I think I have the 2, but the 3 is the current one) (this can also connect to up to 3 computers & switches between them easily)
3. I have a 34" Samsung monitor that has 2 HDMI ports & a Display Port one. It wasn't super expensive, but I can easily connect between both of my computers with it. It uses a little toggle switch so it's not as simple to move between as the mouse/Keyboard are, but it works pretty well.
4. Twelve South Curve Laptop Stand. This puts my work laptop at about screen height to my external monitor & works great to have a second screen for email, while I work off the main screen. I like the Curve over other laptop stands because it has an open space underneath where I can store my second (personal) laptop, so that after work, I can just switch the keyboard, mouse & monitor over & I"m good to do personal stuff. On the weekends, I put away the work laptop & move the personal one up on top of the Curve.

As fas as headsets go. I"m not sure how you have them plugged in, but Can you just plug into the 3.5mm jack on the different laptops as you need to? I bought a cheap 3.5mm to USB-c adapter for my headset & use that, as it gives me better audio than the 3.5mm jack (less background noise). I know that my Brother in Law had a bluetooth headset (I think it was a plantronics one though I'n not 100% sure) that connected to three inputs via bluetooth, that might be an option for you too.

You can also connect multiple computers to one keyboard, mouse, etc using a KVM, but I prefer to have the wireless setup as it just looks cleaner on the desk.