Mac dock help

[andyuk1]

Hi all,

I hope somebody can help me please:

I have two Macs (and old one with USB-3 ports and a newer one with USB-C/Thunderbolt ports).

I am looking to be able to use both (separately) to connect to my two LCD monitors at my desk (the monitors have HMDI, DVI and VGA ports).

I am struggling to find a dock or adapter that will let me connect each Mac (separately) using USB-3 or USB-C/Thunderbolt ports.

I’m a bit of a novice at trying to set up a workstation in this way for homeworking but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[robbieduncan]

Just to confirm you want one dock that lets you attach to computers and switch between them?

 

[andyuk1]

Just to confirm you want one dock that lets you attach to computers and switch between them?

Thanks for your reply Robbie.

Yes, that is correct - I'd like a dock (or adapter) that I can use with both Macs (not at same time though) to connect to my two screens. Thanks!

 

[robbieduncan]

Sounds like you basically want a KVM. One keyboard/mouse/pair of screens and multiple computers. Not sure on the thunderbolt/USB3 part: are you hoping to share further peripherals too?

 

[andyuk1]

I have an Apple keyboard and Mouse but these will connect to both my Macs via Bluetooth. So all I really need is to make both Macs link up with the screens - sometimes I will use the old Mac (USB-3) and other times the new Mac (Thunderbolt).

 

[robbieduncan]

Will the bluetooth keyboard/mouse not be a pain? You will need to re-pair them every time to switch. Are you hoping to connect via USB3/Thunderbolt to the dock/KVM then to the screens or via HDMI/DVI?

 

[andyuk1]

>> Will the bluetooth keyboard/mouse not be a pain? You will need to re-pair them every time to switch.

It may be but I'm happy with this for now (that may change though!)

>> Are you hoping to connect via USB3/Thunderbolt to the dock/KVM then to the screens or via HDMI/DVI?

Yes, I want to find a way that will allow me to connect my Macs (separately) to the dock via USB3/Thunderbolt. The screens will then be connected to the dock.

 

[robbieduncan]

>> Will the bluetooth keyboard/mouse not be a pain? You will need to re-pair them every time to switch.

It may be but I'm happy with this for now (that may change though!)

>> Are you hoping to connect via USB3/Thunderbolt to the dock/KVM then to the screens or via HDMI/DVI?

Yes, I want to find a way that will allow me to connect my Macs (separately) to the dock via USB3/Thunderbolt. The screens will then be connected to the dock.

OK, then I think I am out. I am not aware of any solution that would allow you to connect via USB3 then to the screens via HDMI/DVI/VGA for two computers
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Did a little searching. I think this is basically what you want? https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-c...playPort-USB3DDOCKFT-Black/dp/B011NLY5J6?th=1

Not sure it will work with your screens without a further adaptor but it basically does what you want: connect two devices via USB 3 and have dual screen output. Also no idea on Mac compatibility

 

[andyuk1]

Thanks for your help Robbie.