Two MacBook Pros (one client provided) Sharing Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse

[JP Tudor]

I wanted to change my home setup to have my two MacBook pros (one for personal use and the other provided by client) sharing same Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse on the same desk. My typical work is 4AM-7AM work on my stuff then 8AM - 7PM work on client work. During the day, if I get a break, I use my machine to check email and just browse the internet.

When I work on client assignments, it is very useful to have both laptop and monitor on at same time because you often need video conf on laptop and editing monitor open. Right now I have keyboards/mice plugged into both and it kills desk space where I need to take notes all day long. If I want to check my laptop I have to unplug it from USB C hub which is super flaky and gets insanely hot.

Please assume that I can buy any monitor with HDMI switching or KVM as needed. My working budget for this is about $5K but honestly would gladly spend more if it made me more productive. That is, would buy another monitor for example.

Truly appreciate any advice!

 

[Tom_N]

There are many monitors that have multiple inputs – two or more, of some mixture of (DisplayPort, MiniDisplayPort, HDMI) – with input switching controls on the monitor itself. So even without using a USB-C docking station or a Thunderbolt 3 docking station, the monitor switching part is easy, and you don't have to spend a fortune (as long as you are not expecting to power the laptop over the monitor connection).

Switching the (wired?) keyboard and mouse, and other accessories, is where you might need to do more research, or get the feedback of others here who have tried the assorted docks and K[V]M switches.

Good luck!

 

[Tom_N]

Please assume that I can buy any monitor with HDMI switching

If your MacBook Pros have USB-C (DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3) ports, the monitor doesn't need to have two HDMI inputs. One MacBook Pro could have a 6-foot USB-C to HDMI adapter cable and the other MacBook Pro could have a 6-foot USB-C to (Mini) DisplayPort adapter cable, to take advantage of an arrangement that is more common on monitors: where the monitor has one HDMI port and built-in switching between (Min) DisplayPort and HDMI.

Cables that go from USB-C (DisplayPort) to DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, or even to single-link DVI or VGA, are inexpensive and readily available from Amazon and from other Web/mail-order suppliers.

Just check that if you are going to be using an Ultra HD / 4K monitor, that cables that you use are rated for that resolution. Also aware that many listings on Amazon are a bit confused as to whether an adapter/device is a USB-C one (that works with Thunderbolt 3 equipped computers because all Thunderbolt 3 ports are ALSO USB-C ports), or is actually one that requires Thunderbolt 3 (unlikely unless you're talking about dual daisy-chained UltraHD/4K monitors, 5K monitors, or 6K monitors).

 

[JP Tudor]

Thanks Tom - will use one of the HDMI adapters for now and research the KVM switches.

I think I'm OK because the MacBooks get charged via the USB C hub and so don't need the monitor to do that. Am tempted to splurge and get the LG monitor with the built in webcam but that's still not enough screen real estate. Also, I don't think the ports on that one actually charge the MacBooks.

Truly appreciate the quick help!

 

[CAcreeks]

Thanks Tom - will use one of the HDMI adapters for now and research the KVM switches.

I had bad experiences with KVM switch, especially video to monitor. Perhaps nowadays with digital video (HDMI, DisplayPort) it works better.

I think I'm OK because the MacBooks get charged via the USB C hub and so don't need the monitor to do that. Am tempted to splurge and get the LG monitor with the built in webcam but that's still not enough screen real estate. Also, I don't think the ports on that one actually charge the MacBooks.

You can pair a BlueTooth mouse with multiple computers. I like my Logitech M535, $29.

I'm not sure why you need a keyboard if you have Macbook keyboards, but the above applies for BlueTooth keyboards.

If you have a USB connected keyboard, it might work to get a splitter, $9.

Tom_N covered the monitor issue perfectly.

 

[JP Tudor]

Am glad you said that about KVMs. Apparently some still have lag and disconnect issues. Going to keep it simple as you mentioned using splitters if needed and what Tom suggested on monitors.

Thanks all!

 

[Tom_N]

Then there is the "Feline Accessory."

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This behavior is called "helping," also known by humans as "hampering."