Table of Contents
- Tips for Home Office Setup
- Possible Solutions for Multiple Computers
- AV Access KVM Docking Station
- Conclusion
In the contemporary era, the rise of freelancers has paved the way for more people to explore the concept of working from home. But how do you create the ideal setup to ensure that your work-from-home experience is not only efficient but also enjoyable?
Tips for Home Office Setup
Declutter Your Workspace
The first key step is maintaining a clean and organized workspace. A clutter-free environment is crucial for both work and personal life. Thus, it’s imperative that your setup takes up minimal space and involves fewer cables, preventing your workspace from descending into chaos during work hours. Additionally, aesthetics matter, so the appearance of your devices shouldn’t be too industrialized to maintain an appealing workspace.
Ensure High Resolution & Refresh Rates
The second critical aspect is ensuring a high-resolution display. If you are an avid gamer, a high-resolution display, such as 4K, and a high refresh rate (120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, or even 240Hz) become essential. While higher resolutions and refresh rates are ideal, they can also come at a higher cost. The choice ultimately depends on your gaming needs and budget.
Embrace the Power of Multiple Monitors
The third tip is considering the use of multiple monitors, usually dual monitors. Two screens allow you to multitask more effectively, significantly boosting your productivity. Once you experience the convenience of a multi-screen setup, you may never want to return to a single-screen work environment.
Possible Solutions for Multiple Computers
To meet these requirements, many individuals turn to docking stations. These devices can be connected to a laptop via a USB-C port and then linked to two monitors. A docking station effectively facilitates video transfer from the laptop to dual monitors, enabling you to enjoy a dual-screen or even triple-screen setup. Several major computer manufacturers, including Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Microsoft, now offer these docking stations.
However, many families own multiple computers. It’s common to have one laptop and one desktop computer. Desktops have higher performance and can be used for gaming or running high-performance software, while laptops provide portability. In this situation, it is necessary to constantly plug and unplug the docking station from different computers, which can be quite inconvenient. We offer two solutions in the following parts.
Using a KVM Switch
One solution is to add a KVM switch between the two computers and the docking station. Normally, the desktop and laptop are both connected to this KVM switch, which is then shared with a single docking station. There are many options available on Amazon, but it’s essential to consider whether you need dual-screen functionality. If you do, you should select a dual-monitor KVM switch.
This solution does have a significant drawback: if your docking station has a wired network function, switching between computers may also cause your network connection to switch, which can be unacceptable in a multi-computer setup.
Using a KVM Docking Station
Another solution is to use a device that combines the KVM switch and docking station, known as a KVM docking station. This method is clearly better than the previous one. It reduces clutter on your desk by consolidating both functions into one device and eliminates the need for extra cables between devices, resulting in a cleaner setup.
AV Access KVM Docking Station
However, switching between multiple computers can introduce some other issues, such as problems with computer sleep and wake, as well as screen flickering and resolution adjustments during switching. A technical explanation for this is that it relates to whether the device supports EDID emulation. If it doesn’t support EDID emulation, you might experience screen flickering, and other issues.
KVM docking stations are preferable as a more integrated solution. However, AV Access has broken through the technical challenges and launched two AV Access KVM docking stations. They are priced at less than $300 on our site, which are more cost-effective than buying a separate docking station and KVM switch.
AV Access also offers a range of professional KVM products, and I particularly recommend their iDock-C10, which supports two computers: a desktop and a laptop. It connects to the laptop via a USB-C interface, supports MST dual-screen, and provides charging. Importantly, it also offers a wired network connection that remains stable during switching, which is crucial, especially in situations where Wi-Fi quality may be poor, such as remote meetings.
The device also has an SD card slot and an SPDIF interface, which is a professional optical audio output for connecting to a surround sound system. You can even use it to enjoy high-quality audio.
Furthermore, it appears to have addressed the issues related to high refresh rates, wake-up functionality, and EDID emulation. Its aluminum alloy casing also adds to its appearance. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as remote work continues to shape the way we operate, investing in a well-optimized work-from-home setup is a step toward maximizing productivity and comfort. Whether you’re an avid gamer or a professional seeking top-notch performance, the right setup can make all the difference. So, explore the possibilities, invest wisely, and make your work-from-home experience truly exceptional.
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