Computer Setup Suggestions

[TDIRunner]

I recently picked up a new desktop computer.  However, I often times work from home and I have to use my work laptop when I do.  I'm looking for a good way to run my keyboard/mouse and two HDMI monitors from my desktop and laptop without unhooking a lot of wires each time I go back and forth. 

What I believe I need is a KVM switch.  However, I'm having trouble finding a model that fits my needs without spending a fortune.

I don't plan to hookup any additional computers, so a two port switch should be enough.

Ideally each port would have the following:
  Two HDMI inputs (one for each monitor)
  One USB 3.0 port
 

And the output would have the following:
  Two HDMI outputs (one running to each monitor)
  4 USB ports (at least one of them 3.0) running to the keyboard, mouse, printer and external HDD 


I have a docking station for my laptop.  So that means all of the cables can stay plugged into the docking station and the only connection that would have to be made would be hooking the laptop into the docking station.  Everything else would stay plugged into its corresponding spot at all times. 

At the end of the day, I can live without the USB 3.0 ports since the external HDD doesn't really need to connect to my laptop and I can just keep it connected to my desktop directly. But it would be nice to have.

I would appreciate any suggestions for models or even suggestions for completely different setups that would achieve what I'm looking for.

Thanks.

[monjici]

I have a monitor with two HDMI inputs. It only takes two button movement on it to switch. I use the second input for my PS TV.
Then you only need a cheap KVM switch for the keyboard and mouse... or swap your wireless K/M dongle if you want to without KVM switch.

[sheep2001]

I would put the usb drive mapped as a network drive, use a monitor with 2 inputs, and just switch the keyboard/mouse sub dongle.  Much cheaper and less cabling than a kvm switch.

[TDIRunner]

Fortunately, each monitor has two inputs, so I will probably end up having the laptop and desktop each send two video signals.  Also, the keyboard and mouse are wireless with a single USB dongle which I can easily unplug from the desktop and move to the laptop.  The only things I will have to buy are some video cable adapters (the laptop uses two DVI outputs and the desktop uses two HDMI outputs, but the monitors use a combination of DVI and VGA. 

With that said, while it would be easy to go with the method I have listed above, I would still prefer the KVM method if I could find one cheap enough.  What I cannot understand is that single monitor VGA KVM switches cost around $20.  But dual monitor HDMI switches cost around $300.  I'm definitely not understanding the major price jump between the two.

[monjici]

About the external drive, I connect mine directly on the router. It's available to the entire house (with some restrictions of course) and becomes a DLNA server at the same time.

[monjici]

Fortunately, each monitor has two inputs, so I will probably end up having the laptop and desktop each send two video signals.  Also, the keyboard and mouse are wireless with a single USB dongle which I can easily unplug from the desktop and move to the laptop.  The only things I will have to buy are some video cable adapters (the laptop uses two DVI outputs and the desktop uses two HDMI outputs, but the monitors use a combination of DVI and VGA. 

With that said, while it would be easy to go with the method I have listed above, I would still prefer the KVM method if I could find one cheap enough.  What I cannot understand is that single monitor VGA KVM switches cost around $20.  But dual monitor HDMI switches cost around $300.  I'm definitely not understanding the major price jump between the two.

Maybe you could buy 2 20$ switches, the second one being only for the second monitor ? Click, click and you're done!

[sheep2001]

Ah. I missed the 2 monitors bit.  I blame the mojitos. Lol.