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U2722DE, multiple monitors, KVM, XPS 13 2-in-1 and desktop PC
I have a new XPS 13 2-in-1 laptop and a desktop PC connected to an AOC (1920x1080) HD monitor. I use an external keyboard and mouse (USB-A connectors), a separate webcam (USB-A) and old-style desktop speakers with a 3.5 plug.
I tried using a WavLink USB-C hub but found it entirely inadequate as it did not have a separate power source, couldn't pass through enough power to charge the XPS and kept pulling power after the laptop idled, causing a very distressing infinite heating loop in the laptop that required a hard power off.
I am looking at the Dell U2722DE monitor as a new workdesk hub and work monitor (maybe with some light gaming after hours) - my priorities are low eyestrain, good detail for coding and UI configuration and ease of connecting all the above along with wired ethernet (RJ45) and speaker out (3.5). Seems like this fits the bill, but please let me know if this makes sense:
- XPS 13 connects to U2722DE via USB-C - U2722DE receives A/V, transmits power to XPS13
- U2722DE DP-out connects to AOC monitor DP-in - monitor chain
- Desktop DP-out connects to U2722DE DP-in - use KVM and Dell Display Manager to switch between inputs, with options for PbP and PiP.
- Keyboard and Mouse USB-A connect to U2722DE USB-A out ports - KVM switches based on active video input.
- Webcam USB-A connect to U2722DE USB-A out port - KVM works with this or no?
- Speakers plug into U2722DE 3.5 audio out port - audio for active video input plays through speakers.
- Ethernet cable connects to U2722DE RJ45 port - Wired connect to router for XPS-13 through the USB-C. Can this be set to only go to the XPS-13 or is this automatic because it's the only USB-C connect? I don't want to share the internet connect with the desktop, it has its own.
- Dream setup - In addition, the XPS 13 is put in 'tent' mode on my desk in front of the the two monitors and have the touch screen available for signing documents, drawing and other ink-friendly actions as desired. (So, three-ish screens.) I noticed that the optimal setup has the laptop closed however, so is this a hard stop, as in the graphics card can't support all three? If so, could I switch and have one of the monitors turn off and the XPS turn on just for ink work?
Am I in the right ball park here? Please feel free to suggest other options that fit the goals above or note other strategies that might give me similar functionality. Thanks in advance for sharing your advice and experience!!!
jphughan
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9 Legend
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14K Posts
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July 18th, 2021 10:00
@LivingInTheGreen The good news is that your envisioned setup will work -- as long as your desktop PC supports audio over DisplayPort as well as DisplayPort MST for daisy chaining, but those have been around for a while, so the likelihood is high there. To address some specific questions you asked:
For additional flexibility, another option would be to run an additional video cable from your desktop directly to the second display. Why? Because that way you have the choice of having the displays in daisy chain mode either both running from your desktop, or both running from your XPS, OR you can manually switch only the SECOND display over to the input that's connected directly to your desktop, in which case you can have one display for each system. But then you'd want a more elaborate KVM solution, such as one that allowed peripherals physically connected to one device to control another one over a network connection. Synergy, Mouse Without Borders, and Logitech Flow all offer this.
jphughan
9 Legend
9 Legend
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14K Posts
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July 18th, 2021 10:00
@LivingInTheGreen Apologies, the initial version of my post above contained a very confusing opening because I started one way, then stopped to research some documentation to check a few things, then reworded it and somehow left both answers there. I've fixed it above.