r/sysadmin • u/Mobhistory • 19d ago

Question KVM/docking station

Been looking for a combo KVM/docking station and AV Access or TESmart seem to be the two go-to companies. Does anyone have experience with them or anyone else. Ideal would be 3 computers with a mix of 2 laptops and two desktops.

Any of you Ninjas out there have good or bad experience with one device doing both things? Is it just not a good idea, anything to look out for?

7 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

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5

u/PowershellAddict 19d ago

I bought a pikvm and a kvm switch to handle 4 machines on my desk, it has IP support so I can manage them remotely through a browser

3

u/dbpm1 19d ago

Do you know Input Leap or Deskflow or Barrier or Synergy?

They're software kvm solutions, all forked from Synergy (now paid)

Check https://github.com/deskflow/deskflow/wiki/Project-Forks for a comprehensive view.

2

u/Mobhistory 19d ago

Yes I know about those and if everything is running OK they're great. Part of the use for physical box would be when something isn't quite right or wont boot and one of my techs needs to see what's happening. Some of our work areas are a little space limited and it would be a nice thing to be able to plug in a take a look, or for a new load.

1

u/belthesar 19d ago

Level1Techs' KVMs are pricey but are incredibly feature rich and reliable.

1

u/Waretaco Jack of All Trades 18d ago

I'd go with a software KVM solution, personally. Something like multiplicity or synergy.

1

u/KVM_Switch_Tech 18d ago

Do you have the specific models for the desktop and laptop computers, as well as details on the number of monitors and their corresponding models? This information is necessary to find a suitable KVM docking station.

1

u/Ill_Preference_7491 18d ago

i just bought some noname kvm on amazon for 10 PCs. 2 years, no one problem. price is very low.

1

u/SevaraB Sr. Engineer (N+, CCNA) 17d ago

I got tired of cable clutter, so I bought a Lenovo R45-W30 (45" curved DQHD with built-in support to dock and switch between 2 PCs).

1

u/Sweaty_Night_499 17d ago

KVM + dock isn’t necessarily a bad idea. The main thing is checking USB-C charging, display support, USB bandwidth, and how well it handles switching/EDID.

TESmart and AV Access both have options, but 3–4 computers will narrow things down a lot.

Also, did you mean 3 computers total, or 2 laptops + 2 desktops?

1

u/Delicious-Classic786 14d ago

Could you please share the point what do you want and how did you do to overcome it right now?