USB-C Dockable Desktops

[jwslam]

Are there any desktop PC's in the $500 price range that would let me use a USB-C dock?

Goal is to be able to use the one usb-C plug to swap between my daily desktop and my work laptop.

Not keen on buying a $200 KVM to support dual monitors.

If not I guess I would consider a laptop, but $500 won't get me very far. I don't use my PC for anything extreme but I would still wish it's an upgrade from my AMD FX-6100 / GeForce GT 610

Thanks Quaranfriends!

[killramos]

Take any PC and drop one of these in?

https://thunderboltlaptop.com/thunderbolt-3-pcie-cards/

Thunderbolt is an expensive standard unfortunately so it’s not going to be free.

[ExtraSlow]

Wouldn't that work with ANY desktop that has USB C?

[jwslam]

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Wouldn't that work with ANY desktop that has USB C?

That's my question
1) is that a pretty standard thing to have nowadays on desktops
and 2) is this even viable

[ExtraSlow]

Oh, then, 1) I don't know and 2) I don't know.

You are welcome, I'm happy to help.

[Xtrema]

My fun time with Dell branded USB 3 dock and Dell branded laptop is YMMV.

Never had any luck with them. I fried 2 docks and 1 laptop in the last 2 years.

Can vouch for this but if both device has hdmi out, this KVM is relatively affordable.
https://www.amazon.ca/Projector-Comp...d_i=1233057011

I'm pretty sure there are others.

[Cagare]

Currently purchased a USB C dock from Dell, using it with laptop, will work with desktop. It has an adapter for a type b usb connector as well.

Only reason I got it was because it is one of the few that will run three monitors. The only concern is if your desktop PC has a good graphics card, not sure how that would translate over the type C dock.

[jwslam]

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My fun time with Dell branded USB 3 dock and Dell branded laptop is YMMV.

Never had any luck with them. I fried 2 docks and 1 laptop in the last 2 years.

Could you detail how you were using it and exactly what fried? I hope it wasn't any of the connected equipment.

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Can vouch for this but if both device has hdmi out, this KVM is relatively affordable.
https://www.amazon.ca/Projector-Comp...d_i=1233057011

Thanks but i'm looking for dual monitors which is what makes them expensive.

[Xtrema]

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Could you detail how you were using it and exactly what fried? I hope it wasn't any of the connected equipment.

Dual 24" monitor on DP to dock.
Keyboard, mouse, USB headset connect to dock.

Just plugging it in and out as normally do daily. 1 day, the connection sparked on plug in and docked died, video signal all gone.

Switched dock, works for about 2 months, connection sparked and died again got a brand new model of dock.

The new dock won't work with my 2-3 year old laptop, then I got a new laptop. I hear for our tech guys that Dell really screwed the pooch on their docks. It's not quite as universal as it seems. And they have a very high failure rate.

Now WFH, I could care less. I don't mind having 2 sets of keyboard and mouse and just switches input on monitor for work vs home PC.

[taemo]

I would just leave your work laptop turned on and RDP into it from your home PC with dual screen.

I have a dedicated computer at home and VNC or RDP into the various computers I have at home and work as well.

[D'z Nutz]

Since my monitors have HDMI, DVI, and Displayport, I just have HDMI and DVI connect to my desktop and Displayport to my laptop and switch the input source on the monitor like a TV.

I've got two sets of keyboards/mice but it just occurred to me just as I was typing this I can get a basic USB KVM for that. All this time I was looking for a monitor and USB do-it-all solution.