LTT continually name-drops levle1techs as the KVM linus is using at his house:
1.4 Display Port KVM Switch - Dual Monitor - Two Computer — Level 1 Techs
They are a bit pricey, but it seems to have all your features. For a higher budget, they have a powered USBc version so you can charge your laptop with it if you have a USBc laptop charger.
In games like WOW you definetly won't get any advantage by running a 240Hz monitor. I couldn't even tell the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz in games like cs:go, let alone the difference between 144Hz and 165Hz. For most people i'd strongly recomennd getting a better 1440p 144Hz monitor. A 240hz monitor only makes sense, if you really play games like cs:go, valorant, apex at a REALLY high level. At 27" there is a big difference in sharpness between 1080p and 1440p. But you won't notice a big difference from 1440p to 4K at 27".
If you want a recommendation for the go-to monitor: Get the LG 27GN850 (newer model of the LG 27GL850). This is an excellent monitor in all regards and altough it "only" is 144Hz, the input lag and pixel response times compete with the best 240Hz TN monitors out there.
Depending how much you can spend, and what expectations you have.
But here are the Options from pricy and best, to cheaper and less specs, and also my personal "ranking"
- iPad Pro 2020. Comes with 128gb base storage, 6gb Ram, quad speakers, 120 Hz screen, and great performance. It's still a 2 year old Chip (A12Z), but it runs like hell.
Good Camera, with wideangle (basicly... ignore that, unless you do Augmented Reality stuff. Good Camera on a Tablet is worth for Document Scanning (Apps like Adobe Scan, Apple Notes can do that, or GoodNotes/Notability can do that too). Better Camera = Higher quality Scans.
Also, only Model with USB-C with the 2018 model, which is great for charging, powerbanks, adapters etc.
Either 11" or 12,9", whatever you prefer. 12,9" is way better for working, because more space. But it's heavier, and less portable. So YOU have to make that compromise.
iPad Pro 2020 and 2018 (the models with FaceID) have that new Design,
- iPad Pro 2018. The 2020 Model is pretty much just a slightly upgraded version. Imagine like Oneplus 7 Pro --> Oneplus 7T Pro. Almost the same performance, but 64gb Base, and 4gb Ram. Perfectly fine, and still one of THE best Tablets. Only get those over the 2020 Model, if you can find one significantly cheaper (second hand, Apple refurbished store etc).
Rest same as above. Only these Face-ID Pros with USB-C and new Design can use the Apple Pencil 2!!!
All iPads below can use Apple Pencil 1.
All can use Logitech Crayon. Cheaper model, same tech inside, but without Pressure sensitivity (which you might not find all that neccessary for note taking)
- iPad Pro 2017. Despite the A10X Chip is quite old, it's still running good. Old Design with Touch-ID, but also 120 Hz screen, Quad Stereo Speakers, good Camera.
There is also a 12,9" Version, but since it's the old Design, the overall size is a bit bigger than the 2018/2020 Pros.
I recommend looking for second hand, because the Models will be up to 3 years old, and "new" prices are nonsense since it's been discontinued.
Advice: The 10,5" Model should NOT cost more than an iPad Air 3 with similar Storage size, if both are New.
Example: I found a great private second Hand deal for 400€~ (with Tax), while the Air 3 costs 500€. After i got it, i found out, it was only a year old, so quite good deal.
- iPad Air 3. Only 10,5" exists here. This one has an A12 Chip, while the Pro 2017 has an A10X (2 years older, but a stronger ipad Pro version). A12 has 20% higher CPU Performance, but A10X has 40% higher GPU performance.
Why i would NOT take the Air 3 over the old 2017 Pro:
- Air 3 has only 3gb Ram, 2017 Pro 10,5" has 4gb.
- Air 3 has only 60 Hz
- Air 3 has only Mono Speakers (2, but on the same Side)
- Air 3 has a worse Camera for Documents
Overall, the Pro will give you the better user experience.
- And now the cheap one, that will still work just as fine for Note Taking (that doesn't need much Power): iPad 10,2" (7th Generation, or iPad 2019). Comes with 32gb or 128gb
Slightly smaller screen, but same Body size as the 10,5" ones.
Non-laminated Screen (Tiny air gap between Glas and Pixels. You can get used to it, but try it out). only the regular A10 chip (at this point, almost 4 years old Chip, the A10X is alot faster despite same Generation).
But it still handles basic stuff quite well.
If you can wait 1-2 Months, do it. The succe ssor of the basic iPad will probably be updated to the A12 Chip, making a huge Leap of 2 Hardware Generations. I would take that. Also, always a Chance Apple will laminate the screen.
Very good chance, Apple will up the base storage to 64gb.
Also, the iPad Air 3, which came out early 2019, will probably be updated this Fall, with a 10,8" , and the modern Pro Design and maybe USb-C.
If so, this should become a very compelling device, that's not the cheapest base line, but still not as expensive as the Pro models.
You can do basic Note Taking as you would do in School/University with all of them. So you can let your Budget decide.
If you pay more, you get more
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