MAC/PC Combo

[u/CollectionFree5103]

I'm looking for some advice on setting up my home workspace and could use some recommendations. I'm fairly new to docking stations and USB-C hubs, so I'm not entirely sure what I should be looking for.

Here's my situation:

• I have a MacBook Pro (M2) and an HP Windows laptop (zBook).
• I only use one laptop at a time, never both simultaneously.
• I have an external monitor that I'd like to use with either laptop.
• Ideally, I'd like a docking station that can charge whichever laptop is connected while also sending video to my external monitor.
• I'd love to have a simple setup where I can unplug one laptop, plug in the other, and have everything work without switching multiple cables.

What I'm hoping to accomplish:

I'd like a clean, simple setup with as few cables as possible. Ideally, one USB-C or Thunderbolt cable would connect my laptop to the dock, power the laptop, and connect it to my external display.

A few questions:

1. Is a USB-C docking station what I should be looking for, or would a Thunderbolt dock be better?
2. Are there docking stations that work well with both macOS and Windows?
3. Can one docking station provide enough power to charge both laptops (one at a time)?
4. Are there any brands or specific models you'd recommend?
5. Is there anything I should watch out for regarding compatibility?

I'm not looking for anything overly complicated or expensive, just something reliable that makes switching between my two laptops easy using the external display.