News Modder creates the Steam Brick — a stripped-down Steam Deck with only a power button and a USB

[Admin]

Someone has stripped down one of the popular Steam Deck handhelds into a minimal form factor and dubbed the result the Steam Brick.

Modder creates the Steam Brick — a stripped-down Steam Deck with only a power button and a USB : Read more

 

[Notton]

So it's basically a mini-PC running steamOS.
I mean, I get that it's cheaper than buying a mini-PC since they already had a 3D printer and steamdeck, but couldn't they have traded their steamdeck for a mini-PC?

 

[usertests]

So it's basically a mini-PC running steamOS.
I mean, I get that it's cheaper than buying a mini-PC since they already had a 3D printer and steamdeck, but couldn't they have traded their steamdeck for a mini-PC?

I would convert a Steam Deck to a mini PC after its useful life as a handheld has ended, or if the screen breaks, etc. Framework has made this easy to do with their laptop mainboards, but if a kit isn't available or you don't want to screw around, you could simply dock your handheld forever. It would be preferable if the thing can run with the battery removed.

 

[MobileJAD]

I just want the replacement Steam Deck motherboards to get cheaper online so I can attempt to cobble together a Steam Deck mini PC. The ones I have seen online cost as much as a refurbed 64GB Steam Deck direct from Valve.

 

[gg83]

I think this modern is on to something. Especially for AR glasses. At least until all the processing is done in the cloud.

 

[cryoburner]

They explain that the handheld was often left behind when packing a backpack, as it was just a little bit too bulky.

And now it will be left behind when packing a backpack, as it lacks a built-in power source, display and controls. Bringing along an external input device and cables will likely result in it taking up more space than it did before.

The only way I could see this making any sense is if the device had an internal display output failure that wouldn't be practical to fix. Otherwise, why take the touchscreen off of it? It would have remained far more useful and not much larger had they instead converted it into a 7.4" x86 tablet.

 

[Babylegzz]

So a steam machine?

 

[MobileJAD]

And now it will be left behind when packing a backpack, as it lacks a built-in power source, display and controls. Bringing along an external input device and cables will likely result in it taking up more space than it did before.

The only way I could see this making any sense is if the device had an internal display output failure that wouldn't be practical to fix. Otherwise, why take the touchscreen off of it? It would have remained far more useful and not much larger had they instead converted it into a 7.4" x86 tablet.

To be honest there are people who will take mini pc's with them on trips as opposed to handhelds that include the display and battery built in, because they want to hook it up to the TV in their hotel room, or they want to use it with a projector during a meeting on a business trip. The Steam Deck is still a x86 PC stuffed inside a handheld gaming unit, so if someone had a broken Steam Deck they can easily convert it down to a desktop mini pc and install Windows 10, 11 or Linux on it. Its just too bad that it apparently refuses to boot without a battery attached to the motherboard.