Steam OS as a desktop? I used the Legion Go S as my work PC

[Admin]

I attempted to experience Linux firsthand in the most awkward way possible – using a handheld gaming PC.

Steam OS as a desktop? I used the Legion Go S as my work PC : Read more

 

[usertests]

If I were to attempt this (with any gaming handheld), I'd want a dock for more ports, and I'd prefer to do something useful with the handheld display and touch screen... if possible. The laziest thing would be just to have htop up on there, but there must be more creative ways to use the screen.

 

[Alvar "Miles" Udell]

It's going to be interesting to read the articles of Steam Deck (or Legion Go S) vs XBOX Ally X: Battle for the Desktop Experience when it launches.

 

[Jagar123]

Very cool read. I would like to install SteamOS on my mini PC that I use for my HTPC. I'd use desktop mode on it like this.

 

[Notton]

If I were to attempt this (with any gaming handheld), I'd want a dock for more ports, and I'd prefer to do something useful with the handheld display and touch screen... if possible. The laziest thing would be just to have htop up on there, but there must be more creative ways to use the screen.

It depends on your workflow, but I've heard of people using a small touchscreen as a macro pad, be it for streaming or crystal studio. AFAIK, Deckboard software allows this, but you would be better off with an elgato stream deck if you don't already have the touchscreen.

Alternatively, use the small screen to watch movies, streams, youtube, etc.

I agree with getting a dock. Thankfully there are plenty to choose from.

 

[cknobman]

I use my Steam Deck as a desktop PC all the time.
I didnt even have to buy a dock, just plugged in an HP thunderbolt dock I already had and everything just worked right out of the box!

Its so nice to use an OS that is fast, responsive, and does not annoy the crap out of you with a bunch of bs you dont care about.
For personal use, I am done with Windows.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

If I were to attempt this (with any gaming handheld), I'd want a dock for more ports, and I'd prefer to do something useful with the handheld display and touch screen... if possible. The laziest thing would be just to have htop up on there, but there must be more creative ways to use the screen.

You could use the screen as an external overlay monitor showing PC metrics, using both spacedesk and aida64. It's pretty neat.

Like so:

https://imgur.com/a/QkRs1mV

View: https://imgur.com/a/QkRs1mV

 

[LuxZg]

I had a similar side project just past week... ordered cheap 4€ USB-C hub with USB-C + USB-A + HDMI from Temu (yeah, I know ;-D ), fired up Samsung Dex, plugged dock to phone's USB-C, and my PC display to HDMI and USB-A, with charger on remaining USB-C. Since my display has USB dock that gave me access to more ports, so I had keyboard, mouse, USB stick, HDMI display, charger, all connected to S25+ and working fine. For 4€ "investment"

Same would be good fit for Deck and other handhelds. You get pass-through charging and USB-A port, plus HDMI which is still more ubiquitous than USB-C screens. There are (not much more expensive) hubs with RJ45, microSD, and few more USB ports if you're more serious about it. If it's a primary setup for home usage, I'd recommend display with dedicated dock/hub (charging, USB ports, RJ45). I have one such display at work, when I arrive I just connect a single cable to my laptop (or handheld ;-D ), and everything is connected. Ethernet cable is permanently attached to display's dock, and so is the USB receiver for wireless keyboard/mouse, power, etc.

Anyway, yeah, for most people today where work = browser + few lightweight apps, such devices are great. Get hub/dock to get more ports, and you're golden!

 

[Fox Tread33]

I attempted to experience Linux firsthand in the most awkward way possible – using a handheld gaming PC.

Steam OS as a desktop? I used the Legion Go S as my work PC : Read more

June 23, 2025 - This article really intrigued me! I have given Linux a lot of thought because not only is Microsoft "sunsetting" Win10, but they are getting more and more intrusive, annoying, and dictatorial. I like the idea of a relatively inexpensive device, (by comparison to a more expensive desktop PC), that would allow me to enter the world of Linux. I believe that I will investigate this option in the future. I don't mean to be critical, and as the saying goes.. "To each his own." I have to report that I would NEVER have any of my credit/debit cards on file. Admittedly I do unfortunately have a couple of services that require auto-payment, but I have a backup card that I can use if I have to block any criminal transactions should the companies with autopayment be hacked. The author of the article said - " I had all my bookmarks, extensions, passwords, credit card information, and other essential details available to use." I don't trust anything to the cloud. For me, if file is important enough to back up, I put it on a couple of different external hard drives, store them separately in different safe locations. The internet can always go down, companies can change their "User agreements", (read that as "give us money.. or more money to store your stuff.. or else"). Of course there is the now too often.. "Oh WOW!!! Dudes... we've been HACKED.. and can't access our customers' files that are stored with us.. However, we will be back in business in no time, and, here are ways to check and see if your data and important personal and financial data have been stolen. Of course we will not compensate you in anyway.. cause.. like.. you know.. that would affect our "bottom line".