As a long-time Linux user who has taken the Steam Deck to various academic adventures, I wholeheartedly endorse this guide for transforming your handheld gaming powerhouse into a versatile desktop PC that’s perfect for school life!
To put it simply, my life journey has been far from traditional. I never attended college or university, instead choosing to dive headfirst into the world of technology and innovation. My work, more often than not, took me away from the comforts of a spacious office setup, with its expansive desks and top-tier computer equipment. Instead, I found myself hunkered down in small hotel rooms or unique remote locations, making do with whatever resources were available to me. This unconventional path has taught me resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the power of resourcefulness. It’s been an incredible ride, full of challenges and learning opportunities that I wouldn’t trade for anything else.
In the past, I used to lug a bulky and heavy laptop everywhere. However, times have certainly evolved. Although I’m no longer of an age to attend school, there’s a device on my desk that I believe would have been my primary computer back then – it’s my Steam Deck.
As someone who has been working with computers for quite some time now, I must say that the device you’re considering doesn’t come pre-installed with Windows 11, and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend installing it myself. My personal experience with operating systems tells me that there are better alternatives out there. However, let me clarify that this gadget is indeed a fully-fledged PC, and if it were to run on Linux, it would perform quite admirably.
As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I’ve learned that customizing my gaming equipment is crucial to getting the most out of my gaming sessions. Here’s how I’d personalize my Steam Deck for the upcoming school term to make it truly stand out and dominate the competition.
Docks with a keyboard, mouse, and external display make the Steam Deck a tiny desktop PC
The main purpose of the Steam Deck is for gaming, yet its core, hidden under the user-friendly SteamOS 3 interface, resembles that of a powerful personal computer. Just like a laptop, desktop, or compact PC, you have the freedom to customize it according to your preferences.
As an analyst, I’d put it this way: When it comes to the Steam Deck, having a versatile dock is indispensable. This handheld gaming device features a single USB-C port that caters to charging, USB peripherals, and display output all at once. Essentially, it’s a one-stop solution for connectivity needs. Therefore, acquiring a suitable dock for the Steam Deck is indeed a wise choice.
For me, that’s the JSAUX Steam Deck Dock. It’s more affordable than Valve’s official offering without compromising on connectivity. Not only will your Steam Deck sit nice and snug, you’ll be able to add an HDMI 2.0 video output, a trio of USB-A 3.0 connectors, Gigabit Ethernet, and you’ll still be able to charge it at the same time.
As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement over the JSAUX Steam Deck Dock! Priced below $40, it’s an absolute bargain and a necessity for any serious gamer. For those who find three USB ports excessive, there’s also a more affordable version with just two for under $30. It’s a steal either way!
As a tech enthusiast, I can personally vouch that once you’ve set up your dock, investing in a keyboard and mouse duo becomes essential for smooth navigation. While there are countless options available, if productivity is what you seek, the latest Dell silent mouse and keyboard combo should be on your radar. Priced at just $50, this pair offers exceptional quality, and the best part? They’re both wireless, either through Bluetooth connectivity or the provided dongle.
Consequently, a more organized workspace will result, allowing you to quickly gather these items and carry them with you effortlessly. Additionally, their quiet nature means you can comfortably work in a quiet environment like a library without disturbing those around you.
Another crucial component is an external monitor or display. While the Steam Deck’s screen is excellent, I wouldn’t prefer to work on it extensively due to its small size. With a dock that offers HDMI output, you have numerous options, but for my needs, I’d prioritize something compact and, most importantly, portable.
The Hongo 2K 16-inch portable monitor has received high praise in our reviews, and it suits my needs perfectly. This additional screen provides me with a workspace equivalent to my daily laptop, making it more than sufficient. It also offers a resolution of 2560 x 1600, ensuring text appears crisp and clear. Moreover, its 120Hz refresh rate makes it ideal for playing high-performance games like Vampire Survivors.
As a fan, I love that the Steam Deck isn’t confined to my dorm room. Instead, it allows me to carry around a personal gaming PC, making it feel like I’ve got a portable desktop for my favorite games!
Lots of great software, and most of it is free
Indeed, it’s possible for you to install Windows 11 on the Steam Deck, should you choose to do so. However, if you’re intending to use your Steam Deck as a portable device (and there’s no reason not to), it might not be the best option due to its limitations. The Steam Deck wasn’t primarily designed for Windows, and while Valve provides official drivers to facilitate the process, the SteamOS 3 system generally offers a more seamless experience in most cases.
While the Steam Deck does include a desktop mode, don’t be intimidated by it if you’re new to Linux. Contrary to some perceptions, Linux isn’t as frightening or difficult as some might suggest. And rest assured, you won’t be confined to the terminal for your entire life using this device.
If you don’t have a specific requirement to work with proprietary software like Adobe suite, you’ll find numerous options available instead. For instance, GIMP is an open-source substitute for Photoshop, and alternatives to Lightroom can be found in apps such as RawTherapee and Darktable. If you’re looking for something similar to Microsoft Office, LibreOffice is a highly effective choice. And if video editing is your need, Kdenlive, produced by the same team behind the KDE desktop environment used on the Steam Deck, is always an option.
All the major browsers have Linux versions, including Microsoft Edge, and whatever you need there will more than likely be a great option. Audio editor Audacity has a Linux version, and the ever-popular VLC is also there. You can use Discord and password managers such as Enpass, and if you’re a coder, Linux is particularly strong. Microsoft’s own VS Code is available on Linux, as are a number of alternatives.
In desktop mode, the Steam Deck offers a “software market” containing easy-to-install applications in just one click. While it may require some experimentation to find the right fit, I can assure you as an experienced Linux user that this process generally isn’t a deterrent for most individuals.
If you can’t locate the application you require, check if there’s a web-based alternative instead. On my Linux systems, I frequently opt for web applications, even when desktop counterparts are available. For instance, I make use of Telegram, Discord, Spotify, and Netflix in PWA (Progressive Web App) format.
Additional hardware to take your setup up a notch or two
Everything above covers the basics of how to turn the Steam Deck into a desktop PC ready to head back to school. But because it’s a PC, the fun doesn’t have to stop there.
For instance, if you want some speakers, I’d recommend the Razer Leviathan V2 X at $90. It’s a USB soundbar that doesn’t cost a lot, sounds great, and doesn’t need external power. I’ve been using one for a while, and it’s perfect for smaller spaces like my own office.
Regarding storage options, we have a detailed guide on how to enhance the internal SSD within your Steam Deck, but that might not be suitable for everyone. Fear not! An external SSD will work splendidly instead, and I would strongly suggest considering the Samsung T7 as an option. With a 1TB model costing around $100, it’s both compact and portable. Measuring about the size of a credit card (although slightly thicker), this small external drive is swift and incredibly dependable.
If you plan to play games on your Steam Deck when it’s docked, an Xbox controller would be a great choice. The official wireless Xbox Series X|S controller is ideal for wireless gaming without breaking the bank. Alternatively, if you don’t mind using a wired controller, consider getting the GameSir G7 SE at $45. This controller offers hall effect sticks that are durable, it’s comfortable to use, and it’s more affordable compared to Microsoft’s own controller.
As a researcher focusing on portable gaming devices, I’ve been particularly drawn to the Steam Deck, my preferred choice for handheld gaming. However, any gaming handheld, such as the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, can be your ideal study companion due to their compatibility with Windows 11, just like you’re accustomed to. Customization options are similar to these devices as well. If you’d like a comprehensive guide on using a Windows-powered handheld for school purposes, we’ve got you covered right here.
If you’ve got a Steam Deck at hand, consider using it as your primary computer instead. You might be surprised by its versatility, which makes it an excellent option for both work and leisure activities.
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2024-08-19 19:09