Hey students, you should consider a gaming handheld like Legion Go or ROG Ally instead of a laptop

As a tech-savvy student who’s been through the grind of juggling academics and entertainment, I can confidently say that the Legion Go is a game-changer for students like us. This compact powerhouse offers an unparalleled blend of performance, portability, and versatility that makes it an ideal companion for our busy lives.

Laptops are obviously a major part of the student experience whether you’re in college, trade school, or grade school. They make it easy to run programs, type up assignments, access online projects, attend virtual classes, and more. But if you want something reliable that doesn’t cost as much, you should seriously consider getting a PC gaming handheld rather than a laptop. Specifically, one that runs Windows 11.

After extensively using various contemporary handheld gaming devices, I can confidently say that both the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go stand out as top contenders in this market. However, if I were to recommend one for a student, I would suggest the Lenovo Legion Go due to several reasons.

What makes Legion Go the best choice for students?

When you come across the term “gaming handheld”, devices like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and possibly ROG Ally might spring to mind. The Lenovo Legion Go, though less frequently mentioned, also has a decent following. Personally, I find the ROG Ally to be my preferred gaming handheld. Nevertheless, when it comes to being an ideal small computer for students, there’s no denying that Lenovo’s device takes the lead for several reasons.

1. Gaming handhelds are cheaper than many laptops

To start, portable gaming devices running Windows 11 are quite affordably priced and can even match or be cheaper than some laptops available. For instance, the Lenovo Legion Go with a 512GB storage is $599.99 at Best Buy, while the Acer Aspire 15.6-inch has a starting price of $649 on Amazon and increases from there. My preferred college laptop, the Dell Inspiron 15, is just slightly cheaper than the Legion Go, retailing at $549.99 on Dell’s website. However, various configurations of the Inspiron 15 cost more than Lenovo’s handheld device.

Of course, there are exceptions. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook, for instance, is only $249.00 at Walmart. But since it’s a Chromebook, it cannot run programs locally and cannot save files locally either. This could cause difficulties if you don’t have a good Wi-Fi connection in your classes, or you need to use local programs, which is where a handheld once more shines. You can save files locally on Windows 11 gaming handhelds rather than only relying on the cloud.

2. PC gaming handhelds can run any program that a laptop can — they’re technically small gaming laptops

In essence, Legion Go and ROG Ally offer identical functionalities when it comes to running programs. Both devices operate on Windows 11 and boast a high-performance AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, making them approximately twice as potent as the Steam Deck. This superior power positions them as cost-effective gaming laptops, equipped with controllers rather than keyboards. They can handle an extensive array of programs that standard laptops can run right out of the box, including software with heavy graphic requirements that are typically beyond the capabilities of budget student laptops.

The Steam Deck can indeed function like a laptop, albeit with a slightly more intricate setup to make it user-friendly. It’s essential to note that the Steam Deck doesn’t match the power of devices such as Legion Go or ROG Ally. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t utilize the Steam Deck; it just might not offer the same level of convenience. The reason being is that the Steam Deck operates on a Linux-based desktop environment, unlike Windows 11, which may be comfortable for some users but could present challenges for others in terms of navigation and use.

Having spent countless hours troubleshooting software installations on various devices throughout my years as a tech enthusiast, I must say that while it is possible to install Windows on Steam Deck, I personally find it more convenient to opt for devices like Legion Go and ROG Ally which come ready-to-use as laptops. These devices offer the flexibility of gaming on-the-go without the hassle of setting up an operating system from scratch. If you’re looking for a seamless experience out of the box, I would recommend considering these options over installing Windows on Steam Deck.

3. You can easily connect a wireless keyboard and mouse to gaming handhelds

By inserting a suitable wireless adapter (dongle) into either the Legion Go or ROG Ally’s primary USB-C slot, you can effortlessly type and maneuver through software while attending classes. Additionally, both devices support Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to link various accessories wirelessly.

Note that unlike the ROG Ally X, which has two USB4 ports on top of it, the Legion Go’s two USB-C ports are split — one is on the bottom, and one is on top of the handheld. This makes it harder to access these connections unless you’re holding the handheld or have it propped up on a stand. As such, it’s better to have a wireless keyboard and mouse combo that relies on the same USB dongle. Better yet, get a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and then keep the USB free for charging. If you want a suggestion, this Dell silent mouse and AI keyboard deal makes these Bluetooth accessories more affordable. We love this keyboard because it isn’t very clacking, which means it isn’t distracting in quiet studying scenarios.

One beneficial aspect of gadgets such as the Legion Go is their ability to link with your mobile device, making it simpler to manage messages and alerts, or even transmit data.

After returning to your dorm or room, you can connect the Legion Go into a compatible docking station and extend its screen onto a monitor, while using it like an ordinary computer through a keyboard and mouse. The Legion Go has a more vertical design compared to other handhelds, so be mindful of selecting a gaming handheld dock that comes with a USB-C cable long enough to reach the port without stretching. If you’re intrigued, I recommend reading my review on the JSAUX 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station for a suitable option.

As a busy student juggling multiple classes and assignments, I’ve found myself constantly struggling to keep up with notes during lectures. However, I recently discovered a game-changer – the Legion Go device. This little gadget, equipped with a microphone, allows me to effortlessly record my professors while they speak, saving me from the tedious task of typing out every word. Plus, some AI programs can transcribe the dialogue for me, making study sessions a breeze! It’s been a lifesaver for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with note-taking during class.

4. It’s easy to prop up on small desks and travel with

Based on my personal encounters, certain college desks offer limited workspace. To manage this, you can separate the Legion Go controllers to minimize the device’s size. Afterward, you can use the integrated kickstand to elevate the screen.

After getting it into an upright position, connecting a wireless keyboard and mouse to the Legion Go will allow you to utilize it like a laptop or 2-in-1 during your classes. Since neither the ROG Ally nor the Steam Deck have built-in kickstands, you’ll need to buy an accessory for them to achieve this functionality.

After you finish using the Legion Go, put it inside its case before placing it in your backpack. It’s incredibly compact, so it won’t take up much space. If you don’t have other items to carry around, you might even opt for a smaller bag that fits the Legion Go, a small keyboard, and a mouse, allowing you to leave your backpack behind when heading to class.

5. Legion Go’s enormous display makes it easier to use programs and type on

The Legion Go, despite not being as large as a typical laptop screen, boasts a rather spacious 8.8-inch IPS display in the 16:9 aspect ratio. This screen size is significantly larger than those found on devices like the ROG Ally, Nintendo Switch OLED, or Steam Deck/Steam Deck OLED, which makes it more comfortable to view and interact with on the Legion Go when it’s standing upright on its kickstand. As a result, typing documents or navigating programs becomes less of a strain due to the larger display size.

As a passionate gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the Legion Go’s 16:9 screen, boasting a smooth and crisp 144Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2560 x 1600p, truly stands out in today’s competitive gaming device market. While ROG Ally offers a respectable 120Hz at 1920 x 1080p (and it does support Variable Refresh Rate, which is quite a plus), it falls short compared to the Legion Go.

6. You can easily add more storage to Legion Go

The Legion Go model is available in two storage options: 512GB SSD or 1TB SSD, based on your chosen configuration. Both choices provide ample space for typical school applications, project files, and a handful of games. If additional storage becomes necessary, simply insert a microSD card into the device’s top slot to instantly expand your capacity.

7. You can play games and watch shows when you have a moment to unwind

During college, I rarely found myself with spare time, yet whenever an opportunity presented itself (especially when my friends were occupied), I’d unwind by indulging in video games or streaming series. The Legion Go stands out due to its ability to be positioned around your apartment or next to your bed, allowing for remote control using detached controllers if desired – a feature unavailable on laptops like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. Although you could stream shows on your smartphone, the screen size of the Legion Go makes it a more comfortable viewing experience.

No matter if you prefer playing cloud-based games or local ones, Legion Go and ROG Ally provide some of the most hassle-free methods for doing so. These devices are more potent than typical student laptops, and a majority of modern games run smoothly on PC gaming handhelds.

Best Legion Go accessories for students

To make the Legion Go function similar to a school laptop, you’ll require several additional items. In case you’re missing any, here’s a selection of our top recommended Legion Go accessories tailored for students.

Seriously, gaming handhelds can be better for school than laptops

As a researcher contemplating my study needs, I find the Legion Go gaming handheld to be an intriguing alternative to a traditional student laptop. Compact in size, it doesn’t occupy much desk space, yet it packs a punch in terms of power and versatility. Capable of running multiple programs, it also boasts a stunning display screen that adds to its appeal.

If you’ve got a monitor and a docking station in your room, you can connect the Legion Go device and use it just like a regular computer. When you’re finished, simply place the handheld gadget in your backpack and carry it to your classes. The Z1 Extreme processor is capable of managing standard school tasks with ease, and even excels in graphical performance compared to typical student laptops.

Once you’ve completed your schoolwork after putting in a lot of effort, relax by enjoying television shows or video games on that stunning 8.8-inch display.

2024-08-18 19:09

Hey students, you should consider a gaming handheld like Legion Go or ROG Ally instead of a laptop — yes, really