this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2024
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I see posts talking about good BIFL items but I don't hear much about the other side of products that are bad or products you bought but don't even use.

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[โ€“] klisurovi4@midwest.social 78 points 9 months ago (8 children)

I bought a Steam Deck so I can play games while on the go. I just kind of forgot I'm never actually on the go, so 90% of the time it's just gathering dust on my nightstand, because I'd rather play on my proper gaming PC when I'm at home.

[โ€“] flubba86@lemmy.world 33 points 9 months ago (1 children)

This is the same reason I've never bought one. I love the concept, they are so cool. I use Linux on my desktop at home and at work. The thought of a powerful handheld Linux gaming PC for gaming on the go is so enticing, and I want to support Valve and the development of proton and gaming on Linux. But in reality I'm rarely "on the go". I read articles on my phone when I'm on the train on my way to work. I watch videos on my android tablet when I'm flying on a plane for work. I have a Nintendo 3DS and an ODroid Go Ultra ARM emulation handheld gathering dust on my nightstand. I'd hate the thought of adding a steamdeck to the pile.

[โ€“] MrVilliam@lemmy.world 15 points 9 months ago

I think you're making the right call. I bought a used Steam Deck and I love it and don't regret it at all, but I think I'm more of the target demographic than you are. I built a PC 15 years ago when Windows 7 was launching and then upgraded it a few years later, and then replaced that with a gaming laptop that's now very outdated. I'm sorta kinda tech savvy; a fucking doofus compared to somebody like you but a goddamn genius compared to most people I meet.

The Steam Deck proved to me that if/when I build a desktop, (and I want that to be soon but I keep getting surprise expenses lol,) then I'm ready to jump over to Linux as my OS. I was thinking Chimera for something that could effectively be a powerful modern Steam Machine with UI similar to Steam Deck, but Nobara looks more versatile for being a full PC instead of being a console that has PC capability. I have more faith in Nobara to be able to run a big project in a DAW like Reaper, plus I want the ability to stream on Twitch or do some basic video editing too, and it seems to be pretty accessible to a long-time medium-level Windows user like me.

Right now, most of my Steam Deck use is on the couch. My wife never really tried Skyrim, so she's playing a file on the PS5 and I lay my head in her lap on the couch and play a different Skyrim file on the Deck. But I also play it on a train or take it with me when I go somewhere overnight. It can't keep up with a modern PC or PS5, but it blows me away that it's a handheld PC that's about as powerful as a PS4. People bitch about the battery, but tweaking a few simple sliders can double or even triple battery life with relatively little compromise. It's amazing but it's a waste of your time and money lol.

[โ€“] Zoot@reddthat.com 24 points 9 months ago

I had the opposite happen. I thought a steam deck may help me be more on the go as well, however it just helped me be even lazier in bed...

[โ€“] InputZero@lemmy.ml 14 points 9 months ago

I just got one and deciding to get one is very situational. I'll sit outside with my dog for hours and I can't bring my desktop outside. For me it's been great. I wouldn't recommend one to someone unless they know when they'll use it.

I thought I'd use it commuting too, but I don't. It's just a little too awkward to bring on my commute.

[โ€“] Poiar@sh.itjust.works 8 points 9 months ago

I purchased it purely as an all-in-one indie game player for the television, that had a nice form factor. Was easy to connect with controllers, and relatively high-end.

I don't really like playing on it's joysticks and buttons, but that doesn't matter when I only really use it docked.

It's nice with a relatively high-end console when on the go. I usually bring a controller along for this, though.

It was expensive, but performs exactly as advertised.

[โ€“] ColeSloth@discuss.tchncs.de 6 points 9 months ago

I use my steam deck because I want to play on the couch or in bed or something and I can just instantly start playing when I pick it up. I'll leave it suspended in a game, so I hit the power button and 2 seconds later I'm back to playing.

[โ€“] Churbleyimyam@lemm.ee 5 points 8 months ago

I got a switch to play games in bed but it pisses off my girlfriend.

I almost never use mine on the go, but I love it for playing on the couch or in a hammock.

[โ€“] Unforeseen@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago

Same thing here, but I bought it when winter was coming. I'm nomadic during the warm season so the true test for me will be when that happens.