this post was submitted on 25 Aug 2025
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Linux Gaming

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Advice on a new device I'll be bringing to college (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) by Truscape@lemmy.blahaj.zone to c/linux_gaming@lemmy.world
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Hey, I'm thinking of upgrading from my old work laptop (which isn't really built for gaming at all, but is great for productivity), and I was eyeing either an OLED steam deck or a more powerful laptop that I could bring with me and use on campus away from my home setup. I plan on using linux for either machine, but I was wondering if any of the Steam Deck's secret sauce or price to performance puts it ahead compared to a Framework or Gaming laptop.

Also, if anyone has experience using a steam deck as a workstation/portable work setup, I would love your input on if it's a good idea to replace a laptop with a steam deck entirely.

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[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 10 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

Steam Deck's "secret sauce" is:

  1. Efficiency/battery life. The efficiency is still unmatched.
  2. Inputs (dual trackpads and excellent configurable rear buttons)
  3. Ergonomics: Everyone else has a more compact setup with the right joystick beneath the buttons on the right side. This does make them more compact but also makes them much less comfortable in my experience.
  4. First-class Linux support. Other brands are not even thinking about Linux, although they do seem to work without issue.
  5. Customer support: Valve is great. Everyone else sucks badly.
  6. Repairability: Valve partnered with iFixit to make all their parts readily available. The repairability is also obvious in the design.
  7. OLED display. As far as I know, only a few smaller brands offer this.
  8. Price. As far as I'm aware you won't find another x86 handheld for $400. $550 for the OLED is also an exceptional value, given the above advantages over much more expensive devices.