January 2nd, 2025

Why the Steam Deck Is the Perfect Mini PC for Hackers

The Steam Deck, especially the OLED model, is a versatile mini PC running Linux, easy to repair and upgrade, with good performance, low power consumption, and docking capabilities for peripherals.

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Why the Steam Deck Is the Perfect Mini PC for Hackers

The Steam Deck, particularly the OLED model, has emerged as an appealing mini PC for hackers, offering a range of features that extend beyond its gaming capabilities. It runs Linux natively, making it compatible with various distributions, including SteamOS and Fedora. The device is designed for easy repairs, with parts readily available, and allows for storage upgrades, including SSD replacements. Users can boot from MicroSD cards, facilitating experimentation with different operating systems without complex setups. The Steam Deck also supports Windows, although users must manually install drivers. Performance is commendable for its price, particularly in graphics, while power consumption remains low. The device's DisplayPort Alt Mode docking capability enhances its versatility, allowing users to connect multiple peripherals and monitors seamlessly. Overall, the Steam Deck is a solid choice for those interested in handheld gaming and mini PC tinkering, though it may not fully replace high-end workstations.

- The Steam Deck runs Linux natively and supports various distributions.

- It is easy to repair and upgrade, with accessible parts and storage options.

- Users can boot from MicroSD cards, making it simple to try different operating systems.

- Performance is good for gaming and general tasks, with low power consumption.

- The device's docking capabilities allow for easy connection to multiple peripherals.

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By @dlcarrier - 3 months
I'm writing this on a docked Steam Deck in desktop mode. It works pretty well, and at $400 for a perfectly serviceable computer that you can undock and use as gaming console, it's quite a deal.

There's one major downside though, and that's package management. Flatpaks still take a bit too many resources to run quickly, and using native Arch packages relies heavily on the AUR repository, which can be hit and miss.

By @not_your_vase - 3 months
It sounds like that it is a perfectly serviceable machine for its price (which isn't exactly a big surprise in the industry). But what makes it perfect for hackers? What makes it better than anything else for hackers? If it had at least a couple of accessible GPIOs, than I would understand it, but based on this article, TBH I don't see any hacker specific selling points.