Using Steam OS as a Desktop: My Experience with the Legion Go S for Work

Alright, let’s dive into this. So, here’s the thing. I’m no Linux guru or anything, just a guy who’s mostly been riding the Windows and MacOS wave since forever. You know, back in the day, IBM PC-DOS was like my jam, then Windows came along—3.11 anyone? Oh, and Mac since ’09—the Leopard days, wow. Anyway, tried avoiding Linux like it was some cryptic tablet, until this Lenovo Legion Go S handheld PC landed on my desk. It screamed for a Linux test drive, and somehow, I couldn’t resist. Plus, I needed to write up something on the Asus ROG Strix G16 laptop and, heck, why not see if this Linux thing can handle it, right?

Okay, booting KDE Plasma. This handheld beast is all about gaming, SteamOS pops right up but, ah, there’s the KDE Plasma, lurking behind. Four seconds on the power button and boom—a whole new desktop world. Oh, quick side note: using this thing for basic chores like browsing or file stuff? Yeah, it’s got only these two USB-C ports—(wait, what a struggle)—more on that later.

Here’s a funny thing: I thought I was gonna survive without a mouse or keyboard. Wrong move. Browsing? Sure, knock yourself out. But typing? Not without my cheap twenty-buck Logitech setup from Target. But hey, USB-A receiver meet USB-C ports, courtesy of my trusty adapters. And then, a miracle—mouse and keyboard sprung to life. Why do I feel like I’m back in Window’s arms? KDE Plasma’s like that comfortable pair of jeans. The dock, those settings in the corner—home sweet home.

Installing apps? Oh boy, internet’s locked and loaded from SteamOS setup. Microsoft Edge for the win—sorry Chrome lovers, I’m synced up with Microsoft’s stuff. But damn, 8 minutes to download a browser? Come on, my internet’s speed is usually rolling like a freight train, but nope, it chose the scenic route this time. Anyway, finally logged on—bookmarks, passwords, the whole shebang—ready for action.

Now, about that display. Internal one’s fine but hey, let’s get professional here. Slapped on an Espresso Displays 15 Pro. Forget about that Legion kickstand—bottom’s flat enough to stand but it’s one sneeze away from a faceplant. So, USB-C powering to the rescue. Hooked it up, voila, full 4K glory for my middle-aged eyes.

Picture this: typing up my review, feeling slick, then out comes the FLIR C2 for some thermal pics—bam! Hit a roadblock. Two USB-C ports only, for crying out loud. Super satisfying workaround? Yup, unplug the mouse, plug in the camera. But, oh, touchpad? Total freeze-fest. This Linux rollercoaster rebooted me back to SteamOS. Had to do a bit of unplug-replug acrobatics to grab my files but hey, all part of the fun.

Anyway, got my snaps from Google Photos, hit up GIMP for some editing. Pixelmator Pro might be my darling but, free GIMP? We’re dancing just fine together.

Wrapping this whole escapade up—what a ride. Didn’t know what I was getting into but, turns out, I didn’t wreck the ship. The system kept up—devices played nice, and my work? Got done. Just, maybe not straying too far from those USB-C workarounds unless you’ve got a dock or two lying around. I don’t know, Lenovo isn’t shouting productivity from the rooftops but it holds its own, no doubt.