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The Steam Deck literally has a desktop mode, and you can connect a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to it, and play games that way. Both my son and I play games usi

The Steam Deck literally has a desktop mode, and you can connect a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to it, and play games that way. Both my son and I play games using this method. The Steam dock was designed to allow users to take advantage of this mode, among other things. You can install regular Linux applications in Desktop mode, including Libreoffice and Firefox. It's probably fair to say the majority of users don't do this, but it's a completely accessible, usable, and supported Linux desktop. So, yes, the Steam deck is a Linux desktop. Even gaming mode is a usable "Desktop" environment, usable with a virtual or actual keyboard, touchpad or regular mouse. You can even install SteamOS on a regular PC! You might have to tweak it a bit to get your particular hardware supported, but you'll end up with...a Steam Linux desktop.

Klonoar 2y ago
Even if we grant that point - which I'm not willing to do, since: > It's probably fair to say the majority of users don't do this You still missed the part where I noted: > These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. This is and has been the thorn in Desktop Linux's side for the last ~20 years.
- LooseMarmoset 2y ago
  Everything you're describing here is literally true of Windows. How many desktop PCs aren't certified to run Windows 11? Can you hack it and make it run with esoteric commands and dubious registry edits? Sure, but then you're in the same spot Linux users are. How much hardware do people throw away because manufacturers don't write updated drivers anymore? Right, you're back in the just about everything works but situation again, except in Windows. The only real difference between Linux and Windows is that new hardware is better-supported in Windows, and comes with a shelf life, and older hardware is better-supported in Linux with a shelf life that Microsoft can't touch. When you add in and then Windows includes telemetry and data mining that Microsoft won't allow you to turn off and won't tell you what is included I can't see why anyone would want Windows. > These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. > This is and has been the thorn in Desktop Linux's side for the last ~20 years. The Steam Deck literally does not have these problems. It's the the Linux Desktop, perfected!
  - Klonoar 2y ago
    > How many desktop PCs aren't certified to run Windows 11? Can you hack it and make it run with esoteric commands and dubious registry edits? Sure, but then you're in the same spot Linux users are. > How much hardware do people throw away because manufacturers don't write updated drivers anymore? Right, you're back in the just about everything works but situation again, except in Windows. A significant amount of goalpost moving is happening here. My original point holds true: general Desktop Linux, installed on $randomly-bought-general-class-desktop-or-laptop-machine, is not the generally solid experience that Windows is. > When you add in and then Windows includes telemetry and data mining that Microsoft won't allow you to turn off and won't tell you what is included I can't see why anyone would want Windows. I wasn't even debating these points with you. I don't think anyone should use Windows either, but here we are. > The Steam Deck literally does not have these problems. It's the the Linux Desktop, perfected! It is a gaming machine that happens to run Linux, and you have done nothing to convince me otherwise.

Klonoar 2y ago

Even if we grant that point - which I'm not willing to do, since: > It's probably fair to say the majority of users don't do this You still missed the part where I noted: > These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. This is and has been the thorn in Desktop Linux's side for the last ~20 years.

LooseMarmoset 2y ago
Everything you're describing here is literally true of Windows. How many desktop PCs aren't certified to run Windows 11? Can you hack it and make it run with esoteric commands and dubious registry edits? Sure, but then you're in the same spot Linux users are. How much hardware do people throw away because manufacturers don't write updated drivers anymore? Right, you're back in the just about everything works but situation again, except in Windows. The only real difference between Linux and Windows is that new hardware is better-supported in Windows, and comes with a shelf life, and older hardware is better-supported in Linux with a shelf life that Microsoft can't touch. When you add in and then Windows includes telemetry and data mining that Microsoft won't allow you to turn off and won't tell you what is included I can't see why anyone would want Windows. > These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. > This is and has been the thorn in Desktop Linux's side for the last ~20 years. The Steam Deck literally does not have these problems. It's the the Linux Desktop, perfected!
- Klonoar 2y ago
  > How many desktop PCs aren't certified to run Windows 11? Can you hack it and make it run with esoteric commands and dubious registry edits? Sure, but then you're in the same spot Linux users are. > How much hardware do people throw away because manufacturers don't write updated drivers anymore? Right, you're back in the just about everything works but situation again, except in Windows. A significant amount of goalpost moving is happening here. My original point holds true: general Desktop Linux, installed on $randomly-bought-general-class-desktop-or-laptop-machine, is not the generally solid experience that Windows is. > When you add in and then Windows includes telemetry and data mining that Microsoft won't allow you to turn off and won't tell you what is included I can't see why anyone would want Windows. I wasn't even debating these points with you. I don't think anyone should use Windows either, but here we are. > The Steam Deck literally does not have these problems. It's the the Linux Desktop, perfected! It is a gaming machine that happens to run Linux, and you have done nothing to convince me otherwise.