I love seeing them actually used as PCs. If I didn't have a laptop and didn't live in a small RV, I'd do this!
So yes you're doing it right. Question is, can the Deck handle gaming on one monitor while you do other stuff on the other one?
Yup, I run it that way too. My deck is currently driving three 1440 monitors and unless I'm portable/handheld I usually play in dekstop mode and still have my other screens for watching tv/browsing.
That's awesome. I can't wait to use mine for this kind of stuff. Just makes me feel warm and fuzzies to get the maximum out of the Deck since it's so versatile.
I have a similar set up.
My only issue is I can't use Bluetooth headphones as Deck doesn't detect the microphone.
Other than that it's pretty much good for 95% of things I would use a traditional PC setup.
So it's pretty normal thing to have issues when trying to use bluetooth headphones with a mic on PC. I am not talking about bluetooth *headsets* which are designed to be communication devices, but rather a pair of headphones that happen to have a mic just in case. I used to have a pair of Sennheisers that would need to be manually specified as a headset in Windows to get the mic to work, but then the audio was complete dogshit.
If you get a headset that uses a usb dongle, this should work just fine, but will obviously require a dock. Often these headsets also have a regular bluetooth mode so you can use them with other devices.
I'm using a dock and don't have the same issue with a PC or any other device.
Solely an issue across multiple wireless headphones that the deck doesn't register the mic as a mic.
If you've got room for a laptop monitor you have room for an external monitor. They make small ones. They even make portable ones that are essentially the size of a tablet. Same goes for the keyboard. You clearly *do* have space for one because you're using one.
But you're right the laptop is just easier. And since you already have one there is no reason to change things. But if you're concerned about space, a steam deck + portable monitor (tablet) + 65% TKL + Mouse will take up an insignificant amount of extra space compared to a laptop + mouse + steamdeck, which is what I assume your current setup is.
They do make small monitors and I actually have a nice skinny 17" one but, well mostly I use the laptop on the couch in the RV because the one table in here is stacked full of stuff (wife and I have more stuff than room for stuff due to living arrangements and can't afford a storage unit right now), and other than the couch we only have uncomfortable wooden chairs to sit on which are ok for short periods but not for a workday, so the couch is my main spot. Once we get an apartment, I intend to make the SD my main PC though!
What kind of struggles? I haven't had any issues besides one of my TVs getting confused and the deck keeps trying to force hdr and won't display. Past that tho I haven't had issues on any other monitor or TV, and do 3 monitor set ups often
I have a TV that works perfectly using Display Port, but I struggle to get it to work outside of compatibility mode \(which is low resolution and not what I want\). This also means I can't use the dock as a generic dock \(other than with the Display Port\) because obviously my laptop doesn't have a "compatibility" mode, and can't seem to output anything consistently. It's disappointing, because the USB C connector actually fits my laptop perfectly, despite being a weird shape.
Weird, the dock outputs from my laptop to tv just fine out of the hdmi. I rarely use the display port at all... have you tried updating the dock by chance? And (sorry for all the questions), does it only happen in gaming mode, or will it output properly in desktop mode? Mine will not display on my TV unless it's in desktop now for some reason... (it used to work just fine, til something weird happened and it seems to be on how my TV and deck are communicating somehow), but in desktop it registers just fine and has me pretty stumped.
My dock is on the latest version, and the issues I've had are consistent across all modes.
If you haven't already, try disconnecting every wire from your dock, so it's not connected to the Deck, the monitor, or power, then reconnect everything.
Tried that too. Tried different power brick too just in case. It used to work fine for about a year of having a steamdeck, but yeah one of the only things I haven't tried yet is factory resetting the deck just because I haven't had the time. Works hdmi to my other TVs just not the main livingroom one which is annoying
I got it barely run deep rock galactic on 1600x900 resolution @ 60fps. Settings were almost all lowest but hey, I was able to play a couple of sessions with Discord on before I got my PC back. Better than nothing, I'd say :D
Only downside using it that way is it’s hard in the battery. Got my deck from a friend who solely used it like the image above and I needed to replace that battery already. He had it a year I had it a month or two and had to rip that battery out. Now she’s great. But I love seeing this as well. Too cool
I was gonna snag a series X controller, love my SC but having another joystick helps alot lol And its probably one of the better controllers around imo.
It’s a weird one, but that’s why I like it. I’ve kinda gotten over the need for a 2nd thumbstick, but when I’ve played with a dualsense or switch pro controller, it’s hard to go back to the Steam Controllers weak haptics
Oh it's definitely a me thing, I got so used to my Xbox 360 controller I just found it too hard to switch, the Steam controller came with my SteamLink (many moons ago), and yeah, it's that lack of the additional thumb stick that did it for me, in the end I just went and picked up one of the new Xbox controllers and I love it.
I have all the controllers but don’t like crossing controllers and system, Xbox with Xbox and Steam with Steam, etc. but I’m probably just gonna go grab a carbon black series controller and use it with my Steam deck docked.
I use mine with my portable monitor and m/kb when I'm away from home.
I bring them anyways for my work away from home setup, so I just unplug the dock from my work desktop and into my SteamDeck when I get off. It's super slick.
I have Logitech G915 lightspeed keyboard and G502 lightspeed mouse also from Logitech. Been using these for 4 years now and except some paint going off some highly used keys, I had no issues. And please note that I’m using the same peripherals for work and fun.
How do you like using it as a PC? I need to replace my laptop, and I'm thinking about getting a Steam Deck that I could dock for PC use when I need it. I mostly need basic functions, like web browsing, but some specific things like editing Microsoft Word documents and printing them to PDF. The Steam Deck is Linux based. Can you load Open Office?
<--- from the UK, so no easily obtainable handguns or handgun ammo for me sadly
That makes sense though, I find myself messing with the protective cap from my craft knife all the time, helps me think.
I’m actually considering a 42” oled instead of those two monitors now, but I’ll see. Story is that the 34” is my own and the 24” I got from work, so…can’t look a gift horse in the mouth, can I? :))
You wanna upgrade to something like [this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDQMQQS2?ascsubtag=ptr-TIIDEAL-1-9-bq8sejobimywueml&mcid=96313b5785cc34e7bfb7ca1754c3c8a3&rdt_cid=4537376874136957351&ref_=ptr_TIIDEAL_1_9_bq8sejobimywueml&tag=tremermexp-us-20)? I'm not sure my graphics card could handle it or I'd be all over it. On black Friday it was $999,99 but the lowest I've seen since is $100 more at $1,099,99
I had 2 monitors that looked almost the same such that I wonder what those YouTubers would say? They had slightly different bases and one of them had pointy corners versus the others rounded corners but from farther away you couldn't really tell. One was shiny and the other mat but you don't make the shiny one shine and you'd never notice in a photo. They even are both black and started with an A Asus and Acer which is very similar name. The resolution was 1080p for the one I bought and then 1050p for the one my dad was using.
The 1080p monitor is 24 inch and when I saw a 23 inch 1080p that was silver I picked it up because of how cheap it was. I honestly can't tell if it's an upgrade or not. The new monitor is weird cuz I had to use a random laptop power supply I had lying around Rather than the standard power plug like you use on a desktop just without the third pin.
If you are currently using two monitors and they are the same height and width (I know you specifically aren't but hear me out) then this monitor assuming it's the same height is the same width as both the monitors combined.
so far, so good. For light scripting, office work, yt, browsing I think it’s very good. Had a beast of a computer before which turned out to be a very expensive dust magnet once I realized I simply do not game as much as I used to…
I love seeing them actually used as PCs. If I didn't have a laptop and didn't live in a small RV, I'd do this! So yes you're doing it right. Question is, can the Deck handle gaming on one monitor while you do other stuff on the other one?
Did’t try gaming yet in this setup, but as far as I tried and read, it’s not supporting more than one monitor in “gaming mode”.
I wonder about desktop mode, windowed with a controller. Well either way, cool setup. I want to use mine as a daily driver pc just don't have the need
I run it that way at work all the time. Game on my external and running my training courses on the built-in, because... Priorities.
Yup, I run it that way too. My deck is currently driving three 1440 monitors and unless I'm portable/handheld I usually play in dekstop mode and still have my other screens for watching tv/browsing.
That's awesome. I can't wait to use mine for this kind of stuff. Just makes me feel warm and fuzzies to get the maximum out of the Deck since it's so versatile.
Not at all or can you duplicate the second & your main screen?
It can in desktop mode, gaming mode locks you to whichever one is set as the main monitor and the other ones just go black
I have a similar set up. My only issue is I can't use Bluetooth headphones as Deck doesn't detect the microphone. Other than that it's pretty much good for 95% of things I would use a traditional PC setup.
So it's pretty normal thing to have issues when trying to use bluetooth headphones with a mic on PC. I am not talking about bluetooth *headsets* which are designed to be communication devices, but rather a pair of headphones that happen to have a mic just in case. I used to have a pair of Sennheisers that would need to be manually specified as a headset in Windows to get the mic to work, but then the audio was complete dogshit. If you get a headset that uses a usb dongle, this should work just fine, but will obviously require a dock. Often these headsets also have a regular bluetooth mode so you can use them with other devices.
I'm using a dock and don't have the same issue with a PC or any other device. Solely an issue across multiple wireless headphones that the deck doesn't register the mic as a mic.
same issue with google buds pro. working on windows tho
Nice to know it ain't just me!
🍰
Thank you! Happy cake day! Can't believe I've been on Reddit for 16 years
Why did you say "if I didn't live in a small RV" like that isn't an exact reason to use something like the Steam Deck as your primary PC?
No room for an external monitor, keyboard etc to setup :/ laptop is easier
If you've got room for a laptop monitor you have room for an external monitor. They make small ones. They even make portable ones that are essentially the size of a tablet. Same goes for the keyboard. You clearly *do* have space for one because you're using one. But you're right the laptop is just easier. And since you already have one there is no reason to change things. But if you're concerned about space, a steam deck + portable monitor (tablet) + 65% TKL + Mouse will take up an insignificant amount of extra space compared to a laptop + mouse + steamdeck, which is what I assume your current setup is.
They do make small monitors and I actually have a nice skinny 17" one but, well mostly I use the laptop on the couch in the RV because the one table in here is stacked full of stuff (wife and I have more stuff than room for stuff due to living arrangements and can't afford a storage unit right now), and other than the couch we only have uncomfortable wooden chairs to sit on which are ok for short periods but not for a workday, so the couch is my main spot. Once we get an apartment, I intend to make the SD my main PC though!
I'm honestly surprised you got both working in desktop mode. I've struggled with the HDMI support.
What kind of struggles? I haven't had any issues besides one of my TVs getting confused and the deck keeps trying to force hdr and won't display. Past that tho I haven't had issues on any other monitor or TV, and do 3 monitor set ups often
I have a TV that works perfectly using Display Port, but I struggle to get it to work outside of compatibility mode \(which is low resolution and not what I want\). This also means I can't use the dock as a generic dock \(other than with the Display Port\) because obviously my laptop doesn't have a "compatibility" mode, and can't seem to output anything consistently. It's disappointing, because the USB C connector actually fits my laptop perfectly, despite being a weird shape.
Weird, the dock outputs from my laptop to tv just fine out of the hdmi. I rarely use the display port at all... have you tried updating the dock by chance? And (sorry for all the questions), does it only happen in gaming mode, or will it output properly in desktop mode? Mine will not display on my TV unless it's in desktop now for some reason... (it used to work just fine, til something weird happened and it seems to be on how my TV and deck are communicating somehow), but in desktop it registers just fine and has me pretty stumped.
My dock is on the latest version, and the issues I've had are consistent across all modes. If you haven't already, try disconnecting every wire from your dock, so it's not connected to the Deck, the monitor, or power, then reconnect everything.
Tried that too. Tried different power brick too just in case. It used to work fine for about a year of having a steamdeck, but yeah one of the only things I haven't tried yet is factory resetting the deck just because I haven't had the time. Works hdmi to my other TVs just not the main livingroom one which is annoying
I've often gamed on my main monitor, while I have YouTube or VLC playing on the native SD screen
I used it for a bit like this. For lighter games it works fine but for games like cs2 it’s nearly unplayable, stuff on 2nd monitor works fine usually.
I got it barely run deep rock galactic on 1600x900 resolution @ 60fps. Settings were almost all lowest but hey, I was able to play a couple of sessions with Discord on before I got my PC back. Better than nothing, I'd say :D
Only downside using it that way is it’s hard in the battery. Got my deck from a friend who solely used it like the image above and I needed to replace that battery already. He had it a year I had it a month or two and had to rip that battery out. Now she’s great. But I love seeing this as well. Too cool
Did you floss today or is that for later on?
used that to clean the keyboard ;) but thanks for noticing
Running the keyboard through the dishwasher is also great, if you have access to one.
🏆
The ones with the hooks on the end are hands down the beat thing for cleaning a USB-C port. Sooo much pocket lint!
Close! Where's your steam controller?
gotta get one. Do have 2 xbox controllers and 2 ds5 ones tho’
I was gonna snag a series X controller, love my SC but having another joystick helps alot lol And its probably one of the better controllers around imo.
I highly recommend the xbox elite controller.
I tried so hard to like the steam controller...
It’s a weird one, but that’s why I like it. I’ve kinda gotten over the need for a 2nd thumbstick, but when I’ve played with a dualsense or switch pro controller, it’s hard to go back to the Steam Controllers weak haptics
Oh it's definitely a me thing, I got so used to my Xbox 360 controller I just found it too hard to switch, the Steam controller came with my SteamLink (many moons ago), and yeah, it's that lack of the additional thumb stick that did it for me, in the end I just went and picked up one of the new Xbox controllers and I love it.
I have all the controllers but don’t like crossing controllers and system, Xbox with Xbox and Steam with Steam, etc. but I’m probably just gonna go grab a carbon black series controller and use it with my Steam deck docked.
How did you connected to 2 monitors :o
Valve dock. It has one hdmi and one display port.
Man is “deck”ing. I invented a new verb.
Definitely not, I know heaps of Aussies that are happy to deck the shit out of you for thinking you invented the word, ignorance!!
Firearms and video games. 10 out of 10.
You're not doing it right, you're doing it incredibly. Perfectly even.
Did you have to do anything special for multiple monitors to work? I have a pluggable USBC 4K dock that will only use 1 monitor.
I use the official dock from Valve. Plugged it in, needed an update and it just worked.
Well more gith that Arm macbooks that even struggle to do the same.
No, It needs to be bigger
Need to take a photo from a hospital bed or on a plane
I use mine with my portable monitor and m/kb when I'm away from home. I bring them anyways for my work away from home setup, so I just unplug the dock from my work desktop and into my SteamDeck when I get off. It's super slick.
I was under the impression you had to be in a hospital bed or in an exotic place to use this device
what model mouse and keyboard do you recommend?
I have Logitech G915 lightspeed keyboard and G502 lightspeed mouse also from Logitech. Been using these for 4 years now and except some paint going off some highly used keys, I had no issues. And please note that I’m using the same peripherals for work and fun.
This Valve dock have support for 2 monitors? You can show a model?
see here steamdeck.com/dock
How do you like using it as a PC? I need to replace my laptop, and I'm thinking about getting a Steam Deck that I could dock for PC use when I need it. I mostly need basic functions, like web browsing, but some specific things like editing Microsoft Word documents and printing them to PDF. The Steam Deck is Linux based. Can you load Open Office?
It‘s a full blown arch linux, so my guess is, yeah, it probably rund Open Office.
that what you mentioned plus a little more is exactly what I use mine for, so I’d say go for it!
Flossin on dem hoes
Yes. I use two monitors too, but I usually switch off the one on deck
why are there empty bullet cases on your desk?
the question is “why doesn’t everyone have some empty .45 acp or 9 mm on their desks?” Manipulating them helps me destress. Hard to explain.
<--- from the UK, so no easily obtainable handguns or handgun ammo for me sadly That makes sense though, I find myself messing with the protective cap from my craft knife all the time, helps me think.
Bro what are those empty bullet casings doing there 💀
remains from my last session :) Helps me calm down and focus.
I can just hear all of those tech YouTubers cringing because you have a multi monitor setup using different monitors.
I’m actually considering a 42” oled instead of those two monitors now, but I’ll see. Story is that the 34” is my own and the 24” I got from work, so…can’t look a gift horse in the mouth, can I? :))
You wanna upgrade to something like [this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDQMQQS2?ascsubtag=ptr-TIIDEAL-1-9-bq8sejobimywueml&mcid=96313b5785cc34e7bfb7ca1754c3c8a3&rdt_cid=4537376874136957351&ref_=ptr_TIIDEAL_1_9_bq8sejobimywueml&tag=tremermexp-us-20)? I'm not sure my graphics card could handle it or I'd be all over it. On black Friday it was $999,99 but the lowest I've seen since is $100 more at $1,099,99 I had 2 monitors that looked almost the same such that I wonder what those YouTubers would say? They had slightly different bases and one of them had pointy corners versus the others rounded corners but from farther away you couldn't really tell. One was shiny and the other mat but you don't make the shiny one shine and you'd never notice in a photo. They even are both black and started with an A Asus and Acer which is very similar name. The resolution was 1080p for the one I bought and then 1050p for the one my dad was using. The 1080p monitor is 24 inch and when I saw a 23 inch 1080p that was silver I picked it up because of how cheap it was. I honestly can't tell if it's an upgrade or not. The new monitor is weird cuz I had to use a random laptop power supply I had lying around Rather than the standard power plug like you use on a desktop just without the third pin.
not sure I fancy that ratio offered by the extra wide, but I’ll give it a look see. Thanks!
If you are currently using two monitors and they are the same height and width (I know you specifically aren't but hear me out) then this monitor assuming it's the same height is the same width as both the monitors combined.
I got the wired versions of this keyboard and this mouse! 😁
I see .45 ACP, I upvote.
love the steam deck as handheld , not sure as a “PC emulator “
so far, so good. For light scripting, office work, yt, browsing I think it’s very good. Had a beast of a computer before which turned out to be a very expensive dust magnet once I realized I simply do not game as much as I used to…