Working Laptop Transformed into a Desktop-like Experience via Steam OS on Legion Go S
I've never been too interested in Linux, starting with IBM PC-DOS before jumping to Windows 3.11 and pretty much every iteration since. The Mac scene has been my home since 2009, starting with Leopard. However, I recently decided to give Linux a try while testing out the Lenovo Legion Go S handheld gaming PC. I chose to use the machine to draft a review for the Asus ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop.
Now, let me tell you, I'm a complete greenhorn when it comes to Linux. But here's my journey as I fumble my way through it.
Navigating KDE Plasma on the Legion Go S
By default, the Legion Go S boots into the SteamOS environment, which is expected considering it's a gaming device. But you can switch over to the KDE Plasma desktop environment if you need to use it for productivity tasks.
To get there, simply hold down the power button for about four seconds, and you'll see a menu pop up with the options. Select 'desktop mode' to be whisked away to the KDE Plasma desktop.
I wanted to use the device for tasks like web browsing, basic word processing, photo editing, and file management through USB drives. The device has just two USB-C ports, which seems challenging for some tasks I needed to perform. Thankfully, a USB-A to USB-C adapter is all it took to get my trusty old wireless keyboard and mouse working.
KDE Plasma can be used without a mouse and keyboard, but let's be real - it ain't preferable. For light web browsing or media consumption, it's manageable. But heavier text entry gets a little burdensome.
Installing Apps and Kicking Things Off in KDE Plasma
Internet access was never an issue, as I logged into my wireless network during the initial SteamOS setup. The next step was to get a browser up and running. Searching for Microsoft Edge in 'Discover' got me the browser I needed, synced with my Microsoft Account.
Downloading Edge was a slow affair, taking around eight minutes. But I managed to bear with it, given the solid speed of my T-Mobile Home Internet. Once it was installed, I logged in, and I was good to go with all my bookmarks, extensions, and other essential bits.
I started off using the device's internal 8-inch display, but the screen resolution didn't quite cut it, especially as my eyesight isn't what it used to be. So, I hooked up an Espresso Displays 15 Pro portable monitor to my Mac Mini via USB-C.
I connected the monitor to the Legion Go S next, but it needed extra juice to power up. Once I supplied that with a USB-C power adapter, the monitor fired right up, and I could see the KDE Plasma desktop in glorious 4K. bonus points - the adapter also charged the Legion Go S at the same time.
With the basics sorted, I opened up the browser-based Microsoft Word and started working on my review. This slick little handheld was serving as my fully-fledged desktop!
I decided to bump things up a notch by connecting my FLIR C2 camera for measuring heat levels. But, I was already using both USB-C ports - one for the monitor and one for the keyboard and mouse receiver. So, I swapped out the receiver and hooked up the FLIR.
Here's where I ran into my first snag - using the touchpad caused the system to freeze and reboot. After a few attempts, I gave up on the touchpad and switched to using the keyboard and mouse. Once that was sorted, the rest of the process ran pretty smoothly.
Wrapping Things Up
All in all, I managed to draft a decent review using the Legion Go S' KDE Plasma desktop environment. While the console isn't designed to be a productivity powerhouse, it's surprising just how much it can handle, especially if you're willing to, well, fumble your way through it.
If you want a smooth and hassle-free experience, a USB-C dock might be a worthy addition. And remember, practice makes perfect, so give it a shot and see what you can do with this little powerhouse!
In the course of using the Legion Go S handheld gaming PC for productivity tasks, I discovered that KDE Plasma can be used without a mouse and keyboard, but it is less preferable for heavier text entry. After hooking up an Espresso Displays 15 Pro portable monitor to the Legion Go S via USB-C, I was able to run browser-based applications such as Microsoft Word, and even connected my FLIR C2 camera for additional functions. However, using the touchpad on the Legion Go S caused the system to freeze and reboot, necessitating the use of a keyboard and mouse instead.
