Valve has “hidden” the PC in the console case, and thanks to the Steam OS, you can use it as such or as a Linux PC. This is what we told you about in our Steam Deck review a couple of months ago, and in that sense, little has changed drastically.
The software on the “console” side is very polished, but to take full advantage of what desktop mode offers, it’s almost necessary to have a USB-C hub, or better yet, a docking station to connect a mouse, keyboard, or external hard drive.
The indefinite delay of the official Steam Deck has made it easier for many companies to launch their first third-party models, and we We have tested one of the most popular Steam Deck among users.
They cost a little more than a “regular” USB-C HUB, like this €18 model we used for analysis, but the truth is that offer other benefits that offset the price difference.
The first and most obvious is that Nintendo Switch style, they allow us to securely organize our Steam deck.placed in the slot of the docking station so that it does not move a millimeter after we have placed it.
It’s not as secure as the Nintendo Switch itself, which completely covers the screen, but it’s more than enough to keep the Steam Deck from tipping over and collapsing under its own weight.
This is because the inside of the dock slot is lined with textured rubber, which slows down possible accidental movements. It also helps that there are four rubber feet in the base that also secure the assembly and prevent the dock from moving around.
On the back and one of the sides are all the connection ports: HDMI 2.0, which allows us to output a 4K signal at 60 frames per second, as well as two USB-A 2.0 ports to connect a mouse, keyboard or a USB hub to connect more. accessories such as a wireless headset dongle or an external hard drive).
Finally, it also has a USB-C port (for powering the Steam Deck Charger Kit) and, on one side, an Ethernet cable port (it’s 10/100).
The truth is that this is a layout that helps put together a desktop much better than with a USB-C HUB, since all the cables are behind, and in addition, we can use the Steam Deck as a second screen in desktop mode (as you can see in the image that opens this article).
4K Steam Deck video output useful in desktop modewhere we can adjust the second screen and the output resolution up to 4K@60fps, which we can use with image or video retouching applications, such as the lightweight and versatile VLC Vide Player, which is considered one of the best multimedia players. .
Or even for games because Steam Deck in desktop mode can run some games in 4K resolution. like a 2016 DOOM reboot (4K@60fps) in Skyrim Legendary Edition (4K@45fps) running through Overcooked 2 (4K@60fps). As long as they aren’t overly demanding and new games, Deck might move them to 4K.
Once our Steam Deck is placed in the slot, it’s enough to plug the single USB-C cable coming out of the dock into the Steam Deck’s charging port to bring the image to the second screen and have all the accessories and wired connection work.
Also, unlike some of the HUBs we tested, we had no current issues (a message pops up warning that the deck doesn’t have enough power to charge). For €39 (plus shipping) it’s not a bad deal.
In addition, we are talking about a gentle product: The JSAUX Steam Deck HB0602 has a compact aluminum alloy body.avoiding conveying a feeling of fragility. It is solid, tough and well crafted.
And if the functions of the dock are not important to you, there is also a “cradle” or “cradle” version to put the deck in storage, but without the electronic part for about 15 euros. This is the solution for those who want to use their Steam deck on the road or anywhere to perform tricks with Bluetooth controllers (or watch videos without holding it).
In this sense, they also Protective cover with back leg for steam deck, which adds a base on the back and thus replicates the Nintendo Switch feature that allows you to play in “tabletop” mode. It costs about 21 euros.
But returning to Dock on the steam deck, the only things we didn’t like were two things: on the one hand, the network cable is connected to the side of the dock, which does not allow you to leave all the cables behind, and the desktop is tidied up as much as possible. Nothing serious, but…
Secondly, JSAUX has just released a second version of the docking station, improved with 3 USB-A 3.0 ports and an improved Ethernet (Gigabit) port, although on the other hand it is also 10 euros more expensive.
But come on, we’re talking about a must-have accessory for any Steam Deck user, whether it’s from this manufacturer, an improved version, or one that’s yet to come. So far, we liked this one for its functionality, design, and finish…
Source: Computer Hoy
