I gave my Steam Deck a proper desktop mode with a dock and a mouse, and it replaced my travel laptop

The Steam Deck is a powerful gaming device, but its utility extends beyond just entertainment. Earlier, I shared how the handheld console outperformed a budget gaming laptop on long-haul trips due to its compact form factor, making it the clear winner in situations where a desk was unavailable. However, with the addition of a $40 7-in-1 USB-C dock, the Steam Deck can now be a fully functional desktop for travel computing, replacing the need for a bulky laptop.

The dock provides 4K output at 60 Hz over HDMI, three USB-A 3.2 ports delivering 10Gbps, and 100W power delivery pass-through, all within a smaller and cheaper package than Valve's official dock. The setup also includes a Bluetooth mouse, a slim wireless keyboard, and a USB-C 1080p portable monitor. With this configuration, the Steam Deck transforms into a comfortable desktop experience complete with a Linux desktop, file manager, web browser, and software center.

While some might argue that hotel PCs can provide similar functionality, the Deck's USB-C port allows for seamless power delivery and data synchronization, making it a more efficient solution. Moreover, the Deck's ability to suspend sessions when not in use and resume exactly where it left off adds to its convenience. This versatile device, initially perceived as a gaming console, proves to be a comprehensive experience for both work and entertainment on the go.