Using Steam OS as a Desktop: My Experience with the Legion Go S as a Work PC

I’m not really into Linux, if I’m honest. I mean, grew up with IBM PC-DOS, moved onto Windows 3.11, and just stayed hooked to all the Windows versions since—except Windows ME (because, why bother?). Macs? Been using those since 2009 with Mac OS X Leopard.

But here’s the thing. I somehow ended up with this Legion Go S handheld gaming PC from Lenovo on loan. Decided, out of pure curiosity, to give Linux a go with it. Figured, why not? Might as well test it as my main machine for writing a review on the Asus ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop. Go big or go home.

I’m literally a Linux newbie diving straight into the deep end. Here’s my journey—welcome to chaos.

### Booting into KDE Plasma and Getting Lost, Sort Of

Legion Go S normally boots into SteamOS (because games, of course), but you can switch to KDE Plasma if you want to play pretend adult. Hit the power button for four seconds, some menu appears, and voila—welcome to KDE Plasma. Or so they say.

Trying to do basic stuff like web browsing and word processing was on the list. The thing’s got two USB-C ports only, which… yeah, that’ll be fun later, I figured.

Turns out, using KDE Plasma with just the device itself—without a mouse or keyboard—is kind of a pain. Browsing was fine. But typing? Not so much. Dug out my trusty Target-bought wireless Logitech keyboard and mouse. Only cost me $20, and honestly, it’s been my sidekick for my Windows 11 desktop.

First hiccup: the mouse and keyboard have a USB-A receiver, and Legion Go S only rocks USB-C ports. Lucky me, I’ve got tons of USB-A to USB-C adapters lying around. Crisis averted.

And suddenly, it all felt kind of familiar. Like, KDE Plasma wasn’t all that alien after all? Weird, right? Almost like coming home to Windows but with Linux’s, uh, quirks.

### Installing Stuff and Getting Down to Business

Logged into my Wi-Fi during SteamOS setup, so the internet was sorted. First order of business: get a browser. Cue the Discover app and a search for Microsoft Edge. (Yes, I’m a sucker for Edge. Fight me.)

Downloading Edge took an eternity. Maybe I exaggerated a bit, but at 1.4 Mbps on a “supposedly” fast internet? Come on. Got there in the end. All my bookmarks and passwords transferred over. Finally.

Monitor situation was a whole saga. The Legion Go S display is a tiny 8-inch thing. This middle-aged eyesight? Nah, couldn’t do it. Hooked up my Espresso Displays 15 Pro instead. (And by hooked up, I mean struggled with cables for a bit until it worked.)

Started on the ROG Strix G16 review using Microsoft Word online. Felt like working on my regular setup. Almost.

Then hit another snag. My FLIR C2 camera was next for some thermal images, but both USB-C ports were already in use. Decided the monitor was luxury and swapped it out for the camera. It worked, but let’s just say navigating on the small screen was a test of patience.

The kicker? Tried using the Legion Go S’s touchpad—froze and rebooted. Twice. Eventually got things done by dancing around the port situation. Who needs a predictable pathway in life?

### Wrapping This Mess Up

Honestly, didn’t expect much, but it kinda worked out. Except for the touchpad debacle, everything else was mostly smooth. KDE Plasma didn’t feel weird, external stuff played nice, and online tools were a go.

Using Legion Go S in only-handheld mode? Not something I’d sign up for again. And I didn’t have a USB-C dock handy—mental note to grab one if this ever becomes a regular gig. Makes life so much easier, trust me.

In short, as a productivity tool, Legion Go S might not be my first pick, but hey, it pulled through for the task. Keep expectations realistic, and you might just be pleasantly surprised.