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

Sure, let me take a shot at this:

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Okay, first off, just wanna be clear—Linux? Yeah, not my playground. I grew up in the land of IBM PC-DOS, switched lanes to Windows 3.11, and pretty much every Windows variant you can think of since then. Except Windows ME—because why would anyone? And Macs? Been tinkering with those since like 2009—Leopard times, right.

Anyhooo, never thought I’d mess around with Linux. Guess the Windows and Mac duo kept my geek heart content. But then Lenovo tossed me this Legion Go S handheld thingy. Games, fun, whatever. But I was like, lemme see if this Linux stuff can do more than just play games. Also got an Asus ROG Strix G16 review to bang out, so, why not?

So, here I am, absolutely clueless about Linux, yet trying to look all sophisticated with it. If I mess this up—well, at least I tried, right?

### Jumping into the KDE Plasma World on Legion Go S

By default, this Legion Go S thing boots into SteamOS ’cause, duh, it’s for games. But surprise surprise, KDE Plasma desktop is lurking there if you want to actually do… work? I discovered the fastest way to get there is by just holding down the power button for a few seconds. Boom, a menu! KDE option is like, right there. Navigating felt as weirdly familiar as finding an old toy in the attic.

Throwing this lil’ gadget into desktop mode and suddenly you’re looking at KDE Plasma. Weirdly, I felt like I was back home—old school Windows vibes with a modern twist. Anyway, I was really just aiming to do some web browsing, bit of word processing—oh, and some photo tinkering too. Yet, with just two USB-C ports, ugh, talk about a puzzle. Thought I was clever with my Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse (screaming deal from Target—twenty bucks? Yes, please). But bam, hit a snag—it’s USB-A, and this darn gadget’s USB-C. Thank heavens for adapters, right?

Once I got over that little hiccup, the tech recognized my setup in no time, and instead of a mousy maze, I was breezily hopping through KDE Plasma. Honestly, it felt like a throwback to my Windows days, but with enough open-source quirks to keep it fresh.

### Time to Install and Not Go Insane in KDE Plasma

Had to tackle that web browser dilemma next. Hit up the Discover app, and I looked for Microsoft Edge (yeah, yeah, I know, I know. Everyone’s all about Google Chrome, but Edge? It’s got this neat sync thing going on for me). Surprisingly, around eight minutes later—felt like ages with my zippy T-Mobile Home Internet—Edge was finally installed.

Sooo, once Edge was up and running, logging into my stuff was almost like slipping on my favorite old jeans. Fast forward a bit, and I’m staring at the Legion Go’s rather tiny screen, wishing for larger real estate. Enter the Espresso Displays 15 Pro, swooping in like a hero—except the Legion Go’s not strong enough to power it alone. More jerry-rigging with cables, and whoop—there it was, all stunningly 4K.

Switched from distracted web browsing to typing up my ROG Strix G16 review, with the Espresso monitor serving as my digital lighthouse.

But you know what? When I tried using the touchpad, KDE Plasma decided it was time to crash the party. Twice. Well, that was neat. Played the unplug/re-plug game, as you do.

### Tying Up Loose Ends and Wandering Thoughts

This whole exercise? Felt like an unintended side mission—just seeing how far I could take this handheld. KDE Plasma tripped me up with its touchpad tantrums, but other than that, it was mostly smooth sailing. The external gadgets pulled their weight, and I didn’t hate the adventure.

Sooo, if the Legion Go S wasn’t your first pick, don’t worry. It’s got the chops for all sorts of tasks—basic stuff at least, as long as your expectations don’t go totally haywire. Maybe throw a dock or two into the mix next time. Who knows, I might even do it all over again for the heck of it.

And hey, while the Legion Go S won’t replace my mega desktop, it’s charming enough to summon a quick nod of approval. Fingers crossed future tinkering keeps the chaotic fun alive.