Sure, let’s dive into this. So, picture this: I’m not exactly a Linux wizard. I’ve been cruising with Windows since before I had a learner’s permit—well, almost. My journey started with IBM PC-DOS and then every Windows version (except ME, because who needs that headache?). Fast-forward, I’m also a Mac fan since 2009. Why did I bother with Linux then? Good question. Lenovo tossed me a Legion Go S handheld gaming PC for a bit, and I thought, why not give Linux a whirl? Who even am I, right?
Okay, let’s start with KDE Plasma on the Legion Go S—fancy name for a desktop environment. This thing’s a gaming gadget by heart. Boots right into SteamOS, which makes sense, but there’s a cheat code (not literally) to get into KDE Plasma if you wanna do non-gaming stuff. You just hold the power button for about four Mississippis and bam, a menu for switching pops up. I wanted to see how this would work for daily stuff like browsing the web or editing photos. By the way, two USB-C ports on this thing, and that’s it. That’s a whole puzzle, let me tell you.
The first thing I noticed? You can totally use it without a mouse or keyboard. But pro tip: don’t. For a quick web read? Sure. Writing the next great novel? No thanks. So, I snagged my trusty old Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse from Target. It’s nothing I’d show off, but hey, it works. And then, [facepalm]—the receiver for them is USB-A. Of course. Legion Go S is all USB-C. But hey, I have adapters scattered around like breadcrumbs, so problem solved.
The KDE Plasma interface? Not bad. Felt comfy, strangely familiar, like meeting someone who’s friends with all your friends. Navigation was a breeze once I got my gear sorted.
Next step: apps. Internet was already a go from setting up SteamOS, so I searched for Microsoft Edge—you know, because I’m a creature of habit even though everyone’s cheering for Chrome. But, wow, downloading it was like watching paint dry. I have fast internet, yet it was crawling. Eventually, it laced up its boots and got moving. Then, got all my web stuff logged in, cruising along.
Seeing things on that teeny display got old really fast because, newsflash, my eyesight isn’t what it used to be. I moved over to a portable monitor, the Espresso Displays 15 Pro. Had a moment of frustration when it flicked on and off—power issues, go figure. Another adapter later and we were in business.
After that, using the browser-based version of Microsoft Word felt oddly normal. Just like being on my usual setup but on a tiny handheld. Now it’s time to add some heat with a FLIR C2 camera. But uh-oh, all my USB-C slots were taken. So, I unplugged a few things, did a little techie dance with adapters, and managed. But the touchpad? Nope, total freeze and reboot if you even think about using it—twice.
In the end, I offloaded some pictures from my iPhone (thanks, Google Photos!), used GIMP to edit them, and kind of marinated in the mix of old and new tech. It’s like, here I am in 2023, thinking: how did this get complicated again? Yet, it wasn’t all bad.
The Legion Go S might not be a productivity powerhouse, but it’s got some muscle if you ask nicely. Just don’t touch the touchpad, and remember, patience is key when Linux experiments are at play.
