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Steam Brick: No screen, no controller, just a power button and a USB port (crastinator-pro.github.io)

885 points by sbarre · 556 days ago · 262 comments on HN

Article summary

The article describes a project where the author modified a Steam Deck to remove the screen and controller, resulting in a smaller and lighter device called the Steam Brick. The author's goal was to create a more portable device that could be easily carried in a backpack. The Steam Brick has a power button and a USB port, and can be used with external devices such as AR glasses. The project is not endorsed by Valve and is considered a 'bad idea' by the author, but it has sparked interest and discussion.

Main themes

  • Steam Deck modification
  • Portability and convenience
  • AR glasses and virtual screens
  • DIY projects and hacking
  • Gaming and entertainment

What commenters say

  • The removal of the screen from the Steam Deck is unnecessary and adds complexity to the device.
  • AR glasses offer a unique and beneficial gaming experience, especially in terms of ergonomics and flexibility.
  • The Steam Brick project is a great example of innovative thinking and DIY spirit, despite being unconventional.
  • Current AR glasses are not suitable for coding and productivity due to limitations in text rendering and optical quality.
  • Some users have found ways to make AR glasses work for coding, but it often requires adjustments to workflow and window management.
  • The idea of a portable, headless gaming device is appealing, but the execution and practicality are still uncertain.
  • There are trade-offs between the benefits of AR glasses, such as convenience and immersion, and the drawbacks, such as limited text quality and potential eye strain.