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I've had my Steam deck plugged into my tv for the last year and I sometimes use the Linux desktop (just a menu option and it reloads into desktop mode) which has a really nice design is already preconfigured for casual linux use.

I'd look up game review youtube videos and search stuff in between games from my couch. No complaints.

The only downside to SteamOS being linux is the lack of easy mod support. It's either a PIA or not supported.

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You have to set it up with the Steam client in Desktop Mode, but you can add arbitrary programs and executables as non-steam games.

As a result, I can open Spotify in the background and have it play music while I game, from the primary SteamOS interface.

How's the added latency when connecting a controller to the steam deck through Bluetooth?

I tried to do something similar to you without a cable (controller --bluetooth--> deck --wifi & steam play--> TV) but it had ghastly latency, yet I didn't isolate which leg of the trip was responsible.

I use mouse/keyboard primarily and never noticed an issue even with bluetooth. I don't play multiplayer so wifi is not a factor in latency.

I do have a USB wireless dongle for my xbox controller which apparently is faster than bluetooth. I also now use wireless dongles for my mouse/keyboard but mostly just for ease of use. All 3 USBs are connected via dock.

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