Hacker News Reader

Comment by threetonesun | Hacker News Reader

Sure, I have to use my gaming console as a gaming console, much like I use my smart thermostat as a thermostat and don't check email on it.

View on HN

It's doesn't have to be non-gaming purposes. Say you want to install something not sold on Steam like I dunno, World of Warcraft, or Minecraft.

True! The Steam Deck LCD is a great retro gaming / emulator device and has outclassed many more focused competing devices for a while now.

And all you use your IPhone for is to make phone-calls, right?

You missed the point. If all I did was make phone calls on a $100 flip phone why would someone saying "oh but the $1000 iPhone can do so much more!" matter to me.

But in this case, they even say:

"...and it's a PC

Yes, Steam Machine is optimized for gaming, but it's still your PC. Install your own apps, or even another operating system. Who are we to tell you how to use your computer?"

It's not just a gaming console.

I know what the Steam Machine is, I'm saying the compromise of the PlayStation being cheaper isn't a compromise because I simply don't care that my game console isn't a PC. I have a PC, and I don't want one connected to my TV anyway. I don't think I'm unusual in that regard and the market of people who want to check their email on their TV is pretty small!

It's less about "checking your email" and more about ' it's an open system and you can do with it what you want", in whichever domain.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com