Mechanism Desk Stand promo shot
Image: Mechanism

Shrinkflation is a thing, and I've seen few better examples of that than hardware accessory company Mechanism recontextualizing the Steam Deck as the minimum viable desktop PC, as spotted over on The Verge. Just add one articulated desk stand, a mounting bracket for your handheld Linux PC plus a Bluetooth mini-keyboard and mouse, and you've got a workable desktop setup, albeit on a 1280 x 800 handheld screen perched above a small weighted aluminum base. While I've got some concerns about functionality, I must admit, it looks nice.

Personally, I'd go with the official Steam Deck docking station (or any of its many unofficial imitators), which both charges the handheld and lets you connect HDMI/DisplayPort monitors, gigabit Ethernet, and multiple USB devices. But then again, I'm a tech nerd and have monitors, mice, keyboard and cabling to spare. But if the Deck is your first PC and you're looking for a way to extend its functionality (or just have more of an excuse to use its Linux desktop mode), there are worse ways to go about it.

That said, if you're looking at avoiding eye strain, you can pick up a reasonably sized 1920 x 1080 desktop monitor for under £50 these days, although that is admittedly less viable to bring down to your local coffee shop, and probably looks less chic.

Mechanism also sells brackets for other Deck-adjacent hardware (like Lenovo's Legion GO handheld) and controller mounts for smartphones so you can play more advanced games on the go-ish. Still, of all their items, the one I find most amusing (and the one I'd probably find the most use for) is their Gaming Pillow, which lets you bypass the effort of holding your handheld several inches above your chest when reclining.

Mechanism's desk stand officially launches tomorrow for €42,48 (Approximately $49 USD), with discounts available if you buy it in a bundle with some accessories.

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[source theverge.com]