No Thanks. This is using the new Z2 Go chip. That is the lowest tier of all the new AMD chips. It’s for some reason built on the old Zen 3 architecture, and is even slower than the vanilla Z1 (non-extreme) from 2 years ago. And it’s using the outdated RDNA2, graphics cores.
This is probably good for best compatibility with SteamOS (close to Steamdeck hardware) but it’s not good compared to today’s most efficient or most powerful chips.
No TouchPad so I’ll pass, but a non Windows version is a step in the right direction.
The little square below the joystick is a touchpad apparently. I think it wouldbe cooler though if they just used the nipple from their laptops. It would be smaller and IMO more usable than such a small touchpad.
wow… I hadn’t thought of that until you mentioned it but a trackpoint in thumb’s reach on a steamdeck-like device is a great idea. And good marketing continuity for Lenovo
I thought it was a fingerprint reader at first glance! I agree that usability could be an issue at that size. Do you think the trackpoint would be much better than a joystick?
I dont think itd be much better but it has a small footprint and is more usable at that size than a trackpad. I think those are good qualities to have for a small portable device like this. I like my steam deck but I dont personally use the trackpads often and almost never the one on the left so one small nipple would be amazing for me. I used it a lot on my old lenovos.
In May, the true experiment will begin when gamers can pick between a $499.99 SteamOS version with 16GB / 512GB, a $599.99 Windows version with 16GB / 1TB
Is there any logical reason for the Windows version to have more storage? What is that about?
Masking the cost of the Windows license is my guess.
Microsoft has weird rules with OEMs about selling the same hardware without a Windows license. This might be a way around it.
Why would they want to do that? Like, if I’m Lenovo, I’m genuinely excited about this, and want people to buy it. They can pocket the difference on the Windows license while selling more units because the product is more attractive. They have no reason to actively encourage people to stick with Windows, unless MS is paying them to?
It really just seems like an experiment for them. I hope people buy them…
Probably don’t want to antagonize MS, but don’t know how things work at this level, so just randomly guessing.
Storage is cheap, windows licensing is expensive, maybe Lenovo is trying to add value for the people who want to stick to Windows
Probably not, though. Hopefully it’s repairable/upgradable.
Lenovo is trying to add value for the people who want to stick to Windows
Why would they do that?
No idea, hence my “probably not”
A deal with Microsoft, maybe?
Yeah looks like the drive is one of those smol m.2 sticks so you should be able to swap it out, as long as you can reinstall steam os on the new one. Can’t imagine that would be an issue tbh.
Must need it to fit all that bloatware lmao
To hide the license cost for Windows.
That extra 512GB storage costs ~$30 or so but I doubt average consumer has any idea about that.
Also there’s the thing that Windows alone requires like 100GB space…No it doesn’t? The minimum spec says 64gb of storage, but windows itself takes 20-30gb.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications
100GB was a decent approximation then, only 50% over the actual minimum spec
A pricier version of the windows one launches now, and the SteamOS one launches in 4 months.
I get why that’s the case but it’s still dumb
Lenovo will never get my money after they were caught installing rootkits on their computers. Fuck 'em, I don’t care how cheap they get.
If you’re looking for ethical hardware manufacturers, there are none. Just do a clean install when you get it, like every other computer.
I would assume licensing SteamOS legally prevents them from doing something like that, but who knows.
IIRC Lenovo’s rootkit fuckery was in UEFI and auto-launched even after a fresh Windows install. It was complete bullshit.
Honestly, now it’s a toss-up between getting a Legion Go or a Steam Deck…As I prefer the control scheme Lenovo is rocking. I never really liked the massive touchpads. However, that could easily be resolved by using the Steam Deck in Docked Mode on my 4K TV. Getting cozy on the couch with a good game or on the go is pretty appealing. It makes me happy that another manufacturer is hesitantly embracing Steam OS, as it if this does go well, we’ll see more devices with Steam OS.
It got rid of the touchpad the Legion has ffsIt’s still there. That tiny little square under the right stick is that
Man I am an idiot, I thought that was a fingerprint sensor. Thanks for the correction.
You’re all good. A lot of people thought so too. Really odd design choice, but it’s better than nothing, I suppose
I wonder how much they’re saving not having to ship Win with it.
About $50, though it depends on the edition.
Well, that’s still $50 that’s not passed to the consumer. Not much, but it’s a week’s groceries.
It is passed to customer. SteamOS version is $100 cheaper than Windows version.
The windows version has 512GB more storage, but that’s ~$30 more for hardware
Looks like Lenovo got a lot right with their Steam OS device. Competetive price and interesting specs.
