Valve Steam Deck Docking Station Hands-On

[marlock]

Is the Steam Dock firware available for upgrade via LVFS?

Is it useable on a linux laptop with usb-c port?

A yes to both would make it a nice linux-friendly usb-c laptop dock option, despite the deck-oriented design. It has a flexible usb-c cable so physical incompatibility is less likely (though that plug's concave lateralized plug may be troublesome.

[evil_core]

[email protected] is the limit for HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.4, which are the ports on the dock.
It's nice to know the Deck can definitely use Display Stream Compression (lossy) over its USB-C port.

The dock's DisplayPort 1.4 should be capable of DSC which allows for the [email protected] or [email protected] modes.

If not, other docks exist which can do this, look for "8K30" -- indeed they should be capable of [email protected]
https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/20...c-laptop-port/

If you want to know more, here's a short (lol) summary of relevant USB and Thunderbolt and DisplayPort alt-mode info...
https://stderr.nl/Blog/Hardware/Thun...yOverview.html

Hmmm..I was thinking that DSC is needed for [email protected],Hz not [email protected]

I've tried to understand it from data on wikipedia, but it's inconsistent:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort#1.4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Displa...equency_limits

[Ranguvar]

So this IMHO sucks, that that dock is not up to specs of Steam Deck.
You can argue games would never run smoothly at [email protected], but I guess that many would will(especially with FSR or integer upscaling). and you may want to watch to want some videos at [email protected] or use it to test monitors/cables if there's problem with your other setup.

I do wonder if the main problem is MST chip, and y getting rid if it in design, would unblock full SteamDeck's output capabilities?

[email protected] is the limit for HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.4, which are the ports on the dock.
It's nice to know the Deck can definitely use Display Stream Compression (lossy) over its USB-C port.

The dock's DisplayPort 1.4 should be capable of DSC which allows for the [email protected] or [email protected] modes.

If not, other docks exist which can do this, look for "8K30" -- indeed they should be capable of [email protected]
https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/20...c-laptop-port/

If you want to know more, here's a short (lol) summary of relevant USB and Thunderbolt and DisplayPort alt-mode info...
https://stderr.nl/Blog/Hardware/Thun...yOverview.html

[lyamc]

Steam Deck specs:
I do wonder if the main problem is MST chip, and y getting rid if it in design, would unblock full SteamDeck's output capabilities?

Pretty sure the problem is you guys want to have the maximum display output out of a dock that supports TWO video outs + ethernet + USB + power delivery over one cable

Not gonna happen.

[evil_core]

Steam Deck specs:

USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K 60Hz or 4K @120Hz, USB 3.2 Gen 2y

Steam Deck Dock specs:

Supports up to 4k 60hz, or 1440p 120hz

So this IMHO sucks, that that dock is not up to specs of Steam Deck.
You can argue games would never run smoothly at [email protected], but I guess that many would will(especially with FSR or integer upscaling). and you may want to watch to want some videos at [email protected] or use it to test monitors/cables if there's problem with your other setup.

I do wonder if the main problem is MST chip, and y getting rid if it in design, would unblock full SteamDeck's output capabilities?

[evil_core]

Does it work with the Switch?

Who cares, when Switch has much better and robust solution, which simply slides-in, using bottom usb-c port (instead of bending and connecting fixed cable, that's begging to break after time).
I guess that with firmware upgrades, etc Valve will make it as compatible as possible, but do you really want docking station for NDS, that will be more fragile, inconvenient(forcing to put NDS in reverse, upside-down position and connecting cable?)

[calica]

Does it work with the Switch?

[pWe00Iri3e7Z9lHOX2Qx]

Everyone keeps saying this Dock is pricey, but then compares it to Dock that have one Display output. It is comparable to other dual Display output hubs and includes a second Steam Deck charger. If you want/need that second Display output, it is a great deal.

Indeed. For a first party dock, this thing is cheap. First party USB-C and Thunderbolt docks from laptop OEMs can cost hundreds of dollars. Even a little USB C travel hub from StarTech is almost $80 with no charger. The listed Anker unit is a single display 4K30 with no ethernet and no PD charger. It should be obvious why it is significantly cheaper.

[pWe00Iri3e7Z9lHOX2Qx]

It should probably be mentioned in the article that the Steam Deck Dock includes the PD charger as well. Those cheaper options do not. The old linked JSAUX one is even USB 2.0 / 100 mbps ethernet. Then there's VRR support, etc. Yes, you can get cheaper, but as you get closer to the same features, you also get closer to the same price. I'd rather reward Valve to help ensure they keep investing in Decks as a product line.

[dragorth]

Everyone keeps saying this Dock is pricey, but then compares it to Dock that have one Display output. It is comparable to other dual Display output hubs and includes a second Steam Deck charger. If you want/need that second Display output, it is a great deal.