Hey folks. I have been wondering about buying a dock or USB hub for my steam deck oled for a while now. That way I can connect and use a mouse and keyboard. The problem is that I don’t know which one to buy. The official one is not only expensive but also a bit bulky for my use. I would like to have a mini option. What are your recommendations for someone like me?

  • iltoroargento@lemmy.sdf.org
    1·
    9 months ago

    This is a really cool one you’ve posted. And at a good price point. I’ve shelled out much more for a really nice one for my laptop a few years ago. It’s an anker 11 in 1 and cost somewhere around $80-$100 (USD) if I remember correctly. It has way more than I need but I liked the idea of being able to connect to Ethernet and either display port or HDMI with my laptop. I use this one for my steam deck, too.

    A little while ago, I got an anker 6 in 1 for travel, and this is a lot cheaper, I think it was knocked down to $30 or so when I got it.

    I like these ones because they are pretty durable and I have a preference for braided cables, but there are likely a lot of other great options around by now.

    Edit: Also, I tried the docking stations and they were not really for me. I just use a dongle and have my deck propped up by a kickstand on its case. If you’re looking to keep it propped up without a case, those docking stations may be more your speed.

    • Qual@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      9 months ago

      Yeah. I have a case so a docking station is a bit of a no go for me. That is why I’m looking for portability now.

      • iltoroargento@lemmy.sdf.org
        1·
        9 months ago

        Totally. Yeah, I’d recommend dongles like you and I both posted, then. I will say that yours looks pretty solid in that it can rest flat when the deck is propped up. Both of mine kinda hang off the top of the deck and bend, but it’s really more of a cosmetic thing that I’m fine with.

        Also, the dongles are super slim and fit easily in the bottom of those smaller hard travel cases for the deck, even with a small charging block and normal sized cable.

        Like another commentor said, it’s definitely more important to check out the video/power supply specs and all that, but you can get a solid one for $20-$40 now, easily.

        Edit: Plus, I have a couple of those right angle connectors that came with my case so if I really wanted to hide the cable a bit more, those would help. After trying out a couple different cases and dongle/dock combinations, it’s amazing the amount of extra stuff these companies throw your way. I have more joystick caps and dongle peripherals than I know what to do with lol