I wanted to play docked all the time. Should I buy a 720p monitor?

[HexGramarye]

I'm Q2 and hopefully getting my Deck in the next couple months. Unfortunately, I've heard a lot of people say the Deck struggles in docked mode. That power can drain while connected, that performance takes a hit when outputting to a 1080p or a 4K monitor, and that text can be too small to read. The most worrying thing was that people are saying the Deck automatically outputs to the max resolution of the monitor being used, and there's currently no way to change this in the settings.

I want to play Docked 100% of the time. I have a 1080p monitor. I'm wondering if I should buy a 720p monitor to make sure I get the same performance docked as I would in handheld mode.

I realize I'm not necessarily the target audience here, so please don't tell me not to buy the Deck. I have my reasons for buying this instead of a different gaming PC or a console.

[Clone303]

well you needed to wait on the dock first, i mean i dont know if it have HDIM output on itself for the docked is not out yet

[HexGramarye]

It has USB-C output, so people have been connecting USB hubs that have HDMI/Displayport connections, and results have been generally bad across the board for people with 1080p monitors and especially 4K monitors.

[my new friend]

You don't need to buy a lower res monitor. You can just set the monitor display to 720p when using the Deck.

[@R+5]

consider the size before the resolution:
many games that will run in the deck will desplay text too small to read in a small screen, even if the resolution is good.

[stinky [3090Ti K|NGP|N] [SLI]]

Originally posted by Insignia:

you are wasting money if you want to be docked all the time. A pc would allow you to play way more games, better graphics, and better resolution.
but you do you "You have your reasons"

and a PC will draw about 10x more watts than a docked deck. but you do you and enjoy that power bill

[@R+5]

Originally posted by Insignia:

you are wasting money if you want to be docked all the time.

i think its not a very bad idea, if you plan to use the deck while traveling in a safe and more or less stable vehicle like train or airplane. also if you are pairing it with a portable screen, with keyboard and mouse.

the deck is lighter and smaller than most laptops, and even if it wont be great for things like editing video or large photos, its still useful to write docs, use a browser and do basic graphic design.

[Mahjik]

Originally posted by @R+5:

Originally posted by Insignia:

you are wasting money if you want to be docked all the time.

i think its not a very bad idea, if you plan to use the deck while traveling in a safe, and more or less stable vehicle like train or airplane. also if you are pairing it with a portable screen, with keyboard and mouse.

the deck is lighter and smaller than most laptops, and even if it wont be great for things like editing video or large photos, its still useful to write docs, use a browser and do basic graphic design.

The OP said: "I want to play Docked 100% of the time."

I don't think mobility is his/her target.

[Speedy☆☺]

Just play PC if you want to play docked all the time. Doesn't make sense, portable systems are meant to be played docked and mobile.

[badboyec24]

Originally posted by Insignia:

you are wasting money if you want to be docked all the time. A pc would allow you to play way more games, better graphics, and better resolution.
but you do you "You have your reasons"

Maybe this person doesn't want to spend big money on a powerful pc? The Steam Deck does make a good budget pc.

[HexGramarye]

Originally posted by badboyec24:

Originally posted by Insignia:

you are wasting money if you want to be docked all the time. A pc would allow you to play way more games, better graphics, and better resolution.
but you do you "You have your reasons"

Maybe this person doesn't want to spend big money on a powerful pc? The Steam Deck does make a good budget pc.

Exactly. Gaming PCs being too expensive, consoles being inaccessible this generation, and supporting Linux development against Windows anti-consumer policies are all great reasons to get a Deck. Getting a portable experience is far from the only reason people would want a Deck.

I just want to try and get the most possible out of my budget gaming experience lol.

[badboyec24]

The only unfortunate thing is Unreal Engine 5 games might struggle on this device, that was after testing by Digital Foundry. But I presume you are primarily getting it for older titles mostly? That is my reasoning for getting the steam deck, there are a few newer titles that obviously work, and there are a few newer titles that I'm getting that should work just fine since they are using older engines.

[Prezidentas]

Originally posted by badboyec24:

The only unfortunate thing is Unreal Engine 5 games might struggle on this device, that was after testing by Digital Foundry. But I presume you are primarily getting it for older titles mostly? That is my reasoning for getting the steam deck, there are a few newer titles that obviously work, and there are a few newer titles that I'm getting that should work just fine since they are using older engines.

a tech demo is not indicative of ANY game performance

[Prezidentas]

Originally posted by Sir Gramarye:

I'm Q2 and hopefully getting my Deck in the next couple months. Unfortunately, I've heard a lot of people say the Deck struggles in docked mode. That power can drain while connected, that performance takes a hit when outputting to a 1080p or a 4K monitor, and that text can be too small to read. The most worrying thing was that people are saying the Deck automatically outputs to the max resolution of the monitor being used, and there's currently no way to change this in the settings.

I want to play Docked 100% of the time. I have a 1080p monitor. I'm wondering if I should buy a 720p monitor to make sure I get the same performance docked as I would in handheld mode.

I realize I'm not necessarily the target audience here, so please don't tell me not to buy the Deck. I have my reasons for buying this instead of a different gaming PC or a console.

Don't buy anything before you get your deck. I'm sure the support for different resolutions will come.

[@R+5]

Originally posted by Mahjik:

The OP said: "I want to play Docked 100% of the time."

I don't think mobility is his/her target.

many trains have tables where you can place a laptop, and also plains. you could also use them to play with a deck, in a dock, and maybe also with a portable screen and keyboard.

even if op doesnt plan or needs to travel constantly, the small form factor could be convenient if op has very limited space.

[bean]

I feel like *BUYING* a 720 p monitor might not be a good idea.

1. Are you positive you can't limit your existing monitor's resolution to 720 p through your OS or the monitor's firmware?

2. Let's be realistic, you are not going to find high quality 720 p monitors that are going to provide a BETTER experience than a cheap 720p tv with hdmi. (used, overstock in retail stores, craigslist, family) save some money and try it out before committing.

3. Tiny text and hard-to-manage UI were SUPER common when the world was making the switch from SD to HD displays. The xbox 360 was notoriously finicky in its first year, but was then fixed through patching. Upscaling and Downscaling still aren't perfect. though it has become ubiquitous as the future of gaming performance. These things happen and you don't want to throw money at something that can possibly be patched or baked into new updates.

4. Steam Dock/3rd party docks: Save your money for these, a capable dock will serve you far better than spending money on old hardware. Do your research though.

5. About wanting to play the deck plugged in 24/7: My only concern is for the lifespan of the Deck (after all it is new hardware, we don't REALLY know the build quality) as a MAIN gaming PC. Outside of that, do you bruh. Power Draw, Cost of Entry (low), form factor, Linuxeses, portability of your current favorite games... all great reasons to do what you want to do. (AS LONG AS YOUR STEAM DECK CAN HANDLE IT )

tl:dr
listen to the people telling you to wait a bit before spending moneys. If you can try stuff for free then by all means do it. Chances are there will be updates to make that experience better.