SteamOS + Alienware Steam Machine | Pros n Cons + FAQs | NO TROLLS PLEASE

[PistolaoBR]

Software STEAMOS Pros:
- Easy installation, console like interface, for people that don't really like or understand windows installation of games, gamepads, pc hardware parts and etc...
- Easy firmware upgrade
- Debian based, completely free
- UI will be more light


Software STEAMOS Cons:
- Not all games will be released to linux, as they are release to windows, lets hope that will change in the future
- For now, the beta steamos does not offer too much support for other applications, making a pc experience like a console, and that is a shame, but I'm sure that will be fixed in the future. However you can always install windows, or buy with windows preinstalled, if you buy it from dell alienware shop instead here on steam, but that also means a xbox controller instead a steam controller.


Hardware STEAM MACHINE Pros:
- Its based on a gaming notebook hardware, not a desktop pc hardware, that means a lot more smaller than a normal ATX form factor pc case, so you can carry anywhere and place next your TV.
- Its based on a gaming notebook hardware, not a desktop pc hardware, that means SoDimm DDR3L 1.35v, PSU 130W, 2.5 HD, GTX Nvidia Mobile and other components with a lot less power consumption.
- Prices, compared to a gaming notebook with the same specs, it is a good deal, at least 200 dollars less, however you wont get a screen, mousepad and keyboard. However that is a good thing in my opinion, as your tv is far better than a notebook screen, and a good wireless keyboard and mouse makes a lot more sense for gaming.
- Prices, compared to a console, in some places will be a very good deal, here in Brasil for ex., customs import taxes are the biggest ever, making a ps4 or xone cost 3 times more, but dell does have a factory there, so it can sell a STEAM MACHINE tax free, a lot cheaper than a console.
- Prices, compared to each console games, pc games are a lot cheaper, and steam is always promoting a sale, with discount from 25% to 90%, and coupons that you get when creating a insignia.
- No need to pay for subscription and multiplayer gaming.
- For people that does not like to research pc hardware or assemble it... Well it will be just a easy choice.
- For people who think is too much trouble to keep a pc system, but like how much easy you can run a consoles, will give them access to way more games than a console, from every generations, never losing them to a new system.
- Way more accessories than a console (cam, mic, gamepad, simple headset) like wireless mouse with lots of buttons for FPS games, wireless keyboard with macros for games like mortal combat or street fight so you can make special moves with just one button, wireless 7.1 headsets to hear souns from the front and back, not just left and right, any external HD will work to expand your internal memory, and pretty much every other choice that only pc users can have, from different brands, and that means more choice of quality and price... You can even use PS and Xbox controllers...
- You can easily upgrade amount of ram and hd, or hd to ssd (this one I really recommend, no more loading screen), and cpu model of the same socket, without warranty void, there's a door below the steam box to give access to those parts to make upgrade easy, they probably do it for you right there on the store if you are afraid.


Hardware STEAM MACHINE Cons:
- Its based on a gaming notebook hardware, not a desktop pc hardware, that means no GPU upgrade
- Cannot overclock... so sad... Dell wont put overclock option on bios for sure



CONCLUSION:

- STEAM MACHINE VS GAMING NOTEBOOK = If you are planing on getting a gaming notebook to carry on your backpack, or something small to place next to your TV and play pc games at home, with a good wireless keyboard, wireless mouse and wireless surround headset, this is a very good deal, a lot cheaper, and already comes with a xbox gamepad or steam controller included

- STEAM MACHINE VS CONSOLES = If want a console that you can play all games from different generations, with cheaper game prices, without the need to pay for subscription or mutiplayer, and can use any accessories out there, this is also for you. It will be a little expensive to buy the system itself, but the economy you will make in games purchase, and no subscription fee will worth it, in the end you will pay less to play your games.

- STEAM MACHINE VS PC = However, if you are a PC user, and don't mind the size and power consumption, this is not for you, you can make a similar machine with just more U$50,00 that can upgrade the GPU

[⚡Snake⚡Plissken⚡]

Wow, if you think this is so hard to do, wow dude...
Leave Windows altogether and stop making crap up

You know you can run STEAM OS on a laptop?

[Pchan]

Yup, although I am not going to install SteamOS on this laptop because I need it for other things than gaming. This was just a test to see what the Alienware Steam Machine is currently up against for me personally.

I could buy a laptop and install SteamOS on that (I would only use it for living room gaming then) but a good gaming laptop here is way more expensive than the Alienware Steam Machine (as stated in OP).

[⚡Snake⚡Plissken⚡]

You're making stuff up again, and how does a PS3 JoyPad work on STEAM OS?
Oh yeah, it doesn't

[Pchan]

I am not sure if it works on SteamOS but it works in Steam on my Ubuntu PC out-of-the-box (in most gamepad supported games at least). I would think then it also works on the Alienware Machine.

Not really sure what you mean about "making up stuff"... we have to wait until November to see if all those issues are addressed by then.

[⚡Snake⚡Plissken⚡]

So you're making stuff up, saying all this crap abt a PS3 Joypad not working on Win, but then?
You made all these examples, and then what abt price, $500 for an i3 with no GPU as yet?
Other prices tbc?

Stop making things seem so bad on one platform for a reason to buy another when you don't even know yourself

As for your BS PS3 DS3 works out of teh box for Ubuntu, bs

http://askubuntu.com/questions/409761/how-do-i-use-a-ps3-sixaxis-controller-with-ubuntu-to-control-games

[Pchan]

A laptop with a GTX 860m here costs more than $1000 although those are with an i5. It would be really nice to know how much the C machine will cost in comparison.

I have no reason to buy any Steam Machine yet. I only stated what I will look for as more will be known about them.

The PS3 controller only works out-of-the-box in Steam games on Ubuntu, not outside Steam. Outside Steam you need to run third party software every time (which sucks!)
EDIT: for reference:
http://askubuntu.com/questions/348612/ubuntu-13-04-steam-dualshock3

[PistolaoBR]

FAQs updated...
Special thanks for FeilDOW and sqd-

[madnessniky]

Pistolaobr eredeti hozzászólása:

FAQ:


10 - Will it be manufactured inside ALL countries with dell factories to avoid customs duties, or it will it be made only on U.S and imported to other countries?
PLEASE can we get a official answer from the dev team

WHEN WILL THE ALIENWARE STEAM MACHINE BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC?
Our goal is to begin shipping units as soon as the Steam Controller is available in November. Full country availability list to be released closer to launch.

Here is the info about the shipping, its on the official alienware website.

[PistolaoBR]

Updated...
New link on F.A.Q showing the real price comparison between a similar PC and alienware alpha model C
http://steamcommunity.com/app/353390/discussions/0/618456760276959093/

[j0rge]

Snake Plissken eredeti hozzászólása:

You're making stuff up again, and how does a PS3 JoyPad work on STEAM OS?
Oh yeah, it doesn't

Huh? PS3 and PS4 pads (and xbox controllers) work fine out of the box on SteamOS and have for some time.

[⚡Snake⚡Plissken⚡]

Since when? since you need additional drivers? Good job Jeeves

[alien_ware1]

Snake Plissken eredeti hozzászólása:

Since when? since you need additional drivers? Good job Jeeves

I just hooked up my PS4 controller to the Steam Machine, went to controller under the settings tab and it registered it as "PS4 Controller". I loaded up Dying Light and it took the controls as the Xbox 360 layout. It worked fine and I could have remapped it. The touchpad wasn't working but I think there is a button combination to enable it. I could be wrong about that part.

Hope this clears up some of your inquiries!

-UK

[PistolaoBR]

alien_ware1 eredeti hozzászólása:

I just hooked up my PS4 controller to the Steam Machine, went to controller under the settings tab and it registered it as "PS4 Controller". I loaded up Dying Light and it took the controls as the Xbox 360 layout. It worked fine and I could have remapped it. The touchpad wasn't working but I think there is a button combination to enable it. I could be wrong about that part.

Hope this clears up some of your inquiries!

-UK

Great, I will add that to the Pros n Cons session, thanks...

Hey, alien_ware1, Can you aswer the last question on the FAQ:

10 - Will it be manufactured inside ALL countries with dell factories to avoid customs duties, or it will it be made only on U.S and imported to other countries?

Thanks again

[PistolaoBR]

F.A.Q Updated

10 - Will it be manufactured inside ALL countries with dell factories to avoid customs duties, or it will it be made only on U.S and imported to other countries?
A.

Alienware eredeti hozzászólása:

At this time, I don't have this information. However, I am trying to probe the right people for the answers.

Source: http://steamcommunity.com/app/353390/discussions/0/618457398968608050/

Guess we will have to wait

[Deus Maximus]

Pistolaobr eredeti hozzászólása:

Software STEAMOS Cons:
- Debian is too simple and cannot offer the same quality and speed as windows direct x for games.
- Games will be more simple, with less video options to increase the visual quality

This is just plain crap. Most Linux titles are of equivalent speed and features between the Linux and Windows versions. DirectX 11 may have features that OpenGL doesn't, but it's generally stuff that noone notices or cares about, and can be replicated visually under OpenGL by doing something else.

Whether Linux versions of Steam titles have more, less, or the same amount of graphic options is entirely dependent on the game and who wrote it. A blanket statement like that is ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, pure and simple.