I know they make money off the store but making a quality, repairable product and selling it at a reasonable price is a really good business model. Other companies should try it. When Steam Deck 2 comes out, I’ll be buying it. And probably repurposing my original Steam Deck as a media server or something.
There’s like six companies left on Earth that do that and they’ll probably be around forever. I know it costs 30% more for quality and Valve has the store to supplement it. But I have a 20 year-old leather jacket and an even older kitchen knife. I saved up for both because I was broke and in my early 20’s. They’re probably both better today after going through their paces. I know a guy who works at a shipyard who gets his boots re-soled because he likes his boots. Same boots for decades. Occasional maintenance required.
I think we’re going to need to see a generational shift in compute before we see steam deck two. I have the original deck, and the OLED. Kicked down the original to a friend. Both are great pieces of kit. I’ve basically survived without a gaming machine for almost 4 years because of these devices. I’ve experienced almost 0 desegregation on either. Just phenomenal devices.
I’ve finally bit the bullet on a more serious machine (for both work and pleasure). I’ve got a Asus ROG Flow Z13 on back order, the 128gb variant. I think this is the direction things are going to go. We just can’t make CPU’s/ Video cards faster/ more efficient if we keep them separated.
My speculation: the next steam deck is going to take on this design, so long as the stryx halo generation proves itself. It might not be a “full force” variant like I’ve bought into, but the rub is the temperatures and power to performance relationship. The stryx halo design is the only thing I’ve seen that would warrant a generation refresh.
I said six as a joke but I thought I’d put together a list anyway.
The knife is Global. I was a sous chef in New Orleans and everyone on the line had their preference. I like Japanese steel Santoku knives even if it cost more to resharpen. If I’m chopping a hundred onions, it matters. (I can sharpen a knife but when it’s your job, you get a professional to do it. Cheap knives, I just sharpen myself.)
My jacket doesn’t seem to have a brand (or it’s faded away). I bought it off the shelf because I was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans while traveling with a stylish woman and she was like, “That looks amazing on you!” In retrospect, she was lying and just wanted me to look credible instead of a shiftless transient wearing a stupid t-shirt.
Lodge or (better but overpriced) Le Creuset enameled cast iron pots will last you forever.
Osprey bags, in my experience are solid. They’re probably overpriced now but not having your bag or zippers be a problem when traveling for work or pleasure is worth $50 every time.
I worked construction for awhile and I stick with DeWalt tools. They did a battery volt switch thing that maybe wasn’t necessary — it was an advancement in battery tech — but the adapter was cheap. I don’t need my drill or sawzall often but when I do, it better fucking work.
To give a modern example, I’ve had good experiences with Cotopaxi bags and pants. My boss bought a bag from them after seeing my bag last. And you can wash the pants in a sink if you’re into hiking.
Thule has also served me well. But that’s a specialist thing so I didn’t include it in the top 6.
To be clear, every single one of these companies might have been bought by a private equity firm that intends to ruin it and milk the brand equity while making everything worse. I’m not endorsing any corporation. I just have found those companies to be worth paying a bit more for compared to generic.
I know they make money off the store but making a quality, repairable product and selling it at a reasonable price is a really good business model. Other companies should try it. When Steam Deck 2 comes out, I’ll be buying it. And probably repurposing my original Steam Deck as a media server or something.
There’s like six companies left on Earth that do that and they’ll probably be around forever. I know it costs 30% more for quality and Valve has the store to supplement it. But I have a 20 year-old leather jacket and an even older kitchen knife. I saved up for both because I was broke and in my early 20’s. They’re probably both better today after going through their paces. I know a guy who works at a shipyard who gets his boots re-soled because he likes his boots. Same boots for decades. Occasional maintenance required.
I think we’re going to need to see a generational shift in compute before we see steam deck two. I have the original deck, and the OLED. Kicked down the original to a friend. Both are great pieces of kit. I’ve basically survived without a gaming machine for almost 4 years because of these devices. I’ve experienced almost 0 desegregation on either. Just phenomenal devices.
I’ve finally bit the bullet on a more serious machine (for both work and pleasure). I’ve got a Asus ROG Flow Z13 on back order, the 128gb variant. I think this is the direction things are going to go. We just can’t make CPU’s/ Video cards faster/ more efficient if we keep them separated.
My speculation: the next steam deck is going to take on this design, so long as the stryx halo generation proves itself. It might not be a “full force” variant like I’ve bought into, but the rub is the temperatures and power to performance relationship. The stryx halo design is the only thing I’ve seen that would warrant a generation refresh.
Which other companies come to mind? I’ll support them too!
I said six as a joke but I thought I’d put together a list anyway.
To be clear, every single one of these companies might have been bought by a private equity firm that intends to ruin it and milk the brand equity while making everything worse. I’m not endorsing any corporation. I just have found those companies to be worth paying a bit more for compared to generic.