Recs.
Updated
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Vulkan oriented instead of DX12
Vulkan is a low-overhead, cross-platform 3D graphics and compute API.
Cons
Con Hard to use for Windows users
If you are using macOS, this SteamOS is familiar with certain systems and shell systems. However, Linux (macOS modified version) and Windows are completely different. You will also face difficult situations. If this happens, you need enough knowledge of Linux that you can fix it yourself. So I would not recommend this if you have never touched Linux.
Con Not built around the desktop experience
SteamOS is, first and foremost, meant to act as a gaming console - it doesn't ship with even some of the most basic applications, such as a file manager or image viewer. As a result, using SteamOS as your primary operating system would require a fair bit of work.
Con Extensive use of shared libraries
Shared libraries allow better performance if everything goes well, however if there are some issues or systemwide updates to some essential libraries, the whole system could either fail or some dirty hacks are required to make older applications/games work again.
Con Still lacking many AAA games
The most game developers still focus PCs with the Windows OS.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Pro Linux Powered
SteamOS had Powered by Linux. Linux is a Lightweight or high performance Operating System. Which OS is Customizeful, and once you have linux technic, you can modify at kernel.
Pro Linux Powered
SteamOS had Powered by Linux. Linux is a Lightweight or high performance Operating System. Which OS is Customizeful, and once you have linux technic, you can modify at kernel.
Pro Linux Powered
SteamOS had Powered by Linux. Linux is a Lightweight or high performance Operating System. Which OS is Customizeful, and once you have linux technic, you can modify at kernel.
Pro Streaming service integration (under development)
Valve is in talks with streaming companies such as Spotify and Netflix to bring their features to SteamOS.
Con Steam OS boxes are extremely expensive and are not as streamlined as Windows 10 or 7
Con Hard to install
If you've installed Arch you're probably fine, but for those used to simple installs like (Ubuntu to name just one) you should prepare some patience, determination, and painkillers. Good news is, it's getting better (it's very young).