[SteamDeck] Which one to choose?

Cheapest one and buy SSD, or the big one if you want the extra stuff.

The disk replacement itself is pretty easy, the real problem here is installing the SteamOS on the new one, pretty difficult and time consuming even if you know what you're doing. I went with the 256 ver myself cause I didn't wanna bother with all that, but if you wanna save some money and like tinkering you can always go for the base model.
You're probably gonna install most of your games on a microSD anyways so the worse disc on 64gig isn't as bad as people make it out to be.

If you can buy the big one, buy the big one.
Doesn't it also have the anti glare screen?

I bought middle one and satisfaction so far. Space is ok. Loading fast. They even do steam deck screen protectors you may check. I decided not use it as it has quality protection case and while I am playing, I am carefull

If u have the money to buy the 512GB NVMe SSD then go with it if u cant id suggest to go with 256GB NVMe SSD

I agree with HighAxolotol! If you can afford it opt for the 512 GB. More storage space means a longer amount of time before you have to worry about ssd replacement and more games available on hand. Especially with how large some of these modern games are getting to be you're going to want that extra storage up front. Also the antiglare screen is a big plus if you decide to travel with it.

512GB ver. and a 1TB card.

While its not hard to replace the SSD, why bother. By the time you have bought that and taken the time to do it. You are not saving much. Plus you don't get the better screen that the 512 has. I see no need to take it apart until I actually need to.

I got this one. No need to go faster, this can go as fast as the deck can.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08HCPTMJG/

512

The tinkerer in me would normally suggest to buy the smaller one and get a separate SSD... but that's simply not worth the effort in this case.

The Deck's M.2 slot is just 2230, a length normally used just for WiFi and networking cards.
There's very few available SSDs in this format, and they're very limited, owing to the fact that... components need space to be soldered on, and there isn't much to spare. Heat management is also an issue at this size.
Then, being a niche within a niche, they're obviously extremely expensive - we're looking at something along the lines of $250-300 per TB MINIMUM, higher than even the highest end PCIe4 2280 models.

That said, that's still more or less the difference in price between the smallest and biggest Deck models, but you'd have 1TB instead of 512GB, plus a bonus 64GB soldered eMMC.
You'll have to choose between that extra internal storage or the anti-glare screen (plus the extra fluff that comes with the purchase).
All things considered, it's an easy choice: the screen can NOT be upgraded after purchase, but the storage can (via external drives and Micro SD cards).

TL;DR: 512 GB Steam Deck, plus 1 TB Micro SD if you need the space.

I was like 75% into the cheapest model, right now I'm 75% into the most expensive.

Thanks folks :)

Buy the cheapest one and get good 512GB SD card. There is no speed difference between it and ssd and it is far more practical.

There's no official distributor for steam deck in my country. I envy you guys.
If i were you, i would have picked the steam deck with 512GB NVMe SSD.

To follow up - I've decided to go with the cheapest variant.

I've also bought 512GB SSD for $68.35 and 512GB microSD card for $56.65.

So far I've only added microSD card and everything works like a charm. To be honest I've only tested indies but I tried Tekken 7 and I haven't spotted any issues even with multiplayer matches.

I will test it a little bit more and if everything is fine, I will go with disk replacement.

I don't have this anti-glare etched screen to compare but after 12h+ of playing, I don't see any issues with this one. I don't get it why people complain.

Thank you all for contribution!

either the cheapest or the biggest - no point in the middle one

Bought the cheapest yesterday. Also ordered a microSD of 256 GB to use in it.

Of course the expensive version is great if you have that kind of money.
But the question is whether 250 EUR really is worth for the memory increase. I won't count screen as it's not really "better" technology wise (as in refresh rate, resolution etc). If you have 679 EUR for a handheld gaming device, might as well just go for something more powerful from offbrands.

I got myself the cheapest version as I believe that holds the highest value. Got 512 GB memory card for 40 eur. So now I have deck with more then 500 GB usable memory for 460 EUR. Saving 200 EUR
Loading times are perfectly fine with memory card + you can exchange them whenever you want. While undoubtedly having SSD would be "the best" solution I have to come back with the question - but is it worth 250 EUR.

With amount of technology they have cramped into 400$ device, They are probably leveling out profits with more realistic price for the top tier deck. Hence giving the chance to get into gaming for cheaper, while carrying business on those who can afford more. And while I definitely vote for supporting business, best value for money definitely is in the 64 GB version.

As for using the regular screen I can agree - I don't really see any problem. I mean it would be more comfortable to not have any reflections, but 95% of the cases if you don't game outside it won't be a problem. I have for now used it over two trips in airports, airplanes, office, hotels, on train. Works like a charm. From more powerful games played Doom Eternal and Grid 2019. Interestingly enough Lawn Mowing simulator ran poorly on my main PC, worked fine on the deck. Maybe loading times are not lightening fast at moments, but it still does not validate 250 EUR higher price for the SSD for me