It's been nearly a year since I posted any updates on this project. Much has changed in that time. I finally got Pop!_OS to install on the 1TB internal SSD and can now run my favorite OS on the VCS. A while back I bought a mini gaming PC and forgot all about the VCS. A recent work trip prompted me to dig it out and try to turn it into a portable media server. I run a Jellyfin media server on my main PC these days, and made a duplicate of that on the VCS. It worked very well, and I was the only one who could watch anything at the hotel when the wifi was unusable. It was an excellent experience. I currently have my media on a 2TB external HDD, but am going to get a 2TB internal SSD for the VCS to replace it. The wireless USB media remote is already on the way. With those 2 upgrades, I'll have a very portable media server that I can take on trips and to other peoples' homes. I think I need to create a mini portable movie theater out of this. A portable projector and inflatable screen would be perfect. I can install some light Steam games and emulators to add gaming as well. I still need to fix the front left USB port, which I broke the internal connection for a while back during the fist upgrade.

Overall, I have been very happy with the VCS, even as a daily driver. It's not for everyone, and is very underpowered for anything beyond basic tasks. As a portable media server it is excellent. When it drops in price, I would highly recommend it as a home theater PC.