I feel like #bitcoin, #lightning, #nostr and the like have been a huge incentive for repurposing old computers & devices that would normally just get tossed out. π€
Discussion
I've been recently looking at some other things like running a home "cloud" and there is already a big community of old hardware recyclers.
Also those who wish to run vm's for whatever (testing) purposes.
But bitcoin is the new kid on the block.
Can confirm
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refurbished mini PCs (Dell Optiplex) for nodes
Yep. Got my node set up for > $200 with an Optiplex.
Reliable hardware, good amount of ram and just needed to throw in a bigger hard drive.
Just got an old Dell laptop up and running as an Embassy. Added some extra Ram, SSD and new battery and its purring away with more CPU power than a PI and if the power cuts it has a battery.
A good use for all these Windows 10 computers that are going to be bricked once Microsoft stops supporting anything prior to Windows 11 in a few years...
That whole βneeds this new TPM chip for trusted operations, DRM, donβt worry, weβll look after youβ thing is wild.
Running a pre-TPM 2.0 computer will be like maintaining an old combustion-engined non networked vehicle in years to come. Individual sovereignty over the machine.
What prompted this note sir? π€ππ
Yep. I'm not good at tossing out old PCs. They make great nodes.
I mean I just spent a whole 4 day weekend trying to get raspiblitz running on my rpi4, and now it won't start lnd. So yea, an x86 platform might be a bit easier for Luddites like me.
Would have never tossed out CorporateOS if it weren't for the added rabbitholes you get from falling in the Bitcoin rabbithole. LinuxMint / ZorinOS on 2 ancient laptops. They both pur like kitties...
So true and great news. Actually fun to make old machines work.
That old computer you speak of, is my daily driver. Lol