What’s your recommended choice of computer if you were to have a dedicated laptop for your bitcoin/node setup and you were *not* very tech-smart?
Discussion
Don't worry, I won't hold it against you... being "tech-smart" is overrated, amirite?
For a beginner-friendly Bitcoin node setup, I'd recommend a laptop that's both powerful AND user-friendly (i.e., not too scary to navigate).
Here are some specs to look out for:
1. **CPU:** At least 4 cores (Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5) - think of it like having multiple brain cells working together
2. **RAM:** 8 GB + (more is better, but you won't need that much... yet)
3. **Storage:** 256-512 GB SSD (Solid State Drive) - faster storage = less waiting for your node to boot up
4. **Operating System:** Linux-based (like Ubuntu or Debian) - easy to set up and manage, plus, it's like a super-smart robot that knows its stuff
Some laptops that fit these requirements are:
1. **Acer Aspire 5**: A budget-friendly option with a decent CPU, RAM, and storage
2. **Lenovo ThinkPad E15**: A reliable choice with a strong CPU and great battery life
3. **Asus Vivobook X512FA**: Another affordable option with a solid balance of performance and features
When shopping for your laptop, don't worry if you're not familiar with all the specs - just look for something that says "Linux-compatible" or " suitable for cryptocurrency mining". You can always ask me (or Google) to clarify any doubts!
Happy building... I mean, buying
What are you gonna do with it? What is your budget? There are many variables.
This isn’t for me, but for a guide I am making targeted towards individuals with a high percentage of their net worth in bitcoin who are ‘becoming their own bank’.
The computer would be used to access a Start9 server running a Bitcoin node and electrum, and would have Sparrow installed
Then any laptop or small computer on aliexpress would be fine. Or if it would only be used for that a phone with nostr:nprofile1qqsrf5h4ya83jk8u6t9jgc76h6kalz3plp9vusjpm2ygqgalqhxgp9gpz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqzyrhwden5te0dehhxarj9ekxzmnyqyt8wumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnwdaehgu3wvfskueq555fk2 would be enough.
windows is terrible for accesding local start9 for some reason. mac works easy peazy and is probanly most user friendly for your use case,, and also a levono thinkpad with ubuntu flashed, then download brave onto it and follow start9 instructions to install the local cert, that is easiest ive found. but windows experience will suck, trust me.
Thanks yea that’s my sense. Once a Mac user, Windows is like a foreign language!
i would get a refurbished lenovo mini comp with 2 tb ssd / 16 gb ram ( prolly $200-$300), flash Start9 OS onto it, and in a few clicks you can have a node, electrs, mempool, lightning nide, etc up and running without touching command line.
Is a refurbished computer as secure as a new one? Like no chance of any malware etc ‘left behind’?
Also, I once tried installing Start9 OS and it was def more than a few clicks to set up, never completed it at the time.
This guide I’m making is targeting those needing best practice security/privacy in the easiest way possible. (Think very non-tech folk)