This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/monero by /u/Traditional_Fix_5096 on 2024-02-15 16:51:16.


I’m a student and my current laptop is getting very close to the point where I’ll need to replace it. I think I’d like to get a desktop since I never really use my laptop at school/work besides the occasional meeting presentation (which I could still likely use my old one for), but a new laptop is another option I’m weighing and would still be helpful (either instead of or along with a desktop). I’ve seen a lot of posts about using a dedicated computer for crypto and I had a few questions before I make any decisions on a new computer. The options I’m weighing are:

  • Buy new desktop for school/work/personal/etc., wipe my existing laptop and use it for crypto only (downside is that the laptop is slowing down and various things no longer work like my touch pad etc., can’t imagine the lifespan is much longer.
  • Buy a new desktop and just use it for everything, crypto included, and be abundantly cautious when online
  • Buy a new desktop for personal/school/work and a new laptop or external drive etc for crypto only
  • Buy a new laptop for school/work/etc. and buy a new desktop that is for personal use, using either or both (carefully) with crypto as well.

I ask this here because I’d like to download the Monero gui and make a wallet, as well as continue using my hot wallet and desktop apps for cold storage etc. and I figured people here may have input on the pros/cons of each option or have specific suggestions on hardware options. I haven’t yet bought Monero but the delisting got me interested.

Any suggestions or advice on hardware options or which division of computer usage makes the most sense?

Anything else I should know about buying/storing Monero safely? I already have most of my other holdings in cold storage, is GUI+Trezor okay?

If I go “crypto only” for a device, whether desktop/laptop/external drive, what is or is not “safe” to do, and in what instances is accessing the internet more “unsafe” (besides the obvious interactions with malicious smart contracts or scam websites/malware)?

Thanks in advance for any advice, looking forward to diversifying a bit into Monero!