why were mac minis so popular for this compared to any other machine, cloud VPS or local VM?

hackingonempty 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Macs have "unified memory" meaning the GPU uses the same memory as the CPU and minis can have up to 64 gigs. So its a lot faster than running on a CPU and a lot cheaper than any other GPU based rig with similar memory.

▲

mholm 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Most openclaw users are not running the models locally.

	▲	locusofself 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		This is what I thought. The iMessage integration makes sense I guess though.

▲

matthewfcarlson 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

It allows your Claw to access all your iCloud data easily like reminders and iMessage for example

▲

mountainriver 2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Mac’s are still pretty terrible at running LLMs. They will be there someday, but that isn’t today

▲

PlatoIsADisease 3 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Unified Memory and Integrated GPU.

Apple is amazing at marketing to make 1990s technology sound cutting edge. I'm sure they change something for plausible deniability, as a nominalist, not even 2 of the same computers are the same.

▲

amelius 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Because these people have Apple IDs, and they need a machine that can access their various accounts.

▲

retired 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

The Mac mini has a very good value for money if you need raw performance in a small silent package. Frequently available for between $399 - $499 discounted.

A VPS that can perform like a Mac mini will likely cost the same as a Mac mini in 12 months time.

	▲	piskov 3 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Openclaw is running via api. The reason people are bying separate machines is for security isolation and 24/7 power — performance is irrelevant.

▲

3 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

[deleted]

▲

llmslave 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

so you can use the full operating system

▲

Phemist 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

More importantly iMessage

▲

FitchApps 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

And get hacked via prompt injection

	▲	piskov 3 hours ago \| parent [-]
		That’s why people buy separate machines / use VPS.

▲

PlatoIsADisease 3 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

In classic Apple fashion, they fooled people into thinking an integrated GPU is the same as Nvidia.

Gosh I wish I could hire their marketing company.

	▲	usef- 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Where did they say this?