Local AI is an expensive hobby. You're paying big money for small performance (so mainly for the feeling of "owning it", which is a great motivator). It can't match cloud services, not absolutely nor bang-for-buck, especially if you look a bit for cheaper and freebie options. As someone who loves and promotes local AI, in the situation you described my plea would be to use that money to improve your situation more directly (move out, get support,...). The cost of a laptop that can run somewhat decent models should buy you at least several months of therapy (@1 session/week).

▲

throw1234567891 an hour ago | parent [-]

You can't put a price of sending all your IP to a dubious third-party. Sorry. You argument apples vs oranges.

▲

c7b 43 minutes ago | parent [-]

If you want local AI, which I absolutely encourage you to, I agree with the OP. Get a (mini)-PC and set up a VPN. It's going to save you money compared to a laptop, short- (usually cheaper) and long-term (usually better upgradeability). You'll have more money for therapy, which I would also encourage you to consider if you come from a broken home, as the GP mentioned.

	▲	throw1234567891 39 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		Sure, they pay you well at Anthropic or another OpenAI to go and ridicule people? Not everyone builds some irrelevant SaaS where everything is for sale. Some of us work with other people's data and treat it seriously. Maybe you need a therapy. FOMO can be treated, too. Or you're just upset about Trump falling into irrelevance.