#514: Why People Buy the WRONG Laptops for Hacking

Big thanks to Proton VPN for sponsoring this video. To get 64% discount to your Proton VPN Plus subscription, please use the following link: https://protonvpn.com/davidbombal Want a “hacker” laptop without wasting cash? In this candid breakdown with OTW, we cut through the hype and show you what actually matters for learning pentesting in 2025: prioritising RAM over flashy GPUs, picking VMware (free for personal use) for reliable labs, using refurbs/minis/Raspberry Pi, and planning for where wireless hacking is going (Bluetooth/BLE/Zigbee) — not just Wi-Fi. We also cover AMD vs Intel vs Apple M-chips/ARM for Linux VMs, when cloud cracking makes sense, and why daily practice beats buying gadgets. Highlights: • Best beginner specs (RAM first, SSD nice, storage ≠ speed) • VMware vs VirtualBox for home labs • AMD/Intel vs Apple M-chips/ARM for Kali/Parrot VMs • Alpha adapters & aircrack-ng compatibility; Nordic nRF52 for BLE • Budget path: used/refurb, mini-PCs, Pi, phone/cloud labs (HTB/THM) • The 80/20 rule of hacking: skills are greater than gear If you’re delaying until you can afford a $2 – 3k laptop, don’t. Start now, learn daily, and upgrade later. // Occupy The Web SOCIAL // X: / three_cube Website: https://hackers-arise.net/ // Occupy The Web Books // Linux Basics for Hackers 2nd Ed US: https://amzn.to/3TscpxY UK: https://amzn.to/45XaF7j Linux Basics for Hackers: US: https://amzn.to/3wqukgC UK: https://amzn.to/43PHFev Getting Started Becoming a Master Hacker US: https://amzn.to/4bmGqX2 UK: https://amzn.to/43JG2iA Network Basics for hackers: US: https://amzn.to/3yeYVyb UK: https://amzn.to/4aInbGK // OTW Discount // Use the code BOMBAL to get a 20% discount off anything from OTW's website: https://hackers-arise.net/ // Playlists REFERENCE // Linux Basics for Hackers: • Linux for Hackers Tutorial (And Free Courses) Mr Robot: • Hack like Mr Robot // WiFi, Bluetooth and ... Hackers Arise / Occupy the Web Hacks: • Hacking Tools (with demos) that you need t... // David's SOCIAL // Discord: discord.com/invite/usKSyzb Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbombal Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidbombal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidbombal Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidbombal.co TikTok: tiktok.com/@davidbombal YouTube: / @davidbombal Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3f6k6gE... SoundCloud: / davidbombal Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... // MY STUFF // https://www.amazon.com/shop/davidbombal // SPONSORS // Interested in sponsoring my videos? Reach out to my team here: sponsors@davidbombal.com // MENU // 0:00 - Coming up 01:21 - Proton VPN sponsored segment 03:16 - Get started and start learning 08:39 - Computer specs: CPU, GPU, RAM & Hard drives 16:46 - Time vs Money 17:58 - Virtual machines 19:15 - Computer specs overview 22:17 - Wi-Fi adaptors for Wi-Fi hacking 24:17 - Bluetooth dongles for Bluetooth hacking 26:57 - "80% Person & 20% Machine" 29:17 - Do you need hacking gadgets? 31:57 - Apple vs Intel vs AMD 35:53 - Learn hacking with a smartphone 37:01 - Learn hacking with a Raspberry Pi 39:32 - Kali Linux vs ParrotOS (Which OS to use?) 40:58 - The problem with Chromebooks 42:02 - Using Hack The Box/TryHackMe // Conclusion Please note that links listed may be affiliate links and provide me with a small percentage/kickback should you use them to purchase any of the items listed or recommended. Thank you for supporting me and this channel! Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. #hacking #laptop #vm