Why People Buy the WRONG Laptops for Hacking

Video Description

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: https://twitter.com/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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJUVNlmIO6E&list=PLhfrWIlLOoKOs-fjCPHdzD2icF2vORfwK&pp=iAQB Mr Robot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yiT_WMlosg&list=PLhfrWIlLOoKNYR8uvEXSAzDfKGAPIDB8q&pp=iAQB Hackers Arise / Occupy the Web Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxkKszPVD1M&list=PLhfrWIlLOoKOf1Ru_TFAnubVuWc87i-7z&pp=iAQB // David's SOCIAL // Discord: https://discord.com/invite/usKSyzb X: https://www.twitter.com/davidbombal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbombal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbombal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidbombal.co TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@davidbombal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidbombal Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3f6k6gERfuriI96efWWLQQ SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/davidbombal Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-bombal/id1466865532 // MY STUFF // https://www.amazon.com/shop/davidbombal // SPONSORS // Interested in sponsoring my videos? Reach out to my team here: [email protected] // 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