David Bombal #514: Why People Buy the WRONG Laptops for Hacking
Sep 22, 2025
42:59
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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.
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// 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
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Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only.
#hacking #laptop #vm