Video Overview
You don't need a Mac Mini to run Clawdbot! This tutorial shows you the most affordable and straightforward way to get started with your own AI assistant.
What You'll Learn
- Budget Options: Alternatives to expensive hardware
- VPS Setup: Using cloud servers for Clawdbot
- Cost Breakdown: Real monthly costs to expect
- Step-by-Step Guide: Easy installation process
- Optimization Tips: Getting the most from limited resources
Budget-Friendly Options
Option 1: VPS Hosting
- DigitalOcean, Linode, or Vultr
- Starting at $12-20/month
- No upfront hardware cost
Option 2: Old Computer
- Repurpose an old laptop or desktop
- Minimal specs: 4GB RAM, dual-core CPU
- Zero additional cost if you have spare hardware
Option 3: Raspberry Pi
- Ultra-low power consumption
- One-time cost under $100
- Perfect for light usage
Cost Comparison
| Option | Upfront Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mac Mini | $499+ | ~$5 electricity |
| VPS | $0 | $12-40 |
| Old PC | $0 | ~$3 electricity |
| Raspberry Pi | $75 | ~$1 electricity |
Setup Steps
- Choose your platform
- Install Docker
- Clone Clawdbot repository
- Configure environment variables
- Start the containers
- Connect to Telegram
Start your AI assistant journey without breaking the bank!

