I have always been interested in computer hardware and processing capability.  Especially the concept of collaborative computing to solve problems.  For many years I participated in a Search for Extra Terrestrial (SETI) collaborative computing effort where individual users would download work units, process on their computer, and then upload and be combined with others. Crypto mining is a splendid example of how computing power can be harnessed to provide income.  I have a good understanding of cryptocurrencies but was more interested in the hardware side of how Bitcoin is mined.  I was interested in joining the crypto mining community but was not ready to invest in $7,000 unit along with the 220-volt power infrastructure as well as the noise and heat.  I wanted to participate, but more on a hobby level.  This is where I believed there was a gap in the products offered. I was interested in a hardware package that could fulfill two roles – mining and a stand-alone desktop.  I started to research the components I would need to purchase when I cam across a product that was fully assembled and met these requirements – the FutureBit BTC Apollo miner (FutureBit).  This device checked all of the boxes.  It is compact, quiet, functions as a full bitcoin miner, and as a desktop computer.  It is by no means a very sophisticated desktop but has the same process power as a tablet or Chromebook and is capable of handling browsing and watching videos.  The most compelling aspect is the price – $650.  I was able to purchase the device and meet the need for a desktop as well as a crypto mining device. From a crypto point of view the processing power and rate of mining bitcoin is extremely low compared to commercial models.  However, simply having access to the device and setting up the wallet as well as the mining pool has been an invaluable experience.  I feel very confident that I can discuss bitcoin and the intricacies of mining it with much more confidence.     References Econoalchemist. (2022, February 22). From delivery to hashing in 15 minutes: Setting up the Futurebit Apollo node and Miner. Bitcoin Magazine. Retrieved June 25, 2022, from https://bitcoinmagazine.com/guides/how-to-us-futurebit-apollo-bitcoin-node-miner