For a machine that must run 24/7 or at least most of the day, the next best alternative to a separate computer is a cheap Linux VPS. Most people don't want to fiddle with such setup, so they go for Mac Minis. Even the lower spec ones are good enough, and they consume little power when idle.
They're buying Mac Minis to isolate the environment in which their agents operate. They consume little power and are good for long running tasks.
Most aren't running models locally. They're using Claude via OpenClaw.
It's part of the "personal agent running constantly" craze.
For a machine that must run 24/7 or at least most of the day, the next best alternative to a separate computer is a cheap Linux VPS. Most people don't want to fiddle with such setup, so they go for Mac Minis. Even the lower spec ones are good enough, and they consume little power when idle.
many websites block access from cloud ips - reason why openclaw creator recommended a local one
No they’re buying them as a home server. You can’t message your claw if your laptop lid is closed.