Re: Operate Bitcoin Core on a laptop with restricted storage capacity
⭐ Merited by philipma1957 (2)
You're absolutely right, this kind of business with refurbished business laptops is quite common worldwide. While affordability and durability are key advantages, ensuring the security of these devices remains a crucial consideration for me.
Easy: wipe them and reinstall whatever Linux distribution you prefer. I'd never use any pre-installed operating system, and prefer to buy my laptops empty.Side question, how long do these refurbished devices last? It obviously cannot last as long as a brand-new device, which means it will fall apart sooner, is that not the case?
Can I answer with "forever"? 
I've had new laptops break within a few years, sometimes mechanical (the hinges), sometimes the mainboard just giving up. I also have laptops 8-12 years old, and they'll get useless because of old age, not because they're breaking. Amazingly, most laptop batteries are still working after 10 years, although they run out quicker. And I do replace the CPU fan once in a while.Another thing to check: power consumption. The less, the better. It's quiet, saves money, attracts less dust and stays colder. Whenever I buy a laptop, I first search the "TDP" for the CPU. The lower the better.
I have a refurbished Dell Latitude E6440 now since at least 2017 and it still works like a charm. When I purchased it I could barely see any signs of usage, lucky me. The battery that came with the laptop is still quite OK. To preserve battery life and when I don't need the battery when I can run the laptop on a power cord, I usually disconnect the battery when it is charged around 40%. On a Latitude you could also configure the battery management to only charge the battery to 50% max. when you're always plugged to the power cord. Such low charging levels are beneficial for battery life and endurance. I treat my laptops also always with some care and don't bang them around.
I never remove my laptop battery, and after 8 years it's at 70%. If I'd disconnect it, I can't use it when I need it (for instance when I unplug the laptop).