Comment by apparent

You're right that $200/mo is much cheaper than comparable infrastructure. OTOH, you don't get to have a computer that can also be used for other applications, or which works when the internet is down. Also, you remain tethered to whatever pricing the AI companies want to charge. If AI pricing goes like Uber/Lyft did when the VC cash ran out, then we'll be paying much more in a few years' time. We could look back and think "I wish I'd bought my own setup back in 2026" if it's going to be inevitable.

And all this before you get into privacy/security/compliance stuff.