Running on your hardware is always going to be less efficient than running in a data center. You can run small models on green data centers - best of both worlds (unless you need privacy then run local).

Ever since I switched to Cortecs I’m spending like 20 cents / month for my LLM usage cuz I mostly use small models and try using them responsibly.

I’ve got a pair of Skullcandy Dime 2’s that cost around $25 and I’ve been using for at least four years now

Same. I have some Anker model for 5 years now or maybe even longer. All of the previous wired earbuds (I even bought an expensive pair) didn’t last this long. I use them regularly as well. Battery seems to last ok even now, enough for most tasks.