Check your offline AI fit
PortableMind runs fully offline on modern Windows and macOS laptops. Use this checklist before you rely on it during travel, outages, or fieldwork.
Baseline hardware
The presets are tuned for realistic laptops, not datacenter rigs. If your machine meets these, you can stay offline and productive.
- CPU: 4+ cores with AVX2 support (most 2018+ Intel/AMD and Apple silicon).
- RAM: 16 GB recommended; 8 GB works with the fast preset.
- Free disk on laptop: 4–6 GB buffer for caches and updates you trigger.
- USB: USB 3.0 port for consistent throughput.
Supported operating systems
PortableMind is validated on current, supported OS versions to avoid surprise dependencies during an outage.
Windows
Windows 10/11 64-bit with latest patches. SmartScreen prompts may appear on first run.
Open the Windows checklistmacOS
macOS 13+ on Intel or Apple silicon. Gatekeeper may request approval to run the launcher.
Open the macOS checklistPerformance expectations
Speed depends on your CPU, RAM, and USB port. The fast preset is built for constrained machines; balanced and deeper presets take advantage of higher core counts and memory.
Faster start
Close heavy apps, stay plugged into power, and use a direct USB-A/USB-C port instead of a crowded hub.
Deeper runs
Use the balanced or deeper preset on 16+ GB RAM machines for longer reasoning chains.
See model presetsSecurity and admin constraints
If you’re on a corporate laptop, confirm launcher permissions early so you don’t have to negotiate approvals during an outage.
- Ensure the launcher can run without full admin. If not, see the no-admin guide for workarounds.
- Pre-allow the app in antivirus to avoid quarantine on first run.
- Keep the antivirus exclusions guide handy if your security tools are strict.
Power, ports, and travel
Offline sessions run best on stable power. Plan around battery use and port access before you leave reliable connectivity.
Power
Plug in when possible; deeper models prefer steady wattage over battery saver modes.
Ports
Use a primary USB 3.0 port. Hubs shared with other peripherals may throttle throughput.
Backups
Carry a small second drive for backups when you update models or presets.
Ready to deploy
Once the checklist is clear, you’re ready to rely on the USB during trips, storms, or blackout drills.