Hey guys, since I got into hosting my own servers, any electronic device I see I wonder - can it become a server?

This is probably not a crazy and new idea with android phones, but I had to share it with you. If you don’t know, there’s this thing called postmarket OS, full linux experience on an android phone.

Of course, not all phones are supported, but a phone like Galaxy Note 9 is a great candidate - it supports LAN over usb, postmarket OS fully supports it (the Exinos version) and setting up a phone as a selfhosted server has it’s real perks. Pis got really expensive, not to mention they don’t have a built-in UPS (phones have batteries), they use slow SD cards, while phones have faster UFS memory, phones draw way less power.

What do you guys think? I will for sure get a used Galaxy Note 9 and explore this idea, and if all goes well, I might even buy more of them and create a cluster.

  • FridaVermercury@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    8·
    13 days ago

    This has been discussed many times already, and I am not saying that to scold you but if you look for the right keywords you’ll find a lot in the search.

    E.g. the most recent one I know of is this https://lemmy.world/post/52120798

    But that was posted in an android community, so not visible here.

  • sit@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    3·
    13 days ago

    I had the same thought. Got an older laptop laying around and might try to fiddle with it.

    The issue that arises for me is electricity cost. A smartphone doesn’t have a fan and I trimmed for efficiency, unlike many other devices.

    What do you want to use the cluster for?

    • tradicije@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
      1·
      13 days ago

      I get that, using phones as servers is a pain because of cooling, but I was thinking maybe wire a fan to a custom made 3d printed rack, and also create a script for batteries, so the phones are not charging not stop.

      Creating a cluster could help me self host more websites I create as I want to move away from using hosting services, I do have 2 mini pcs as servers right now, but they are kinda shit.

  • gandalf_der_13te@feddit.orgEnglish
    41·
    13 days ago

    bad idea IMO. i did this once, the device has to be permanently plugged in, which strains the battery. after a few weeks the battery inflated. that stuff can explode and set your house on fire.

    better buy a raspberry pi. last time i checked they were $20 each.

    • Sibbo@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      1·
      13 days ago

      That’s a very important point to consider. Unless you remove the battery, you shouldn’t use it as a server. If you still do, store it in a metal bowl or so and put it somewhere where the heat of the bowl itself cannot start a fire. And make sure that your smoke detectors are still working and not expired. Then, be aware that if the battery explodes, your apartment fills with biting toxic smoke within minutes, and that can happen in the middle of the night. So keep some clothes ready at the door that you can wear when fleeing the apartment.

      • horus_son_of_isis@lemmy.worldEnglish
        01·
        13 days ago

        or just buy a minipc for $130 from Ebay.

        It is frustrating though, I have several old phones that are in good shape. It would be nice to give them a job. There might be one or two that boot without a battery.

    • FoxAlive@lemmy.zipEnglish
      0·
      12 days ago

      I have 3 pi 4s that where maybe 45 dollars each when I bought them, last time unchecked they where 600 dollars. I thought about selling them, but completely forgot if I want a pi again, and go to buy one, by then they might be 400 each.

  • cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    2·
    13 days ago

    It can work as long as the phone has an option to limit the battery charge to 80% or less. Keeping the battery fully charged for an extended amount of time will damage it and may even cause it to puff up.

    • tradicije@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
      2·
      13 days ago

      Yeah, I think creating a custom script for it won’t be an issue, for example when battery hits 80% it stops charging, and resumes charging when it hits 40%

  • uKale@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    13 days ago

    I wouldn’t do it because of the fire hazard. Better to use hardware that is meant to run 24/7 plugged in.

  • dihutenosa@piefed.socialEnglish
    0·
    13 days ago

    I’m doing that. Works fine. There’s an article in PMOS wiki about limiting the max battery voltage.

  • Possibly linux@lemmy.zipEnglish
    0·
    13 days ago

    I would instead look into old Chromeboxes. They have about the same compute but don’t have a battery and can typically run mainline Linux (assuming they are supported by mrchromebox)

    • eleitl@lemmy.zipEnglish
      0·
      13 days ago

      You can also buy refurbished Lenovo Thinkstation TinyPCs. These are low-power, small and quiet.