date: 12/03/2025
subj: AI is so expensive
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For awhile the cost of computing was pretty low, until recently.
Recently the tech companies decided to create apps and non-local
applications to charge perpetual fees. This goes for cloud
computing, api keys for various apps, and many other things.
These products are essentially rentals and subscriptions instead
of how things used to be. Several devices and apps being
purchased under the illusion of ownership quickly go end-of-life
compared to older products back in the early and mid 2000's. 

AI itself is a costly item to use. If you don't have a very
expensive computer $5k-$10k you likely can't run AI models
locally, to really experiment, learn, and keep your data
private. The other way is via subscriptions to the large AI
providers. Subscriptions above free tiers are ranging from
$10-$20 per month. I'm assuming, based on what I've heard those
fees per month have a limit on the number of tokens you can use.
No specific platform is guaranteed to meet your needs. I've
heard of individuals using multiple platforms. Each platform has
its strength and weakness, therefore requiring multiple
subscriptions. For these costs saddens me, for not just myself
but many others are barred from enhancing their skills in the
changing IT career space due to inability to sustain perpetual
costs. This happened in late 90's and early 2000's, for many of
us just couldn't afford the high costs of computing and software
the industry was wanting.