Models on your machine.
WHY YOU MIGHT
Data never leaves your computer No subscription Works without internet No usage limits
WHAT IT REQUIRES
A reasonably capable computer, particularly memory Willingness to set it up Acceptance of lower capability
WHAT SMALL LOCAL MODELS DO ADEQUATELY
Summarising Simple drafting Classification Extraction Answering from provided text
WHAT THEY DO POORLY
Complex reasoning Nuanced writing Long context Specialist knowledge
THE PERFORMANCE REALITY
Speed depends heavily on your hardware. On modest machines, responses are slow.
WHO THIS SUITS
People with confidentiality requirements Technically comfortable users who want independence Situations with unreliable connectivity
WHO IT DOES NOT
Anyone wanting the best available output with no setup.
FOR NIGERIAN USERS SPECIFICALLY
Where data costs or connectivity are constraints, local models are genuinely worth considering.
