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Comment by a5withtrrs | Hacker News Reader

The (not cost effective) solution is to carry both.

Shut off the 'normal' smart phone when you don't need it (for banking or what have you).

Use the web version of Whatsapp (https://web.whatsapp.com/) if you must use it. You could even consider having a WhatsApp specific phone if you have an older model that you've upgraded from that contains no other data.

That was my solution anyway.

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Check out Beeper (beeperhq.com). They have an all-in-one service that'll get you Whatsapp without hilariously dubious security promises from Facebook.

Basically what they do is build and maintain a bunch of Matrix bridges for you. Whatsapp, Imessage, Telegram, Facebook, Slack, Twitter, Skype...

It appears the Beeper service by default runs on the beeper servers, with a subscription fee, yet I see there is a solution one can run locally https://github.com/spantaleev/matrix-docker-ansible-deploy

Does anyone have experience running the open version on their machine? (self-hosted)

I do similar. Just use my previous Android (eg Pixel2) with the apps on it and my current phone (Pixel3) is trimmed (disable what you can, no apps but Firefox). I leave the 2 in a known safe location.

Not a 100% solution but is dead simple and better than 0%

In your scenario what do you even use the 3 for? Just web browsing?

Web, Phone, SMS. Email is via web-interface.

And I've actually got three apps: Firefox, Mattermost and Wireguard

Carrying a cheap/old/second-hand small android phone can be cost effective. Plus, it works as a backup for phone if the PinePhone runs out of battery.

Also, PinePhone can run anbox - slowly.

Any first hand experience with Anbox on Pinephone?

That is the solution I am considering at the moment as well. Its not the prettiest, but it will likely work as a stopgap measure.

You can also use one device to hotspot another thus providing data without the added risks that come with having another mystery binary blob.

You'll need a external battery pack though for longer days away from home.

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