you don't need to host per se, however. you can deploy one of our BYOS options on a local network and let your device(s) ping 192.168/api/display. just about zero config required, just docker up and input your local network domain into the FW > captive portal UI during setup.
However I can see many benefits of this, particularly running without a power connection and have ordered. Hurry up with the next batch!
For what TRMNL is it seems like a smart decision to me. I know CPU grunt is dirt cheap these days but you’d never get the battery life that you are if you put more smarts on the device. You’ve clearly optimized for something very useful.
I got mine a little over a week ago, I’ve been enjoying it so far. I was messing around with my settings tonight when I found your post and I thought it would do well here.
I love the idea that even if something happens I can keep mine going easily.