Getting Started with AI Agents

You already use ChatGPT, Claude, etc. An agent is when you give that AI the ability to actually do things — run code, read your files, send messages, browse the web, manage your calendar — and it runs persistently, not just when you have a chat window open.

Think of it like this: ChatGPT is a smart person you text. An agent is a smart person you hire — they have access to your tools, they remember your preferences, and they can work while you sleep.

What is OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent framework. "Open source" means the code is free — anyone can download it, run it, modify it. You don't pay for the software. You pay for:

OpenClaw connects to your messaging apps (Telegram, WhatsApp, Slack, Signal) so you can talk to your agent like texting a friend. It can run shell commands, automate browser tasks, manage files, access your calendar, and more.

The 4 ways to run it

Option 1: MaxClaw (hosted by MiniMax) Easiest ~$10-50/mo

MaxClaw is OpenClaw pre-configured and running in the cloud, managed by MiniMax. One-click setup, literally 10 seconds. No technical knowledge needed.

Pros: Zero setup, no maintenance, cheap AI model (MiniMax M2.7 is 1/7th to 1/20th the cost of Claude)
Cons: Locked to MiniMax's model (can't use Claude/GPT), data lives on MiniMax's servers (China-based infrastructure), less customization
Cost: MiniMax Starter plan ~$10/mo, Max plan ~$50/mo
Best for: Trying it out, non-technical users, people who just want it to work

Option 2: Self-host on your Mac/PC Medium $0-8/mo API

Download OpenClaw, install it on your computer, connect your own API key. You own everything.

Pros: Full control, choose any model (Claude, GPT, MiniMax, local models), your data stays on your machine, unlimited customization
Cons: 30-90 min setup, needs Node.js, your computer needs to stay on for the agent to run
Cost: Software is free. API costs depend on model:
- MiniMax M2.7: ~$10/mo (Starter) or $50/mo (Max, flat rate)
- Claude 3.5 Sonnet: ~$0.50-2.00 per 100 tasks (can spike to $50-100+/mo with heavy use)
- Local models (Ollama): $0, but slower and less capable
Best for: Developers, privacy-conscious users, people who want to tinker

This is what I do. Mac Mini M4 ($599), MiniMax Max plan ($50/mo). Runs 24/7.

Option 3: Cloud VPS (Virtual Private Server) Medium $4-20/mo + API

Rent a small server in the cloud (DigitalOcean, Hetzner, etc.), install OpenClaw there. Agent runs 24/7 without your computer being on.

Pros: Always on, any model, data in your control (choose server location for privacy), accessible from anywhere
Cons: More setup than MaxClaw, need basic Linux comfort, monthly server cost on top of API
Cost: Server: $4-12/mo (Hetzner cheapest). API: same as self-host above.
Best for: People who want 24/7 uptime without dedicating a personal machine

Option 4: Letta (alternative framework) Advanced Free (open source)

Letta (formerly MemGPT) is a different agent framework focused on memory — agents that remember everything across conversations. Also open source, Apache 2.0.

Pros: Strong memory system, managed cloud option available, good docs
Cons: Heavier framework, more opinionated about architecture, I personally replaced it early on (wrote 557 lines to replace their framework with direct API calls)
Cost: Free self-hosted. Letta Cloud has a free tier with your own API keys.
Best for: If you specifically need sophisticated long-term memory out of the box

Comparison at a glance

What does "open source" actually mean?

	MaxClaw	Self-host	Cloud VPS	Letta
Setup time	10 seconds	30-90 min	1-2 hours	30-60 min
Technical skill	None	Some	Moderate	Some
Monthly cost	$10-50	$0-50 API only	$4-12 + API	Free-$20 + API
Model choice	MiniMax only	Any	Any	Any
Data location	MiniMax (China)	Your machine	Your server	Your choice
Always on?	Yes	Only if PC is on	Yes	Depends
Customization	Limited	Unlimited	Unlimited	High

OpenClaw and Letta are both open source under the Apache 2.0 license, which means you can even use them commercially. The "catch" is that you're responsible for running and maintaining it yourself — or you pay someone (like MaxClaw) to do that for you.

Think of it like a recipe vs a restaurant. Open source gives you the recipe for free. You can cook it yourself (self-host), have someone cook it for you (MaxClaw/Letta Cloud), or modify the recipe entirely.

Free resources to get started

Alfonso's recommendation

If you're just curious: Try MaxClaw for $10/mo. Zero setup. See if you like having an agent. Cancel anytime.

If you want to actually build something: Self-host on your Mac. MiniMax Starter plan ($10/mo) or Max plan ($50/mo flat). You'll learn more, have full control, and can customize everything. This is what I run.

If you want it running 24/7 but don't want to leave your PC on: Hetzner VPS ($4-6/mo) + MiniMax Starter ($10/mo) = $14-16/mo total for a personal AI agent that never sleeps.

Skip Letta unless you have a specific reason to need its memory system. OpenClaw + any API is simpler and more flexible.

What's an AI agent?