The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Ghost, a startup founded by Zain Javaid, has raised a reported $11 million seed round to launch Core, a $3,499 screenless computer designed to run personal AI models and agents. Andreessen Horowitz led the round, according to TechCrunch. Ghost describes Core as a computer that runs models locally and connects to a user’s apps, files, and devices; its privacy and performance claims have not been independently verified in the sources available.
What is Ghost Core?
Core is Ghost’s “personal AI computer”: a physical system intended to run AI models and agents on-device rather than relying entirely on remote cloud processing. Ghost says it connects to a user’s apps, files, and devices and builds context continuously. The company describes it as screenless; TechCrunch reports that users access it through a phone or app, including voice input through the app.
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Javaid, identified by TechCrunch as Ghost’s founder and Core’s CEO, called Core a “brain in a box.” He said users can install models from Hugging Face or load their own. Ghost’s stated positioning is a machine purpose-built for AI agents. Javaid contrasted it with a Mac mini, which he characterized as a general-purpose computer that can be configured for AI.
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What does Core cost, and what hardware is included?
Ghost lists Core at $3,499 and provides an order option on its official product page. The listed GPU is part of the computer, not a separate required purchase. Ghost’s current published specifications are:
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| Component | Ghost-listed specification |
|---|---|
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX PRO 4000 Blackwell SFF Edition, 24 GB GDDR7 ECC memory and 432 GB/s memory bandwidth |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 7600, 6 cores and 12 threads |
| System memory | 64 GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 1 TB NVMe SSD |
These are manufacturer-listed specifications, not independent performance measurements. The product page also lists Qwen 3.8-Next, Qwen 3.8-27B, Gemma 4-31B, and Muse-Glimmer-30B. TechCrunch’s launch report named a different, shorter preinstalled-model list, so the current Ghost page is the relevant source for the company’s live specification list.
What did Ghost raise, and who invested?
TechCrunch reported on October 5, 2026, that Ghost raised an $11 million seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The report named Abstract, Audacious Ventures, SV Angel, and Nova as additional participants. It identified Javaid as 19 at the time of publication; that age is a dated report detail, not a timeless biographical description.
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What does Ghost claim about privacy and control?
Ghost’s product page states, “No data ever leaves your home, and your AI is owned entirely by you.” That is the company’s claim, not an independently established security guarantee. TechCrunch attributed further claims to Javaid: that data is encrypted, personal memory runs locally, and users can control how autonomous agents are. Neither the launch report nor Ghost’s product page, as described here, provides independent security testing or validation of those claims.
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Local model execution can reduce reliance on cloud processing for the work performed on the device, but it does not by itself establish how every connected app, integration, update, or network feature handles data. A buyer who needs a particular privacy boundary should look for clear documentation of data flows, encryption implementation, remote access, updates, and controls before relying on the system for sensitive information.
When is Core expected to ship?
TechCrunch reported that preorders opened October 5, 2026, with shipping expected in the last week of October 2026. Ghost’s product page said the first batch was open when accessed October 7, 2026. Both the batch status and forward-looking shipping estimate can change, so check Ghost’s order page for current availability and delivery terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is not yet established about Core?
The available launch coverage and official product listing do not establish independent benchmark results, sustained reliability, customer experience, or third-party security findings. They also do not provide a validated like-for-like performance comparison with a Mac mini or another local-AI computer. The specifications and intended use are useful for understanding what Ghost is selling, but they do not show how quickly Core runs a given model or how it performs under a specific workload.
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For a purchase decision, compare the complete system price and included hardware, model support and ability to install alternatives, setup and maintenance requirements, and the privacy controls documented for the particular workflows you plan to use. Ghost’s listing supplies hardware details and model names; the sources cited here do not answer all of those practical questions.
Quick Recap
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- 【Intel Celeron N150 Quad-Core, Reliable Performance for Everyday Tasks】Equipped with a quad-core Intel Celeron N150 processor, reaching up to 3.6GHz Turbo Boost and paired with Intel UHD Graphics, this laptop handles multitasking with ease, including browser tabs, HD streaming, and Office applications. With 6MB cache and an energy-efficient design, it ensures smooth performance and extended battery life for work, study, or entertainment on the go.
- 【14" HD Micro-Edge Display, Portable and Eye-Friendly】This laptop features a 14-inch HD BrightView screen with ultra-thin 6.5mm bezels, delivering sharp visuals (1366x768) and a 79% screen-to-body ratio. The anti-glare coating minimizes reflections for both indoor and outdoor use. Weighing only 3.24lb, its slim profile fits easily into backpacks, making it ideal for students, remote workers, or anyone needing a lightweight companion.
- 【Upgraded RAM & Storage】Enjoy smooth multitasking and seamless performance for everyday tasks with up to 8GB DDR4 RAM. Store your files easily with up to 128GB UFS storage, plus an additional 128GB Micro SD Card for extra space, providing ample room to save more data. USB 3.1 Type-C for fast data transfers, dual USB 3.0 Type-A ports, HDMI for external displays, a MicroSD slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
- Windows 11 Home in S mode (You may switch to regular windows 11: Press "Start button" bottom left of the screen; Select "Settings" icon above "power" icon;Select Update & Security and Activation, then Go to Store; Select "Get" option under "Switch out of S mode"; Hit Install.)
- Activate pre-installed Office 365: 1.Launch any Office app > 2.Start your activation by signing in with your Microsoft account(Create a account if you don't have one yet) > 3.Click "Activative Office" > 4.Sign in your account and follow the next prompts. > 5.Complete Step 1,2 and 3 > 6.Click on Refresh once Office is ready > 7.Open a document and accept the license agreement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
