Though I've been considering it for a while, I've just now made the decision to bring it up in this thread to get additional explanation. Using a laptop, I would like to mine bitcoins. Not just for the sake of making money, the goal is to understand how mining operates without having to buy electricity or an ASIC. I considered purchasing a used ASIC for a low price, but I'm afraid I'll end up with a defective one. An ASIC will probably be too noisy for me to use at home, where I will be mining. After doing some study, I was also considering trying to use the waste heat to offset my house heating, but it just seems too costly and dangerous for what will likely be an essential learning experience.
So, can I mine bitcoin on a laptop? is my query. I just want to know how it all works; I'm not concerned about making money. With almost no chance of winning the block reward, might I download the bitcoin core, operate a full node, and let it hash away, content with the knowledge I've gathered along the way?
This will be a futile exercise, Bitcoin network has grown so big that it is not possible for small guys to mine again. I will advise if you are interested in mining, look for these new POW projects and play around with them, it may be profitable in future.