I've been curious about mining crypto, but I don't have specialized equipment. Is it even worth trying to mine anything using a regular laptop these days, or is it a waste of time and electricity?

It's a fair question — and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While you won't mine Bitcoin effectively, some altcoins can still be mined with a decent laptop GPU or CPU, especially if you join a mining pool. That said, profitability is usually low, and you have to factor in electricity costs and potential wear on your device. I found this balanced and practical guide that breaks down what's possible (and what's not) in 2025: https://thelaptopadviser.com/examining-the-potential-of-mining-cryptocurrency-from-your-laptop/ . It covers coins that are still mineable, tools you can use, and realistic expectations for beginners.