Table of Contents
Following my previous article, I decided to use some of my red envelope money to start my cryptocurrency investment journey. Since I've decided to enter the market, the security of my funds is my top priority.
There's a famous saying in the crypto space: "Not your keys, not your coins." To achieve true control over my assets, I needed a physically isolated, never-connected device to store my private keys. After comparing various hardware wallets on the market, Tangem successfully caught my attention.
Why Choose Tangem?
Compared to traditional hardware wallets with screens, Tangem's card-style design has several significant advantages:
- No Seed Phrase Hassle: It doesn't require users to manually record and save complex seed phrases. As long as you have the card, you can make secure transactions.
- Long Battery Life and Lifespan: Because it has no screen or battery, it doesn't need charging at all. Its simple physical structure also means a longer lifespan.
- Flexible Backup Mechanism: I can activate multiple backup cards simultaneously. Even if I lose one, I can recover my assets using a backup card.
International Shipping and Initial Surprises (and Regrets)
Interestingly, this order was the first time in my life I paid directly using cryptocurrency (I paid in BTC). The package was shipped from Hong Kong and took about 10 days to arrive. Along the way, I also paid 75 RMB in customs duties at Ningbo Customs.
To be honest, I felt a slight sense of disappointment the moment I unboxed it. Looking at the official promotional images, I originally thought the cards were made of full aluminum alloy—after all, a single card costs over 200 RMB. However, upon receiving them, I found they were made of ordinary plastic. But on second thought, "looks" are just superficial; security is the core, and as long as it works well, that's what matters.
Smooth Activation Experience
The UI design of the Tangem App is excellent, and the entire activation process is smooth and highly modern. I only needed to use my phone's NFC feature to scan two cards in sequence, and the setup was completed in just a few minutes.
Adjusted Portfolio Allocation
Considering that I still want to pursue returns while keeping risks manageable, I slightly adjusted the portfolio allocation mentioned in my previous article based on my understanding of the market:
| Asset Type | Percentage | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| BTC (Bitcoin) | 60% | Absolute base position, aiming for stability. |
| ETH (Ethereum) | 30% | Balancing ecosystem value and growth potential. |
| RENDER / ONDO | 10% (5% each) | Positioning in AI computing and RWA sectors for higher elasticity. |
Now, the hardware security is in place, and the portfolio strategy is clear. My journey of exploring the crypto world has officially set sail.