This is the first time hearing of “Umbrel” it looks like a great product. I was looking to run the node on the iPad with an SSD attached. Ideally 24/7 is what is recommended however it would need updated since it wouldn’t be running all the time. I will probably pick up a complete “Umbrel Home”. Thank you!
Basically what your trying to do is remove the apple os and replace it with another one that allows you to run a node from what your describing. I personally would go the raspberry pi route or those cheap lower powered desktop computers you find in call centers. One problem you may run into when you have a exteneral drive, If you move the cable, it can fuck everything up and you may have to restart the entire device lol. I know from first hand experience with my node.