What is a good resource to help newbies choose their first wallet/s?

Question

While editing the Bitcoin Newb Guide, I realized I can't find a single page that covers all major clients in a Newb-friendly manner.

1. bitcoin.org doesn't seem to mention web wallets such as My Wallet
2. The wiki page is not IMO newb-friendly ... one big table, no clear way for a newb to decide which wallets he should try out. Yes, the features are listed in the table, but a newb won't understand them.

What is the best objective resource to help newbs choose their first wallet/s?

Requirements:

• Objective source (as much as possible)
• Updated Frequently, preferably user editable / reflects user votes
• Includes major desktop clients
• Includes major web wallets / mobile wallets
• Noob Friendly - just dumping all clients in a big table will scare off noobs. I want a page that, while giving out sufficient information, is well structured and will not scare noobs. The Wiki Page is a good counter example.

Answer 1

Essentially it boils down to the tradeoffs between security and convenience.

Instawallet is incredibly convenient, but not all that secure (as no password is required, and if you lose the URL, you lose the ability to spend the funds.)

Paytunia is a great shared (hosted) EWallet for a beginner, and there is a mobile app (for Android).

Blockchain.info/wallet is a great hybrid (browser-based) wallet and also has a mobile app (for Android, and for Cydia / jailbroken iPhones). Configured properly, with backups sent to your e-mail inbox, this is probably the best combination of security and convenience.

If you only need a mobile wallet, the BitcoinSpinner works well also.

• http://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/EWallet

• http://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Mobile_Payment_Apps

Answer 2

This chart comparing all major desktop clients is pretty good, and is well maintained by a bitcointalk regular: http://dre.redmartian.org/compare.htm

Discussion about it here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=83768.0

Nothing about e-wallets, though.

Answer 3

I also find Instawallet a good fist wallet for the Bitcoin Faucet and such because it is as simple as it can be. About its security, because it's only a URL: Having a funny URL or using a generated password is the same, right? Lose it either, lose your money. Store both on paper or in an encrypted partition in a text file or in a password manager and you should be fine.

Answer 4

Instawallet is best choice for peaple new to bitcoin but you dont wont to lose your url as its the key to your wallet and with out the url you lose you btc with no way of geting it back.