Laptop in car

[Nectareal]

Hi, so to start off, I think I have the answer, but I want to make sure I’m correct. So, essentially, I am getting a security job where I will be in a car watching a car dearlership, and want to be able to utilize my laptop (for homework) . I read about starlink roam but that isn’t needed as It requires an antenna, so I’m thinking the best solution is a 4g/5g hotspot from my phone. Is this sound? Or is there a better option?

 

[Tech9]

I want to make sure I’m correct

No, you are totally wrong. They will pay you to watch the car dealership and not the screen of your personal devices. If you get caught poking your phone or using your laptop during work hours - you'll lose the job. Best option - do what they pay you for.

 

[Ripshod]

If this is a night job you also want to think about a laptop screen illuminating the inside of the car and your face. Not only would you be seen, you could also be targeted.

 

[dosborne]

Not only would you be seen, you could also be targeted.

The big lettering on the side of the car and the flashing lights on the top might give it away too

I read about starlink roam but that isn’t needed as It requires an antenna, so I’m thinking the best solution is a 4g/5g hotspot from my phone. Is this sound? Or is there a better option?

Depending on your phone and phone plan, that should in theory work and be a good option. I regularly use the hotspot on my phone to connect my laptop or TV at the office to the internet. You know the work situation better than we do so know if this would get you into trouble or not.

Another option may be to use the dealership's wifi. Around here, many offer free access, so if you park within range.......

 

[aex.perez]

All that, and depending on the car and it's features and if it's turned on, it can also serve as a WiFi hotspot.

 

[CaptainSTX]

Hi, so to start off, I think I have the answer, but I want to make sure I’m correct. So, essentially, I am getting a security job where I will be in a car watching a car dearlership, and want to be able to utilize my laptop (for homework) . I read about starlink roam but that isn’t needed as It requires an antenna, so I’m thinking the best solution is a 4g/5g hotspot from my phone. Is this sound? Or is there a better option?

It all depends on what you want to do and the data speed your cellular provider will give you when you put your phone in the hotspot mode. In my situation with Xfinity as my cellular provider the speed is low, so it is hardly worth doing. Test and find out and if it won't work for you then go to a plan B.

 

[sfx2000]

Hi, so to start off, I think I have the answer, but I want to make sure I’m correct. So, essentially, I am getting a security job where I will be in a car watching a car dearlership, and want to be able to utilize my laptop (for homework) . I read about starlink roam but that isn’t needed as It requires an antenna, so I’m thinking the best solution is a 4g/5g hotspot from my phone. Is this sound? Or is there a better option?

You're on the right path - just tether/hotspot the mobile handset - just check to ensure your billing plan allows it, and if there are usage caps...

 

[sfx2000]

Another option may be to use the dealership's wifi. Around here, many offer free access, so if you park within range...

Interesting - out here in SoCal, mostly due to the unhoused (e.g. homeless) - many businesses now turn off their WiFi after hours...

During business hours - my local Starbucks has done rotating codes on the guest portal - buy a cuppa and they print out a QR code that is good for 60 minutes... the McDonalds next door has done the same...