Live data from Hacker News

Starlink Aviation

starlink.com

31–40 of 526 posts

Re: Starlink Aviation

#31

Not sure who this is aimed at, the existing inflight wifi solutions powered by two satellites (viasat) are sufficient for tasks that don't require low latency.

I've been waiting to flex doing my Zoom calls from my G6

Joking aside, the OpEx of a private jet is huge, and if you can use it 2x as often because you can take your Friday meetings while traveling somewhere for the weekend, this easily pays for itself in the saving on cost-per-trip.

Re: Starlink Aviation

#32
post #27

Not sure who this is aimed at, the existing inflight wifi solutions powered by two satellites (viasat) are sufficient for tasks that don't require low latency.

Being able to do real remote work, including real time video calls, while on a plane is actually game changing. I'm sure this will eventually become standard on most airlines, especially for Business Class.

I can't wait to fly business class on a Friday morning out of SFO and be surrounded by a dozen corporate salarymen simultaneously addressing their standups via their AirPods.

Normal airlines are promptly going to need some no-phone-calls rules. (TBH I think they already have them.)

Re: Starlink Aviation

#33
post #14

This will solve the "spotify didn't actually download my offline playlist" problem, but unfortunately there is rarely room to use a laptop on the plane unless you're flying business.

>unfortunately there is rarely room to use a laptop on the plane unless you're flying business What do you mean? I've flown before and 14" or 13.3" laptop fits just fine on the seat tray.

It certainly does. However, if you're even moderately tall, it's impossible to use the trackpad without elbowing the person next to you in the ribs, since the front of the laptop is basically touching your stomach once you open the laptop at enough of an angle to be able to see its display. (This is on a 13" MBA.)

If all you're doing is watching video then it's fine. But trying to get real work done is incredibly awkward. The only way I'm able to do anything is to use a separate Bluetooth keyboard I hold underneath the tray over my knees. But that means exclusively writing or other things I can do solely with the keyboard, without a mouse/trackpad.

Also, forget it if the person in front of you reclines. It's game over.

Re: Starlink Aviation

#34
post #27

Not sure who this is aimed at, the existing inflight wifi solutions powered by two satellites (viasat) are sufficient for tasks that don't require low latency.

Being able to do real remote work, including real time video calls, while on a plane is actually game changing. I'm sure this will eventually become standard on most airlines, especially for Business Class.

I hope not, I do not want to overhear obnoxious phone or video calls.

Re: Starlink Aviation

#35
post #14

This will solve the "spotify didn't actually download my offline playlist" problem, but unfortunately there is rarely room to use a laptop on the plane unless you're flying business.

>unfortunately there is rarely room to use a laptop on the plane unless you're flying business What do you mean? I've flown before and 14" or 13.3" laptop fits just fine on the seat tray.

I can only speak for United Economy and a 13" MacBook Pro, but while it will "fit" on the tray, the screen must be completely vertical for there to be enough room, and if the person in front of you reclines their seat even slightly, it becomes unusable.

Re: Starlink Aviation

#36
Are there no aerodynamic concerns for that installation? The VHF instruments pictured on top of the fuselage make this thing look like a plow that would be better fit on top of a Sprinter van... they couldn't have gone for a dome?

Re: Starlink Aviation

#37

Not sure who this is aimed at, the existing inflight wifi solutions powered by two satellites (viasat) are sufficient for tasks that don't require low latency.

I have about a thirty percent success rate with in-flight WiFi. I'm not sure what you're using, but just being able to transfer more than a few megabytes uninterrupted (let alone quickly) would be a world of difference.

Re: Starlink Aviation

#38
post #25

Not sure who this is aimed at, the existing inflight wifi solutions powered by two satellites (viasat) are sufficient for tasks that don't require low latency.

Plus I'm not certain if the batteries you'd need to run it are small enough to count as carry-on. I wonder if they include some suction cups to keep the transciever flat against the window.

Let's hope the pilots aren't bringing these on the planes with them and installing the hardware during the flight.

Re: Starlink Aviation

#39
post #2

Low latency for Video Calls? Sure, great on private charter jets where it’s you or a couple of people who know each other. Also, generally in favour of the march of technology, so I love this. Do Not Ever want on a flight where I’m sitting beside some random ass stranger who will chat or video chat to whoever at the top of their voice while I’m trying to relax.

Do you similiarly object when they turn to the family member in the next seat over and hold a conversation?

I think it’s well documented how annoying hearing just one side of a conversation is.

Beyond this, yes it’s rude to talk at length on a plane to other people on a long haul flight, for example. I mean I get it but flying is by default a stressful experience as is.

Re: Starlink Aviation

#40
post #36

Are there no aerodynamic concerns for that installation? The VHF instruments pictured on top of the fuselage make this thing look like a plow that would be better fit on top of a Sprinter van... they couldn't have gone for a dome?

The Ku/Ka band antenna's used by other providers are quite significant in size.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/gogo-2ku-inflight-wi...

https://twitter.com/jonostrower/status/466228743522893824

Post reply on HN