iMac in a Truck

Will bounce around a lot. Make sure you strap it down well. I wouldnt risk ot, maybe sell it and get macbook. Most truckstops wifi can reach lot. Get as close to buidling as possible, some wont. Depending on size of lot. It can be spotty at best to. Could get that new apple watch coming out. Prices range from $350 to $25,000, depending on style of band.

 

i cant count on wifi at TS
i have mifi from verizon

 

I don't think I'd bring something like that into your truck. iMacs take a good bit of power, enough to where I'd imagine you would need a decent-sized inverter to be directly wired into your truck.

Not to mention the value, the locks on most rigs aren't exactly the most...secure. This is especially true if you have a factory stock lock on your doors.

As for what you asked... Most truck stops I've encountered don't have wifi, but if you plan on spending most of your time in the same areas you should be able to plan your stops around the ones that do. Most of the larger chains have it equipped in some, and they'll have apps that should help you narrow down which ones you can use.

...and... Do you remember the scene in Jurassic Park? You know, the one with the water glass showing ripples? Yeah. Some of these roads are like that. Other roads, the water glass would bounce out of the holster, spill the water into your lap and then break all over your floor...

If you must bring it with you...
For the best wifi, grab a hotspot through a carrier and pay the data fees.
Find a way to exchange your traditional hard drive with some newer tech, ask if Apple will toss a solid state drive into it. It'll cost more by far, but you'll have less power usage and the vibrations won't be as bad on the computer.
Tie it down when you're not using it. Even if you're not moving, keep it secured.

 

An iMac might be hard to properly secure without damaging/modifying the truck.

Whatever you run, get an SSD drive rather than a hard drive. Delicate bits with tight clearances rotating at 7-10k don't like being shaken.

Myself I'd probably go for a netbook/used laptop. In the event of an accident or theft you aren't out much and it's going to be much easier to move from truck to truck. Also it is not uncommon to have to leave the truck in the care of others so being able to take the expensive stuff with you might be good for peace of mind.

 

Well, if you're using a hybrid drive that should be fine. My new laptop uses that. It's less the components like the wiring and chips that concern me, more the movable parts like the magnetic writing arm on most traditional hard drives and some components on optical drives.

A sturdy padded case will help keep it safe, but of course that means you'll have to turn it off to store it. As long as the parts aren't moving as you bounce around on the road, that alone will minimize the potential for damage.

That being said... A used laptop or inexpensive netbook would do the trick as long as you're not wanting it for more than email, bill pay or even use of a webcam.

You seem computer saavy enough Vegan, so whatever you decide will probably work out okay. Just don't forget to make sure you've got the right sized inverter for whatever you do...

 

Actually, that one is easier! And you don't even need an inverter.

Mosy truck stops sell tv's which utilize your 12v socket. I can't speak for their quality, but if you'd rather have DVD capability, then grab one of those personal entertainment centers. They almost always come with travel chargers.