More down to earth than Ai Design's mobile living space featured in this issue, Ford's F-Series Mobile Office, FORDLINK, caters to workers, such as contractors, who need to keep in touch with the company and their clients while on the road or at a job site. Working with Microsoft and Stargate Mobile, Ford offers the office as an option in F-Series trucks. At its heart is the Windows XP-based Stargate Mobile computer.
Mounted on the transmission tunnel, the rugged touchscreen computer stands up to rough use on the job, in or out of the truck. The driver can take it out of its cradle and use it just like a laptop-except this laptop isn't burdened with the additional bulk of a keyboard (an optional attachment is available if the user wants one for some reason). It should withstand heavy handling and even a few drops onto hard-packed construction-site dirt.
When secured in the cradle, the computer hooks up to optional equipment, such as a GPS antenna, printer, credit card scanner and digital camera, which can be wrangled on an additional console. With all these extras, a contractor can route his way to the job site using GPS navigation, take credit card payment and then print out the receipt. With an Internet connection via a broadband wireless cellular card, the contractor can also check his e-mail (not to mention surf the web on his downtime)
At SEMA, Ford showed off this mobile office technology in a "General Contractor" F-250 Super Duty by California Custom Sport Trucks of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Though you probably won't be able to go to your local dealer and pick up an F-series truck with a Fabtech 6" suspension lift kit, Weld Wheels with BFGoodrich tires and a bed full of equipment, you can order the most impressive feature, FORDLINK, and drive off to your next job.
Is That A Pc In Your Pocket Or...?With the latest Microsoft Mobile software, Sprint PCS's PPC-6700 ($630) will let you work anywhere. The Pocket PC includes a wireless phone, 1.3-megapixel camera, full keyboard and web access. Even if you don't want to work, you'll want to pull this out of your pocket to e-mail some friends.www.sprintpcs.com
Go With PicsIf you're already lugging around heavy cameras, you shouldn't have to haul a heavy bag on top. Delsey's GOPIX 77 ($40) is light on bulk (it weighs only one pound) but will protect a video camera or 35mm SLR and its lenses in the main compartment with room for point-and-shoots in the sides.www.delsey-camerabags.com
Gadget-Inspired FashionFrom across the street, this looks like ordinary outerwear, but up close, you'll think again. Kenpo's completely washable iPod jacket hooks up to your iPod, putting controls right on the sleeve. They may not be as sensitive as the actual iPod controls, but they're certainly within easy reach.www.kenpofashion.com
Big Picture,Tiny SourceTurn your living room wall into a big-screen TV with Sharp's XV-Z2000 DLP front projector. Only 7 pounds, this HD-capable widescreen projector can be lugged around from room to room or house to house for movie (or video game) nights anywhere.www.sharp.com
For The PeopleHeadphones for everyone, Skullcandy's Proletariat NC - LINK headphones ($150) cancel outside noise and allow you to take phone calls without removing them. The music automatically turns off while you chat away. If you're worried about bulk, they also fold up into a compact package.www.skullcandy.com
Bring On The SlidesBogged down by digital photos? Investing in the CEIVA 3 Digital Photo Receiver ($100, monthly plans start at $7) could clear up your jpeg-laden e-mail account. The sleek frame receives pictures e-mailed or sent via a Sprint PCS phone by family and friends. All you do is sit back and enjoy the slideshows.www.ceiva.com