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October 31, 2005
Ford Introduces F-Series "Mobile Office" at SEMA
Ford says this mobile computing option for the F-Series is aimed at contractors, but we think it could see a lot broader use among folks who drive pickups, and do a little computing -- which is just about everyone who drives a pickup.
The mobile office features a ruggedized, lightweight, in-truck computer that runs Windows XP Professional and also has GPS navigation, broadband internet access, printing, order submission and payment processing capability.
The computer itself is by Stargate Mobile, and the option package will be available as a dealer-installed accessory through the “Genuine Ford Accessories” program in 2006. No price has been announced.
The Stargate Mobile computer is a slate model with a touch screen. And though it's mounted within easy reach of the driver, everyone knows you're not supposed to compute and drive. When the computer is in its mounting cradle, the truck’s battery powers the unit and it can be directly connected to optional equipment including GPS antenna, printer, credit card scanner, or digital camera.
The driver can remove the touch-screen computer and take it with him or her just as an ordinary laptop -- with or without an optional keyboard.
Ford says the ruggedized computer "is also constructed to withstand the typical use on a job-site, including the occasional drop onto a dirt parking lot. It features a screen that is visible in sunlight, so that several workers can huddle around for an impromptu meeting viewing blueprints or online order tracking.
"In addition, the mobile computer is always online via a broadband wireless cellular card, giving the driver full access to the internet using Microsoft Office Professional capabilities, including Outlook for email, Streets and Trips 2006 for real-time navigation, and Internet Explorer for web browsing."
Posted by Frank at October 31, 2005 11:28 AM | Filed under Auto News
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