"The driver can remove the touch-screen computer and take it along just like an ordinary laptop," says Collins, "but it isn't hampered by the unnecessary weight of a keyboard, unless that optional attachment is necessary."
While Ford repeatedly describes the computer as being "lightweight," the company also promises that it's "also constructed to withstand the typical use on a job-site, including the occasional drop onto a dirt parking lot." Please note the word "dirt" in that sentence, however.
To allow for the invariable worker huddle as something is explained on the jobsite, the computer also features a screen that is visible in sunlight.
"The slate computer offers full Windows XP Professional functionality with all the power of a full-size desktop computer whenever and wherever you need it," says Collins, "allowing the driver in-vehicle, finger-tip access to the familiar programs of the Windows XP-based PC."
Microsoft has been sniffing around the edges of the automotive business for a long time now, though it's had little success. It probably doesn't help the giant firm that its MS Word software still doesn't have many ordinary automotive terms and names in its standard dictionary, forcing users to add the same common auto-industry words they were adding a decade ago.
It probably also doesn't inspire confidence in potential customers that they have to deal with the "director, Automotive and Industrial Equipment Industry Vertical" for their software.
For what it's worth, the person who carries that perplexing title, Patty Dilger, says that Microsoft and its partners are "unveiling a customer-centric solution that meets the needs of a marketplace very much on the move."
Dilger further says that "innovative hardware and software solutions continue to drive new scenarios for the automotive community. The long-term commitment by Microsoft and its partners continues to enable users to explore different ways of using their PC bringing innovative solutions like the Ford mobile office to life."
With the Ford Mobile Office, says Collins, "you don't have to be tied to your desk. You don't even need a desk. This system is very user-friendly and properly packages the technology for ease-of-use for the contractor or business-owner that travels to multiple work sites."
Along with the mobile office function, the "General Contractor" from California Custom Sport Trucks of Ft. Lauderdale, FL includes a Fabtech six-inch suspension lift kit, aggressive Weld Wheels with BF Goodrich tires, and a pickup bed "packed with a traveling shop full of equipment that every contractor needs to get the job done right."
The fact that Ford is not talking about making any of the rest of that stuff available for consumers, let along about putting it together as a trim level, shows how far the car companies still have to go to make their vehicles more appealing to niche buyers.
Still, the mobile office feature would be a start.
photo:Ford Motor Company
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To allow for the invariable worker huddle as something is explained on the jobsite, the computer also features a screen that is visible in sunlight.
"The slate computer offers full Windows XP Professional functionality with all the power of a full-size desktop computer whenever and wherever you need it," says Collins, "allowing the driver in-vehicle, finger-tip access to the familiar programs of the Windows XP-based PC."
Microsoft has been sniffing around the edges of the automotive business for a long time now, though it's had little success. It probably doesn't help the giant firm that its MS Word software still doesn't have many ordinary automotive terms and names in its standard dictionary, forcing users to add the same common auto-industry words they were adding a decade ago.
It probably also doesn't inspire confidence in potential customers that they have to deal with the "director, Automotive and Industrial Equipment Industry Vertical" for their software.
For what it's worth, the person who carries that perplexing title, Patty Dilger, says that Microsoft and its partners are "unveiling a customer-centric solution that meets the needs of a marketplace very much on the move."
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With the Ford Mobile Office, says Collins, "you don't have to be tied to your desk. You don't even need a desk. This system is very user-friendly and properly packages the technology for ease-of-use for the contractor or business-owner that travels to multiple work sites."
Along with the mobile office function, the "General Contractor" from California Custom Sport Trucks of Ft. Lauderdale, FL includes a Fabtech six-inch suspension lift kit, aggressive Weld Wheels with BF Goodrich tires, and a pickup bed "packed with a traveling shop full of equipment that every contractor needs to get the job done right."
The fact that Ford is not talking about making any of the rest of that stuff available for consumers, let along about putting it together as a trim level, shows how far the car companies still have to go to make their vehicles more appealing to niche buyers.
Still, the mobile office feature would be a start.
photo:Ford Motor Company
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