LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2005 – The Ford F-Series has remained the undisputed leader in pickup trucks for 28 straight years by always pushing the limits of towing, hauling and cargo capability. Today, at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Ford unveiled its new mobile office system – the marriage of “Built Ford Tough” brawn with Microsoft and Stargate Mobile brains to create the ultimate work truck for contractors.

The foundation of the new mobile office package, which is featured in the California Custom “General Contractor” F-250 Super Duty built for SEMA, is a GPS, wireless broadband, printer and digital camera-equipped mobile computer that will allow a contractor to bid jobs, order and purchase parts and materials, and process payments while ‘on location’ from their truck.

The Ford mobile office system is in development for inclusion as a dealer-installed accessory through the “Genuine Ford Accessories” program in 2006.

“We’re very excited about this opportunity with Stargate Mobile and Microsoft,” says Marty Collins, general marketing manager for the Ford brand. “F-Series is all about getting the job done, and this new mobile office technology will fit our truck owners’ needs to be on the go as their business demands.”

The Ford mobile office utilizes technology that is readily available and user-friendly, yet uniquely packages and tests it to meet the demands of the “Built Ford Tough” trucks.

The Stargate Mobile computer is a rugged lightweight touch-screen slate model mounted on the transmission tunnel within easy reach of the driver. Once the computer is securely mounted in its vehicle cradle, it is powered by the truck’s battery and is 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, but it isn’t hampered by the unnecessary weight of a keyboard, unless that optional attachment is necessary. The lightweight, versatile slate design 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. ....

If you are already logged in and are seeing this message, your web browser is blocking session cookies. Change your browser cookie settings to allow session cookies.