WHILE A discussion about how to “trick out your truck” usually includes talk about various pieces of chrome, tips on how to trick out your truck office lead to a whole different set of truck-speak. Here are a few items that will show off your inner geek while making your mobile office more functional, tech-savvy and sleek.

For the ultimate truck office, Ford Motor Company will soon offer the Fordlink in-vehicle computer as a dealer-installed option for its F-150, F-250 and F-350 pickups.

“Super-duty customers are using their truck as a tool. We want to make it easier for Ford customers to be on the go and still be connected,” says Wes Sherwood, Ford Truck communications manager. “The GPS hookup and a tough handheld computer with a touch screen are the center points of the mobile office.”

Ford will offer the Fordlink option by the end of the year. Until then, or if you have another brand vehicle, you can outfit your truck directly from Stargate Mobile (www.stargatemobile.com).

The in-vehicle computer is a mobile touch-screen PC running Windows XP. It can be used inside or outside your truck, has GPS navigation capability and can be synced with your office server. It has Internet access capabilities, vehicle and desk docking stations, and USB port.

Systems cost around $3,000. Visit www.ford.com for more details.

If you need a printer while on the go but want to lose the bulk, Brother has come up with the Mprint. The printer is barely bigger than a family snapshot at 6.3 × 3.9 × 0.7 in. and weighs a scant 11 oz. The Mprint BT140 printer will print wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled devices like Smart phones and BlackBerry devices. The BT140 and the less expensive MW100 also will print with a USB cable from laptops and other devices.

The printer requires proprietary Brother A7-size paper (4.1 × 2.9 in.) and comes with software that will shrink a regular 8.5- × 11-in. page to fit onto the smaller paper size. The printer also can print carbon copy receipts or several kinds of labels.

The Mprint starts at $299. Visit www.brother-usa.com for more information or www.brothermall.com to order.

Now your Swiss Army knife can hold your documents, too. Victorinox has released the SwissMemory, a multipurpose pocketknife. In addition to the usual blade, nail file, screwdriver, scissors and key ring, this pocketknife can hold up to 2 GB worth of files on a removable memory module that fits into any standard USB port.

The knife is available in several configurations and is available in five storage sizes: 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB. Prices of the smallest storage sizes start around $60.

The knife is available at many retailers; to locate one near you, visit www.swissarmy.com.

Always misplacing receipts? The NeatReceipts Scanalizer allows you to electronically keep track of anything from business cards to important documents such as invoices, delivery records and directions. Connected through the USB port on your laptop, Scanalizer allows you to scan receipts, business cards and full-size documents into your computer and then export that information into expense spreadsheet formats such as Excel and Quicken.

The scattered receipts and invoices in your mobile office are immediately captured and organized in your computer for expense report submission, allowing you to track your spending for any time period, vendor or project. With the IRS's recent announcement that it will accept electronic copies of receipts, tax time just got easier.

Are any other pieces of paper floating about your pickup? The Scanalizer also can help keep things like weigh tickets from the elevator organized by field. With a weight of only 10.6 oz. and a length of just 1 ft., the Scanalizer can tuck into the glove compartment of the truck or fit easily into your workbag. It can be purchased at office supply stores like Staples, at online retailers like amazon.com or directly from www.neatreceipts.com. The scanner retails for $229.95.

Headsets are becoming a more common accessory to cell phones. If you've already managed to cut the cord, your problem now may be where to put that expensive piece of headgear when it's not on your head.

NiteIze, a manufacturer based in Boulder, CO, has come up with a solution. The company markets a Bluetooth-compatible line of mobile device holsters called the Clip Case Plus. The case features a Tooth Ferry feature that the company claims will lock in any brand of Bluetooth headset, yet make it easily accessible. The case has additional pockets for items like credit cards, pen and mini-flashlight and can be worn vertically or horizontally on a waist belt. It comes in three color choices — black, blue and mossy oak break-up — and two sizes.

The suggested retail price for the Clip Case Plus is $14.99. It is available at Bass Pro Shops, Ace Hardware, CompUSA and other retailers. Visit www.niteize.com for more details.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2007 Penton Media, Inc.