Mobile office technology benefits workers on the go

Some might call it efficient; others might say it's symbolic of America's car culture, but more workers have abandoned the traditional office to work from the car and on the go.

For Dale Barnett, a Springfield computer consultant, the advent of mobile computing and cell phones has given his startup company a decided advantage.

"As a startup business, if I were not able to provide the edge the mobility gives me, I would not have built my business with nearly the rapidity," Barnett said.

Barnett's consulting operation, which started in January, has benefited directly from the mobility and cost savings that an in-car office can provide. He also credits the mobility with helping him build a solid client base in less than a year.

"Specifically for me," Barnett said. "I don't have the money to spend on advertising or the traditional means to get a client base."

Packed into the vehicle he uses is a host of power converters to run laptops, printers, scanners and everything Barnett needs for his work.

"I literally have everything I need when I show up at the client's office," Barnett said. "I do all my work on-site."

Without the communication and efficiency the mobile computing and cell phone service provide, Barnett believes he would be "relegated to the typical storefront."

Barnett even handles much of his everyday business responsibilities from his auto, including correspondence.

"All I have to do is look for the nearest post office," he said.

Despite the advantages, Barnett doesn't see this style of working replacing the traditional office anytime soon.

Susan Drollinger, a sales representative with Goetze Dental Supply, also benefits from mobile computing and communication.

Drollinger said she maintains three offices; in her car, her home and the company office.

"I spend pretty much 80 percent of it in car," Drollinger said.

She noted that she puts at least 40,000 miles on her car every year as a sales representative visiting sites in Springfield, Joplin, Rogers, Ark., and many other small towns.

Drollinger, who lives in Aurora, said mobile communications have not only made her job easier, but it would be nearly impossible without that option.

Drollinger also noted that without cell phones, she would be "playing telephone tag all day."

Doug Pitt, owner of ServiceWorld Computer Center, isn't surprised by the trend toward in-car computing. He's seen people come in and have a panel van turned into a high-tech mobile office, complete with power supply, printers, desks, chairs, fax machines and all the amenities. The space inside the van's cargo area becomes a mobile office cubicle.

"It's great for them from a service perspective because they don't have to ask clients if they can borrow their equipment," Pitt said.

He also noted that cellular Internet connections now allow people to check their e-mail from the road.

The cellular modems do, however, have some limitations. The speed is enough for text and e-mail, but "for surfing purposes it's pretty painful," Pitt said.

Despite the rise of in-car computing, Pitt doesn't think there will ever be a day when a PC comes standard with a car, like a radio, because "the notebook computer can be adapted in most circumstances," he said. "The notebook computer is still king there, and should be in my opinion."

Pitt also noted that many people having these customization jobs done to their vans also opt for wireless networking, allowing them to access company files and surf the network from the parking lot.

"More attention is being driven toward wireless connections," Pitt said.

He added, however, that most wireless systems are being set up at home, and very few in cars.