Video: Ford offers 2009 F-150 with in-dash computer, printer, EVDO, GPS, and RFID tool tracking

Our dirtier, hairier sisters over at autoblog had the chance to get up close and personal with Ford's 2009 F-150 at the Chicago Auto Show. Notable to gadget ruffians, and those of you posing as such on the suburban trek to the ice cream social, is Ford's new "Work Solutions" option. It features a Microsoft Sync-powered in-dash computer (with wireless keyboard, Bluetooth printer, 6.5-inch touch-screen) from Magneti Marelli with built-in Sprint Mobile Broadband and Garmin GPS. It also features an RFID-equipped Tool Link system built in partnership with DEWALT and ThingMagic for a real-time inventory of your RFID tagged tools. The FWS option will be available on all 2009 F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks; and all 2009 E-Series vans. Couple FWS with Sony's 700 watt, 5.1channel, 10-speaker system and Sirius Travel Link options already announced for the F-150 and we might have to take the Engadget Mansion mobile. Video after the break.

[Thanks, K Banton]

[klew @ Feb 6th 2008 3:47AM]

Needs a deep fryer and a fax machine for when you drive off a dock.

[CB17 @ Feb 6th 2008 4:36AM]

Seriously, I mean, if there's laws keeping people from JUST talking on the phone, I'd say the government isn't gonna let people drive around with a keyboard in their lap and printing out reports.

Especially not women, THEY don't need ANYMORE distractions as it is.

(I'd say here comes the low ranking but the site is mostly guys and I know they agree with me)

[randy @ Feb 6th 2008 10:16AM]

That old man should have bought a keyboard with an LCD monitor attached to it (a "notebook computer") and saved himself the $8000 option package that requires you to buy leather, vanity mirror defoggers and a moonroof.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Feb 6th 2008 5:15PM]

Part 2 of that Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBupdIa_BkI

[Andrew @ Feb 7th 2008 6:00AM]

Just as long as the designers are sensible, you would assume that the thing would go into a limited function mode when you are actually driving. Either that or they'll be some classic 'drove-off-cliff-while-looking-at-naked-pictures-e-mail' Darwin Awards!

[Michael LaFramboise @ Feb 6th 2008 4:17AM]

...the world wonders why...

but seriously though, how often do you just NEED to print something WHILE driving? Hell, I forgot the last time I even needed to print anything period. Digital Age ftw! :)

[Jeremy W @ Feb 6th 2008 4:40AM]

If you watched the video, they outlined a very plausible scenario where the printer would come in handy.

[Daza @ Feb 6th 2008 5:39AM]

The example given because I'm sure most people didn't watch the video was adjustments to invoices, you could edit and print them out instantly as compared to going back to the office, editing, printing and mailing to the customer.

Why is everyone so against this idea? It's a great example of technology being practical. So many of us have a navigation system these days, they're basically just PDAs running navigation software. This takes it a few steps further and makes things a whole lot more useful.

[Matthew @ Feb 6th 2008 8:10AM]

No one ever suggested that this was for use in driving. In fact, it will be limitted by the PRNDL while driving. It is for use at a work site, where trucks spend a great deal of their time.

[FK @ Feb 6th 2008 8:10AM]

They are against the idea because they cant imagine life outside a cubicle.

[Flashpoint @ Feb 6th 2008 8:12AM]

Printing in a car is important for police who get faxed BENCH WARRANTS or "no Knock" warrants while in the field.

I could see how important this is - in fact, I've been waiting for in-car computing to catch on simply because its the next logical step.

Everyone and their momma has GPS Navigation now either factory or add-on...the neext step in luxury will likely be in-dash internet capable computers.

If Apple had any balls at all, they'd have put out a touchscreen iCar system that offered GPS, Safari Internet and music with the same OS they use in the Apple iPhone.

[William @ Feb 6th 2008 4:20AM]

I wonder how much fun that guy is having with his crappy Adesso RF keyboard in his lap. And yes it's crap because I've owned several (replacements) and they all get interference and bug out. Just crap.

[Brian @ Feb 6th 2008 2:52PM]

I dunno. I have one here too and it works ok. I haven't had a problem with interference with mine. The most annoying thing is that it goes to sleep and you have to hit a key to wake it before the touchpad will work.

[LUXURY @ Feb 6th 2008 4:38AM]

All I Can say is WOW!

This is the future of telecommuting (in the literal sense)

[Boris @ Feb 6th 2008 5:22AM]

Damn. Just Damn!

[ecobore @ Feb 6th 2008 5:47AM]

Ah Ford, truly the Microsoft of vehicles - made for the masses! Does it crash?

[Shane @ Feb 6th 2008 6:43AM]

Yes...It does crash...And quite nicely....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37205751@N00/sets/72157601737970260/

Seriously though, I could see a set of features like this being extremely nice WHEN STATIONARY. THIS IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE WHILE MOVING!!! The idea is to create a "mobile office" for people who spend a lot of time on jobsites.

[nak @ Feb 6th 2008 5:50AM]

the point isnt to use it while driving, it is to use while parked in a remote location like a construction site or whatever.

i have that exact adesso keyboard for my htpc and i like it. it has faults but what wireless keyboard doesnt?

[Sara @ Feb 8th 2008 4:56AM]

Although it may be intended for stationary use, I just wonder how long people will have it available before they give in to temptation and tight deadlines and try to use it while on the road. Unless there's some sort of locking mechanism while the truck is in motion (which wouldn't make sense, because what if a passenger wanted to use it on the road?), I wouldn't trust people to only use it in safe conditions.

[r3loaded @ Feb 6th 2008 5:55AM]

Technology itself is great, but c'mon - will the intended customer really want to buy a Ford F-150? It's a pick-up truck for christ's sake! Put that tech into a Merc S-class or Lexus LS and you'll have a winner.

[Shane @ Feb 6th 2008 6:49AM]

How many industrial types do you know that drive a Mercedes or a Lexus to a jobsite? Most Mercedes or Lexus vehicles couldn't even THINK about making it to many of the sites I drive to...And even if they did, they sure wouldn't look too pretty once they got there...

(OK, so maybe the Lexus LX or Mercedes G class might stand a chance but that's a bit beyond my budget...)

[Matthew @ Feb 6th 2008 8:10AM]

People will buy it. Don't know too many contractors driving around Merc S-class or Lexus LS...but sounds like you did not even read the article, so should expect as much.

[Rususeruru @ Feb 6th 2008 6:08AM]

As a safety concern (I couldn't catch the audio on the video) it may not be a bad idea to limit access to some of the Sync features unless the vehicle is in park or has the parking brake set. After all I agree that you wouldn't want people proofing reports while driving, but allowing MP3/radio access would be fine.

[Matthew @ Feb 6th 2008 8:11AM]

You are exactly right, there are limitations in place while driving. This is a mobile office, not a moving office.

[Darkest Daze @ Feb 6th 2008 6:25AM]

This could be very useful in a business sense. As for the normal person, it's not really ideal but I could see this being a huge plus while on job sites.

[Homeboy @ Feb 6th 2008 7:15AM]

Reminds me of the Simpsons episode when Homer had stuffed all sort of kitchen appliances inside his car.

[Henry @ Feb 6th 2008 8:37AM]

I want a horn here, here, here and here. You can never find one when you need it.

[dudeInAmerica @ Feb 6th 2008 8:53AM]

This is actually extremely useful for construction and on site contractors.

Lets hope Ford's marketing doesn't fuck it up. They have great ideas that no-one seems to know about.

Electric Ranger
Hybrid Escape
Portable Washing machine for minivans (soccer moms would love this)
Great interiors on their vehicles.

Too bad the styling looks likes its designed by old men.

[Chris @ Feb 6th 2008 9:34AM]

No wonder Ford is losing money as fast as they can burn it. They'd be better off partnering with Dell and packaging a laptop with every over-priced truck.

[tesla @ Feb 6th 2008 11:29AM]

didn't they try that already?

[willyboy @ Feb 6th 2008 9:41AM]

Ford sucks! Chevy rocks! Yeeeeee Hawwwwww!

[apbloom @ Feb 6th 2008 9:57AM]

If you look at the photo you can tell its obviously a product for construction, landscaping, or other people that bounce between job sites. i think its fantastic and solves the problem of contractors fumbling their laptops as they try to submit changes for blue prints, print out an invoice etc. very promising technology. People that think this needs to be in a Benz or other luxury car are missing the entire point. its a mobile office solution for people that are based out of their car. believe it or not, the only thing that may help Detroit out is a successful carputer application such as this

[Bucky @ Feb 6th 2008 9:59AM]

How about insurance adjusters, the guys who replace windshields, anyone who relies on their vehicle to get them to sales appointments, etc etc. There is so much possibility for this.

[Paul Brown @ Feb 6th 2008 10:45AM]

So let me get this strait: We now have the option of Microsoft propagated viruses on our computers, media players, TVs, cell phones, kitchen tables, refrigerators, and *now* our automobiles?

I bet Ballmer is working on getting into the Toilet Sector somehow, also!!

Oh joy, I can see it now ==> One morning, you go out to your truck to rush off to an important meeting and when you try to turn your engine over, you instead hear:

"We are sorry, but your version of Microsoft Sync is out of date. In order to operate your vehicle, you will need to upgrade to the newest version for a discount rate of $2,000. As an added bonus, we will include the bug fixes that we should have shipped your current version with; however, this will inevitably introduce new errors in the code base of your your vehicle's computer. Thank you for your continued loyalty to our Evil Empire."

Sarcasm and artistic liberties intended!!

[tesla @ Feb 6th 2008 11:34AM]

Imagine having to reboot your car, every other day. What if it crashes while you're driving...imagine the lawsuit. But who gets the blame? Microsoft for having a vulnerable system, or Ford for allowing it?

[Paul Brown @ Feb 6th 2008 11:57AM]

I think the Cool Aid sipping public in general is responsible in some way and on some level for the mess we are in with Microsoft screwing up our lives. I mean how much of the National Deficit reflects payments to Microsoft -- and recovery major catastrophic security and usability problems? I am certain that it is huge!!

[michael @ Feb 6th 2008 7:04PM]

If Apple were doing this, I bet you would be just over-awed. Call it an innovation. Say it's revolutionizing the way our cars work.

I don't get why your bashing MS on this. That's just plain silly.

And the only tech company that I can think of that pushes costly updates is Apple. If they're such an Evil Empire, why do people still use what they offer since there's obvious choices?

Just plain dumb bashing. Why don't you go get a life somewhere else?

[DvS @ Feb 6th 2008 10:49AM]

I hope that guy in the picture isn't driving.

[Matt @ Feb 6th 2008 11:51AM]

I am really surprised at the number of people who don't understand the point of this.

It's obviously targeted at contractors in need of a mobile office and don't want to deal with the risk of mounting a laptop in their car and having it stolen. It makes sense.

[techieguru16 @ Feb 6th 2008 12:53PM]

this is cool but.......

[euclid @ Feb 6th 2008 1:03PM]

Can't wait for some classy Youtube material when someone drives off a cliff with a cup of coffee in one hand, cell phone in the other and laptop...well on the lap. An incoming fax when airborne would be the greatest.

[pieguy @ Feb 6th 2008 2:04PM]

People really don't understand this system and they bash it. You bash Microsoft because you are too lame to think of anything better to do with your life. Get out of your mom's basement and do something beneficial to society instead of playing video games.

[Andy @ Feb 6th 2008 2:41PM]

I'm an always-on-the-road sales guy, and I love the idea... to bad I've already beat them to the punch with my tablet PC and a little ingenuity. I agree with a couple of folks above... I'm more than a little nervous letting microsoft attach it's software directly to my car. But if this were a stand alone option (preferable on non ford vehicles) I'd consider it on my next vehicle purchase.

[hydrogen_wv @ Feb 6th 2008 2:42PM]

That's all well and good, but...

Is that 700watts RMS or peak? 700 watt peak would be nice in a 4 speaker/1 sub setup, but a 10 speaker setup... waste of power for low volume and minimal improvement in quality.

Now, as far as the in car computing goes... FANTASTIC! Anyone that does in-home or on-site services could benefit greatly from this...

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Feb 6th 2008 4:58PM]

The sooner they can get Windows 7 out, the sooner they can rid them selves of the evils of Vista aka the Win95 of our time.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Feb 6th 2008 5:00PM]

Sorry, wrong page. I meant for my comment to go to the windows 7post.

[r.metric @ Mar 12th 2008 5:23PM]

I remember win95 as being quite great for its time. It sure was an improvement over 3.1. I believe you meant to say that Vista is WinME 2.0.
Vista really has gotten much better since its release, however, it still feels like a beta product. The big problem is that XP has had time to mature into a great product.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Mar 12th 2008 10:49PM]

Windows 95 in comparison to 3.11 and Windows NT 3.0-4.0 (Later Win 98), was very instable and was prone to BSOD just from simply moving the mouse or launching a program that worked fine on NT or 3.11.

[dean @ Feb 6th 2008 8:55PM]

It is a great system, especially the cable-lock in the bed. That should be a stand-alone product offered. I know someone who would love this is a huge plus for many contractors, but it really should be able to sync up to existing laptops.

[skulldriveshaft @ Feb 7th 2008 2:04AM]

I think alot of guys at construction sites have already been doing this - Ford is just waltzing in just now.

I've seen enough double din computer installs done properly in pretty much every type of vehicle on the road, that this might invite a wrench through the screen.

How long you guys think that keyboard is going to last? oh wait, can I use my own? USB? Bluetooth?