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]

We already heard that the 2009 Lincoln MKS would be the first vehicle from Ford Motor Company to feature Sirius' forthcoming Travel Link system, but now those of you scouting a new pickup can rejoice as well. Starting with the '09 year model, F-150 trucks will be available with SYNC and Travel Link, providing users with an in-dash USB port and auxiliary input, 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report, voice-activated navigation / radio / climate control / etc. and a 10-speaker Sony sound system to boot. Just the tools you need to efficaciously tackle those mountains, right?

[Via CNET, image courtesy of Autoblog]

Once again proving that "people be stupid," a Bedford Hills, New York man allowed his GPS to navigate him onto train tracks... while a train was approaching. Entering a long line of folks like Cherry Tree Guy and the Narrow Lane Invader, this mentat in question apparently followed directions to "turn right" onto a set of tracks, which he then inexplicably became stuck on. Upon noticing the speeding locomotive heading towards his car, the man jumped out of the vehicle and tried to warn the engineer by waving his arms frantically -- to no avail. The train slammed into the truck at 60 MPH and pushed the vehicle more than 100-feet, damaging 250-feet of track. The man was unharmed, though we understand his ego has filed for divorce.

[Thanks, Dr. Mark]