I've recently been a strong advocate for having a Mobile Office-there are hundreds of benefits that I can list here. I've written two brief posts on the subject : 1) Tech Savvy Agents Have an Advantage in the New World of Real Estate and 2)Tablet PC's are a must in real estate that talk about my passion for a Mobile Office.
Jeff Turner wrote a blog that I think speaks a thousand words called No Internet Connection? You're Kidding Me, Right? Jeff argues that he wouldn't even consider an agent that doesn't have an internet presence. Come on-90% of all consumers start their home search on the internet. He has a good point and something you should consider in your listing presentations.
If you are interested in setting up a Mobile Office this post is for you. If you are like me a picture is worth a thousand words. My goal is to create a "Mobile Office Tutorial For Dummies". I want this information to be an easy tutorial on how to set-up the optimal Mobile Office. A mobile office can be set-up differently for different people. My objective was to be able to make mine as productive as possible. I wanted the ability to write a contract while I'm in the field, have my clients sign the contract, and then be able to print it out while I'm in my car.
First I'll start with the big picture. I've set-up my mobile office on my kitchen table for the sole purpose of illustrating the components in a mobile office.
Here are the items you'll need to get started:
1. Wireless Broadband Connection-There are several providers that offer high speed broadband. I chose Sprint 
for a couple of reasons:
- I have my cell phone service with them today so the service is complimentary
- They are testing the latest in high speed data technology called Wimax which I want to get as soon as its available.
For connectivity to the network you have a choice of a PCMCIA card(old technology and easily breakable) or a USB Aircard. My model is the Sierra Wireless Aircard 595U. It's much sturdier than the PCMCIA card and it has a cradle with an extension cord for areas that may have a weak signal.
2. Laptop/Notepad computer
I chose the tablet because I can write & sign contracts in the field. The two most popular models are the HP and the IBM Thinkpad. My tablet has 2 GBs and goes up to 4 GBs of memory. The IBM is a bit less scalable. Yes, my friends, I wrote my first 07/2007 Version of the North Carolina Offer To Purchase & Contract form today using the Realfast Forms online program!! How exciting.
3. CD Drive-Tablets don't have them so I had to purchase a USB2.0 compatible external DVD Drive. HP sells them but I bought one off the shelf at Best Buy from Pioneer.
4. Bluetooth Printer - HP makes the best printers. The best in class is the HP Deskjet 460. It has Bluetooth technology. You can buy and 802.11 printer but you won't have the range that you have with a Bluetooth printer.
5. Power Adapter - One of the biggest challenges with laptops and printers is "battery life". To overcome this problem I purchased a 2-port Nexxtech Power Inverter that converts the cigarette lighter adapter power source from 400 watts to 115 VAC to provide a power source in the car for the computer and printer connectivity. I highly recommend getting the two port converter due to the need for two power ports.
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