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My new techy toy for my mobile office

In the past I've blogged on several occassions about my Cool Mobile office and the benefits of having one. One I love my new AutoExec Desk for my car of my first blogs was entitled Tech Savvy Agents Have an Advantage in the New World Of Real Estate. And they do! After that I added a few new tools to my toolkit and wrote How to set-up a world class Mobile Office with 5 Simple Devices and showed agents how to get going. Honestly, I can't imagine living w/out all of my tools now. I'm on the go all the time and my mobile office helps me keep in touch when I'm out of pocket.

I found that the devices were great but it was cumbersome when I had to dismantle all of the "stuff" and reconnect it in my car. Further I had a hard time w/my tablet when I had clients. I had to balance the tablet on the steering wheel, in the middle console, on the hood, etc. When I flew to Dallas to visit my parents in March I read about a device that actually buckled into your seat, had space for a calculator, extra paper, a perfect area to sit my laptop so it won't slide around, and two integrated power outlets (one for my laptop and one for my printer).

Integrated Power Supply is a plus Those days of juggling my laptop are over. I bought the AEGRIPSUPER-01 Super AutoExec Mobile Workplace w/Power Supply. I decided that the Auto Exec was the perfect fix to my current problem. And, so far, it has been. The benefits are fabulous and my stress level over having an organized "mobile office" are over. I can pull up listings on demand and write paperwork and print it out when needed.

If you have been on the fence about "going mobile" don't wait until you are the last agent to jump on board. By then, you may be left in the dust.

Posted by Tracy Santrock-Cary NC Real Estate Realtor on 04/26/2008 06:20 PM

Comments (70)

Mobile Office in the Technology and Tools Channel

techy stuff, activerain ramblings, nc, north carolina

Originally posted at: Cary NC Real Estate >> Raleigh & Cary NC Real Estate Blog: My new techy toy for my mobile office

Post is included in group: Dedicated Bloggers
Post is included in group: Gadgets, Tools, & Extras
Post is included in group: Tech Corner

70 Comments on My new techy toy for my mobile office

APR

2008

Love the toy...thanks for sharing!

I love toys toy. I might have to check that one out. Thanks

WOW I am off to check it out !!

Ok I am blown away !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's even better in person too!!

Hi Tracy,

Now that is wicked cool, perfect for us road warriors! Thanks :)

Just don't type while you drive!

This is great! Thanks for sharing! I'm going to order it. Where do you put the printer and what type of printer do you have?

Ann - guilty as charged at stoplights!!

Sharon - In the link above regarding setting up a mobile office I purchased a bluetooth HP printer(I left the devices off to highlight the Autoexec). The top of the device has a spongy material that keeps the laptop from moving around. The bluetooth printer is so small they both fit on top of the device and both plug into the power supply which uses a cigarette lighter adapter to power the whole thing.

It's super easy to set-up and solves a lot of issues when you're cruising around w/clients.

Tracy A. Santrock

Tracy this post is pure evvviiilllll! Now I have to go buy one of these dohickeys! My mobile office was in the back of my Hyundai SUV until I put some other junk back there. But your solution is much, much cooler. I was going to read your other two referenced posts but I am afraid of what it might cost me. :-) Oh, just kidding about the evil. This is actually great info.

This is awesome.. Thanks for sharing. I'm just wondering how much time I will spend in the car now.. with gas being so high, I'm cutting back.

Valerie - with the added tools and my "techy knowhow" my business has never been better. Clients are impressed and it saves a trip back to the office to print things out!! So, in essence, this could actually be a gas saver instead of a gas guzzler.

This is a great idea! My car is a mess! What are your favorite sites for goodies?

Oh, Tracy! I just read that I could plug up a TV to this mobile office. I would never have to leave my car to get my daily fix for my All My Children addiction. Pure mean I tell ya! LOL! I am going to read your other two posts now because it seems like your mobile toys are better and much smaller than mine. :-)

Hi Tracy - now this is what I call a great tech tip! The way most of us work, this sure could save some unnecessary trips having all this right at our fingertips in the car. Off to check your links, because your tech toys are pretty darn cool!

Ann

One of these days I am going to hire an assistant and buy a limo. That way, not only will the office be mobile, but I;ll be able to work during the trip... and more importantly, be able to talk with my buyers while going from listing to listing.

Sorry, busy wiping the drool off the keyboard.

Great find!!

I too am in awe of your mobile office!! Not sure what I am waiting for. Maybe it is just fear that I am not techie enough. Thanks for making me think outside my box!

Tracy, you are my hero. You are trailblazing where I want to go some day, which is truly a mobile office on wheels. That way you can stay out in the field where the real money is made. I am going to continue to pay close attention to your suggestions and posts. I love Lane's idea about the limo. Go around in style. You just have to think BIG enough.

Holy Mobile Office Batman!!! Totally wicked, definitely a step in the right direction. Please keep us posted on how you are using these products and chime in when there's a cool moment with your clients as a result of your tech toys!

This is just sooooooo totally Coooooooool! Gotta check it out!

Tracy ~ Thank you so much for sharing. I've been looking for a way to get "organized" in the car. This device is so cute - it can even be buckled in so that all your things don't go flying on the floor if you have to slam on brakes. Too cool!

What a set up! thanks for sharing these tools and tips!

Hi Tracy,

I use a Jotto Desk in my Yukon XL. It is a heavy duty steel unit mounted to the floor that is height adjustable and it has two swing-arms that lock and/or pivot and the table that holds my laptop can pivot and spin around. This means the laptop is ready to go, whether I need it from the driver's seat or the passenger's seat.

This is the same unit that police squad cars use to mount their laptop computers. I believe the website is: www.jottodesk.com

You can check out their toys and see if they have a unit designed to fit your make/model/year.

If you do buy from them, please tell them that Kirk Westervelt in Greenville, SC sent you!

What a great new toy! Thanks for sharing!

Good for you Tracy, organization is everything. In my office I have used PaperPort by Scan Soft since I saw it at the Re/Max Convention in Vegas in 2002 and I don't know how I lived without it before. I have been now looking for tools to help me be free from the office and yet remain in tune and ready for business. Thanks for sharing because going mobile with the tools one needs is what the future is all about. You go girl!

Tracy, Thanks for sharing this info.

I thought I had all the toys to be completly mobile! What I want and need is a driver! My husband is driving me to Pittsburgh tomorrow so it will be easier to use my TREO and Tablet as long as I remember my car charger, power cords and air card.

Congratulations on your featured post.

Tracey, WOW! I am going to the site now to check it out. Will it work in a typical car such as a Avalon?? Or do you have to have a van or SUV for it to fit right?

Jeff, there is a distinct difference between a notebook computer and a tablet PC. I have the ability to sign contracts w/a digital signature and print the contracts in my car. email or call me for clarification. There is not a Treo in the world that I know of(I had one) that can do THIS!!

Vickie - It's not rocket science. That's the whole idea. All you need is a nationwide data connection like Sprint, for example, and a cigarette lighter to receive power.

Interesting Tracy. As long as it's not rocket science, like you pointed out, perhaps it can be useful for me as well. It would also help motivate me to clean out my car. Thanks for the heads up, now I have a 'legit' reason to use my cigarette lighter:-)

Wow and I thought I was doing great with just getting my email to my PDA Phone...

Hey Jason,

It's great to hear from you. Like the new picture too(Did Jennifer make you do it?)!! It takes a while to pull the entire Mobile office off - but when it's complete it works like a charm. And yes, it's not rocket science.

PS. Love to hear from your brother. I've been busy but I'd love to help him out!!

Tracy, haven't seen you around much lately - but - I really like this new toy you have. How very cool! I have the tablet too, and it is, indeed, difficult to handle...........;-)

Hi Teri,

Business is booming - what can I say. The tablet takes some time getting used to it but once you get the hang of it it's like riding a bike. Thanks for droping in Teri. I'll be around more in the future and will drop by your site.

Tracy,

You're way ahead of me---that's awesome!

Tracy: Thanks for all of these tips. I have a mobile office -- but I have a long way to go.

So you're telling me I spent 55k on a car with multiple outlets for nothing?? Obviously I need to consult you before I make such an expensive mistake in the future :) Keep on keeping us informed!

APR

2008

This looks particularly neat and very useful. Having something so the laptop does not scoot about is great.

Ok, I can change the time on the VCR, send a text I originated on my phone, but I just can't figure out how you're going to connect to the Internet in the car? Wireless? Bluetooth? Air card? This sounds so cool and we could use this soooo many times. Glad you found this cool doo-lolly.

Well.... Guess I'm one of those dark age agents. When we travel my son is fully functional with his Xbox, TV and DVD's but I have not offered Office Work on Demand for clients. Listing information is typically just a phone call away but doing market research from my car while clients wait is something I do not have planned in the near future.

Hi Jennifer - so I have the nice car too - it has mulitple cigarette lighter outlets. I use 1 for the AutoExec and the other for my cell phone.

The way the AutoExec is set-up you have one cigarette lighter adapter on the front of the unit. Then on the back of the unit you have the two A/C outlets for your computer and printer. I tried the power converter and it was big and bulky. This way everything is built in.

Dan, Dan, Dan,

Who said I do research on the fly? I still do the research the old fashioned way(yes, I'm conservative) I just take it a step further when I'm on the road.

Haven't you ever had a client that asks about a listing and you don't have the details?

Do you ever have out of town clients that aren't familar w/the area that would like to see a real time map on the screen rather than unfolding a big bulky map? I know I do and the Triangle area is almost impossible to navigate w/the Inner and Outer Beltlines and the trees/hills.

Very cool Tracy. I use a gateway tablet and love it!!! I went paperless at the beginning of the year so have been able to do most stuff without having to use a printer. I do need to get me one of those mobile workplace thingies though. It's pretty hard trying to work with my tablet in my truck with out a flat surface.

It really is an advantage to be able to write contracts and pull up info right on the spot.

Great info Tracy!!!

Terry,

I need a power supply for my laptop and printer so I can take them everywhere without the batteries dying. Then I need an internet connection that will go everywhere with me - I use a Sprint Broadband aircard so I'm not limited to internet connectivity in my car. However, that is where I print my handy dandy contracts(outside of starbucks, etc) so I don't have to go back to the office. I feel liberated being completely mobile.

My kind of professional. I harp take your office with you and you only need a coffee maker to make it complete!

Tracy - well I'll be - That certainly is better than the one I have, it's handy but has no Power. Sometimes I think they hold back on some really good add on things just so they have something to sell later.

This is wayyyyy cool! Thanks for sharing!

Tracy... Yes, we all run into prospects that ask about a property for which we do not have answers. In that case your ability to pull over and find the answers works great. Since my wife is also an agent I typically phone her to chase down the details and have an answer for the client.

BTW... Are you still training? Found out the other day we cannot just plan on running the NYC Marathon. They have a lottery system and only allow so many runners.

Hey Dan,

I'm in the NYMarathon lottery for 2008. My sister has a gauranteed entry and I'm in the l lotto. I ran the NY Marathon in 2002 - had to wait 3 years to get in. If you miss the lottery twice in a row you get in automatically. They only allow so many per state and if you live on the East Coast it's extremely difficult to get in....

PS. Dan, I corrected the typo :)

That is so cool. They come up with some amazing stuff. Some is quite scary and others are just great!

OK, as soon as I get home from my Open House, I am checking out the link! Sounds pretty cool!

APR

2008

Hi Tracy. Absolutely love this toy!! Thanks for sharing the great tip. Keep them coming.

Tracy - I am going to bookmark this post. I have actually wanted to "go mobile" for a long time now. Thanks for the push!

I keep juggling. I need to check this out. Wow you use your seat belt to it does not go on the floor. Thanks for sharing.

Jason - That's an honor. The creative and talented Jason actually bookmarked one of my posts. COOL.

Susan- Indeed. Good to hear from you.

Vincent - I'll try. I always try to stay ahead of the curve.

Patricia - What'd you think?

APR

2008

Tracy - I have been eye balling these organizers for some time now. I have been considering a portable printer too! Those darn little cartridges are expensive, any ideas? I would love to go completely mobile too! What's the difference between the one you bought and the file version with power at $150 ish?

Hi Candace,

Mine has the integrated power source which makes a huge difference. Before I had the integrated power I had to have a separate power converter that I had to lug around w/me everywhere. It's worth the extra $$ to have everything built-in.

MAY

2008

I agree with all the comments... very cool. Be careful though about the new law coming up regarding talking on a cell while driving. I know it's doesn't mention typing on your computer, but I assume with the new law the police will be looking at what drivers are doing more carefully.

JUN

2008

Richard - The police in NC have the same setup in their car that I have in mine. Does that mean that the police will get tickets too?

JUN

2008

Tracy,

I love your mobile office. You have taken our profession to the next level. I can't wait to leave 'em in the dust!

I'll be reading you!

Lisa

This is cool and we are going to look into it. Glad to hear that it is working so well. Just not sure where Scott will put me. : )

JUL

2008

check youtube for the real office on wheel. Search for "Car-office in time square" and you will see the ultimate office on wheels.

AUG

2008

Hi Tracy...I was looking at PC tablets on the Internet the other evening. I don't know anyone that has one.

What kind do you have?

Your work station would fit great in my minivan but never in my Prius Hybrid unless I put it on the floor in the back. That's the only problem with my car...I love everything about it but it doesn't have space for all my real estate things that I want at my finger tips when I'm out with clients. Otherwise it is perfect.

Kate

AUG

2008

Now that is way too cool! I just bought an HP Tablet and would like to have a way to plug it in while I am surfing the net. Right now I use my cell phone as a modem and it drains my b attery! I am ordering one right now!

AUG

2008

Can't work in my car, but I really need to get paperless this year. Cool tip.

Good system, how ever you loose one of your seats. Also some cars or vans electrical system will not handle the invereter pluged in to the lighter and could pose a fire danager. I currently use a mobile desk setup that allows me to still use my seat if a client needs to set their. I have also direct wired my inverter in the battery of the car. I have a scanner, printer, laptop and gps all on the inverter. I have a digital camera and video camera also with me. That way I can uploaded my photos and do a live video if the customer wants. I would recommend getting a tri pod for taking the photos keeps the camera or video more stable. Total cost for my desk was under $100.00

AUG

2008

Tracy - I did some research on this nifty little portable gadget and think it's pretty cool. So, I'm curious, where do you put your printer? Is it a portable, one of those tiny ones that have those one inch by one inch cartridges? I know my home inspection guy carries around a printer, small one..pretty portable.

I know I would like one of these, but how easy it is to take out of the front seat every time you need the seat space?

I have the one without the power supply and love it! I may have to do some shopping now that I know I can get one with power.

Candace - the HP portable printer fits right there w/my handy HP tablet....Purrrfect.

Connie - I know - I'm spoiled. The power supply was a big deal breaker for me because of battery issues w/such a small laptop.

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