Ford today announced it is adding a new in-vehicle computer system called FordLink to its F-150 pickups as optional equipment. The technology was first previewed last year at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in October. “The FordLink system is great for busy contractors or anyone who spends much of their business day on the move,” says Ben Poore, Ford Truck group marketing manager. “It makes travel easy by helping you map locations and routes. You can review specs or orders onsite, then take a credit card payment and print a receipt without the delay of dealing with distant offices or stopping at hardware supply stores.” Gallery and details after the jump…

The foundation of the computer system consists of a portable, tablet-style computer running Microsoft Windows XP. Internet access is available through a wireless broadband connection. Other features include GPS navigation with audio prompts, USB 2.0 ports for various computer accessories, a printer connection and compatibility with any Windows XP-based program that facilitates job bidding, parts purchases and payment processing while ‘on location’.

The FordLink system is compatible with all Super Duty trucks from the 1999 model year forward, and all F-150s produced since model year 2004.

“FordLink replaces the need to bring lighter-duty, non-integrated laptops and stacks of paper that ruffle around the truck cab,” says Steve Weiner, Ford Truck FordLink marketing manager. “A truck customer may be hauling people and cargo or towing equipment to a work site during the day, and then delivering bids to their customers at night. Ford Trucks get the job done while making a statement about our customers to their customers.”

When mounted in its vehicle cradle, the computer is powered by the truck’s battery and is directly connected to optional equipment such as a GPS antenna, printer, credit card scanner or digital camera.

The touch-screen computer can be removed from the cradle and carried along just like an ordinary laptop, but without the unnecessary weight of a keyboard unless the optional keyboard attachment is needed. The slate design is lightweight and versatile with a screen that is visible in sunlight for easy group viewing to review blueprints or online order tracking. It is also rugged enough to stand up to typical job-site use, including the occasional drop onto a dirt parking lot.

It boasts full Windows XP Professional applications – Microsoft Word and PowerPoint – and the same power of a full-size desktop computer on-the-go. This means owners have in-vehicle, finger-tip access to the familiar programs of the Windows XP-based PC.

FordLink will be available through Ford’s vast U.S. dealer network that is proven to be the most knowledgeable truck sales force with 58 years of F-Series experience. Dealers are eager to offer the system to expand on the industry’s widest-ranging lineup up truck offerings.

“Our customers use their trucks for work and always want more capability,” says Sam Pack, president of Five Star Ford in Dallas. “They choose Ford Trucks for their toughness, durability and reliability in getting the job done – and they see FordLink as a way to bring efficiency to all of their jobs.”

First available on 2007 F-Series trucks, the system will also be available on the new 2008 Super Duty that goes on sale early next year. The new truck will be revealed on Sept. 28 at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

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