'The computer runs on Microsoft Windows XP software and has all the standard Windows XP stuff like Office, Streets and Trips and Outlook,' Weiner said. 'We mount the computer in the vehicle, and it's hooked into a GPS antenna so you can get GPS navigation and directions using Streets and Trips. The computer is hooked into the vehicle's power and audio systems, so it will be charged off the truck's electrical system, and the voice commands for Streets and Trips will come through the audio system. The Internet connection is through wireless broadband like a Sprint or Verizon setup. You could use cellular as a backup, but it works best with wireless broadband.

'It's an open configuration, so whatever your service provider is, you can go with them -- we're not going to choose service providers,' he said.

Weiner said the tablet computer screen is about 8 inches wide, and the computer is ruggedized. There are no moving parts, he said.

'It's all flash memory, so it's more durable. It's designed for the job site. The screen is bright enough so you can actually see it outside -- you can undock it from the mount and carry it around the job site,' Weiner said.

Available through Ford dealers as a dealer-installed option, the target price for the system is around US$3,000, which would include the tablet computer, the carrying case -- which has a keyboard and a mouse in it -- as well as a desktop mount and charger, Weiner said.