This morning I read one of Rich Luhr’s latest posts with interest. He’d written on his mobile office, and the post’s inspiration came from a recent article entitled “Business in a backpack.”

Both the CNN article and Rich’s article are completely in keeping with the Digital RV concept. With the latest in portable equipment you can work from almost anywhere, and in a variety of industries.

This isn’t a new concept, but it’s new to many readers, and to many companies. While corporate America is aware of the latest technology they have often failed to leverage the technology. Often times companies today do not use technology to it’s full capacity due to fears regarding over site of employees. What do I mean by that? Simple. They want to see you in your cube from 8 - 5. Having a virtual office just doesn’t set right with many bigger companies.

But in some instances it works well. I’ve known for well over a decade that most of my work in wireless telecommunications could be done from anywhere. Each night I’d return home from work, and normally I’d get paged regarding one system disaster or other. I’d take my company laptop, connect to the Internet, and in a few moments I’d be online with the offending system and working on restoring it. This would all be from the comfort of my living room, usually on my couch. :)

Hand in hand with the Digital RV

Being a Digital RV’er allows for so many possibilities, just like the article “Business in a Backpack” points out. In the book I point out entertainment, communications, and business possibilities with the right systems. At this point in time you can work “virtually” from most any corner of the US. And the article Rich Luhr read points out that you can work from most anywhere in the world if need be.

So, working while on the road and touring the country can actually go hand in hand. Sure, you can be a workamper and take on site hosting responsibilities most anywhere in the US. But how about running your own business instead, or working for a larger organization that allows for virtual office roles? That’s now opened up to RV’ers who’ve gone digital.

What do I do, and what do I carry with me?

In my case I’m currently managing my own business from the road. Each day I work with multiple web sites, updating content, managing databases, and doing generic internet work. My e-mail is one of my lifelines for communicating with family and friends as well as conducting business. Job searches, client updates, and even online conferences.

Here’s the list of items I do every week, from the road in my own mobile office:

  • Send and receive e-mail.
  • Update 4 different web sites.
  • Manage SQL Databases.
  • Update client web sites.
  • Process new photography.
  • Process digital video, create and upload podcasts.
  • Submit photography to stock photo sites.
  • Manage book sales.

There are certainly more things I could do from my mobile office, but those are the highlights from my personal mobile office.
Let’s not forget, the second edition of the Digital RV was produced while on the road. With my wireless network I was able to upload the latest version of the book, deal with edits, resolve issues with the publisher, and get the book produced.

So, what’s in my “tech grab bag”? Not a whole lot honestly. You don’t need to load your rig up with every gadget under the sun. A few select items will have you all squared away, and like the article “Business in a Backpack,” what you have in your RV doesn’t have to be much.

The key items for my mobile office are:

  • A Macbook Pro 15 inch laptop.
  • 2 Lacie Firewire portable hard drives (100GB each).
  • A Verizon Wireless EVDO card (to access the internet).
  • Kyocera KR1 WiFi Router (works with the EVDO card).
  • Canon SD550 Elph Camera (can fit in your pocket).
  • Canon EOS 30D Camera (a larger SLR digital camera).
  • 60GB Video IPod (entertainment mostly).

There are a few other random items here and there, but that’s the bulk of my equipment that gets used every day.  And with the exception of the 30D camera, everything else fits neatly into a small bag.  Just like the author of, “Business in a Backpack.”

So, when you’re considering the Digital RV concept, keep in mind, there’s a lot you can do with a little equipment.  And remember, beyond business needs, the latest mobile technology can save you a ton of space in your RV and expand your entertainment options as well!