Ask Nick: The Mobile Office

Ask Nick · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 9

In Sunday's Ask Nick column (May 18 ), a reader asks for help in dealing with his spouse while trying to get work done. Nick talks about the logistics of setting up a mobile office. Read the article and add your own 2 cents.

PIoutsource · Posted: Sat May 17, 2003 8:24 pm Post subject:

I sell laptop auto mounts and they sell very well!

Three cheers to the mobile office.
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Ina · Joined: 02 Aug 2001 Posts: 452 Location: Massachusetts, USA

Here's a link to the article:
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y203/m05/abu0095/s06

goimop · Joined: 10 Dec 2002 Posts: 33

What do you use to access the email? The nextel phone or the laptop?

Ina · Joined: 02 Aug 2001 Posts: 452 Location: Massachusetts, USA

In editing the article, it was my understanding that Nick uses the laptop to check email. If he is at a Starbucks or Borders, he'll use the high-speed T-Mobile HotSpot connection, otherwise he'll use the Sprint PCS Vision service.

He uses the Nextel service for his cell phone.

And Vonage to answer business calls at his home or work office. It's forwarded to his cell phone if he's in between.

That's a lot of services to have. David and I have a cell phone, and we bought a gadget so we can hook it up to our laptop and get an Internet connection. Since we don't do this a lot, we just use the same plan, from Verizon.

So when David was at the Atlantique City antique show, he could use the laptop to demonstrate our Web site to people (free minutes on the weekends).
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kjp55 · Joined: 18 Aug 2001 Posts: 1972 Location: East of Rockies

After reading the article by 'Ask Nick' on the Mobile Office, I began to ponder some thoughts on the future of internet technology in relationship to e-commerce (i.e. auctions).

Now that PDA's and laptops are coming down in price, and wireless connectivity seems to be following the trend.......I'm wondering how far off is the possibility of being able to connect from a live auction site to an online reference database (i.e. eBay Closed Results) to get instant price comparisons before making a 'live' auction bid? It's also a scary thought

Can you imagine a dozen 'dealers' at an auction with PDA's, all tuned into their favorite online pricing resource. Oh well, it will happen some day.

What I really can't understand is why eBay hasn't yet teamed up with one of the major multi-platform remote auction services companies, like Bid Spotter.

Any thoughts or input on either of the above mentioned subjects?

goimop · Joined: 10 Dec 2002 Posts: 33

Wireless rebidding, but you cannot look up old directories.
https://www.rebid.com/splash.asp?referringdomain=www.ebay.com&refcode1=tile

One of the best pocket pcs is the dell axim, which can be found on eBay for under $200.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3023526339&category=38331

To connect to Nextel to get wireless connection.
http://www.gomadic.com/nexidi5mobph17.html

To enable the Nextel internet I think its $15 for unlimited usage. Don't expect the best speeds though, its usually far below 56k.

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Kasi · Joined: 18 May 2003 Posts: 1 Location: Houston

Being a PC person you may not be aware that Mac users can now do the same thing.<P>

I have a Mac G4 power book, with the little plug in the back for bluetooth technology ($39 at the apple store) My cell phone is a Erickson T68i thru T mobil connect that also has the bluetooth technology. I can go anywhere, have my computer connect to my cell phone and have it dial my local ISP dial up ( using just my available minutes from Tmobil* I have the 3000 minutes for $50 a month) I don't need a data line, or page views or any other of that complicated stuff.....I just dial up my ISP and I'm surfing or checking email or whatever.

Kasi
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dsteiner · Posted: Sun May 18, 2003 12:46 pm Post subject:

kjp55 · Joined: 18 Aug 2001 Posts: 1972 Location: East of Rockies

Going back to my question on the eBay/Bid Spotter scenario, I'm assuming Bid Spotter (and other similar services) are only categorized as providing the 'means' for actual registered auction companies to put their sales events online. Assuming that is the case, I am also guessing that they (the Bid Spotter companies) are not required to be registered as a true auction service?

If eBay were to enter this field of live auction broadcasting, would that be legal, or would they fall under the same category.....that of a service provider only? Or does it make a difference under the laws of some states?

I'm also convinced that live broadcasting of auctions throughout the world is going to explode in the next few years. I've personally participated in a Bid Spotter broadcasted auction and can tell you that it was quite a bit of fun, and really fast. Fast in two ways......both in telecast speed and in the speed you need to win a bid. It ain't for those who need time to ponder their bidding decision. If you want an item, you'd better be prepared to bid....and bid fast. Just like being there, allmost. The security for registration and payment is in place, so they've addressed that issue right up front. This, my friends......could be the competition that may cause the execs at eBay to lose sleep at night.

Anyone have any additional info on any other live broadcasted auction or liquidation services, other than Bid Spotter?

n8rwatch · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 5

Several years ago, I sold insuraance from a home office. At the time, my Mother was living, and we were in the same house although in separate apartments. A younger colleague had a wife and baby at home. Both of us had the same problem. It's a hazard of working from home. You need to be disciplined enough to be able to go into your "office" and shut the door -- even an imaginary one -- and put up a do not disturb sign. Just stick to your guns and set hours and don't watch the kid or do the lawn or go for groceries til "after hours". --- Been there, done that.

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Fast-Pack.com · Posted: Mon May 19, 2003 9:14 am Post subject:

Great Article Nick! Packed with lots of great information! Will be put to use. Printed it for later reference.
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Fast-Pack.com · Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 8:22 pm Post subject:

This article also is a great reference for those that need to stay in touch while on vacation this summer! Thanks Again!
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Jason

Fastpack Packaging SHIPPING SUPPLIES

We just SLASHED our prices on Cases of Poly Courier Mailers, check them out, happy to send a sample

cpflds · Joined: 23 Apr 2002 Posts: 994

For the past three years I've used a cell phone and my lap top to stay on top of orders while I "get away from it all" on our annual camping vacation. I have to admit that e-mailing from a tent is a lot more fun than e-mailing from my home office.

A half hour or so spent each day just to acknowledge orders letting customers know that we're away for a few days keeps customers happy. I used to worry about my business when I was away...no more. A week-end or a week...the lap top/cell phone connection makes all the difference in the world.

I use a Motorola phone with Motorola's Tru-Sync software which turns the phone into a modem.

I have used it once or twice at big auctions too. Went to a huge pottery auction last fall and used my phone modem to access on-line price guides.
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Copperfields Antiques -- www.copperfieldsantiques.com
The 1919 Weaving Company -- www.the1919weavingcompany.com

Ina · Joined: 02 Aug 2001 Posts: 452 Location: Massachusetts, USA

Very interesting! Though I'm not sure emailing from a tent sounds comfortable. I like the comforts of home.

FYI, Nick wrote me to post a message that he considers any internet connection under 56K to be inadequate speed to be considered as a part of a mobile office.

I will report back and let you know my experiences. I'll be using my cell phone/laptop to email reports to David from eBay Live. Most of the time I'll be able to use the Press Room computers with high-speed connections, but from the hotel room at night I'll be checking email and sending stories to David. Last year it worked out okay, but of course I'd prefer high-speed!
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Ina Steiner, AuctionBytes.com