Whether it’s in preparation for an upcoming holiday break, building around constant connected access, or having to adjust to frequent field work, it can pay to establish strong mobile computing options within and outside the workplace. This enables tremendous flexibility without compromising the capacity of the company to produce decent work output.

The idea of the mobile office is not completely new. Since the invention of the laptop in the 1970s, the concept of developing mobile, portable workspaces was often toyed with, but was thought not feasible. Computers then were fairly heavy, and had limited power. Rapid advancements to technology, however, have seen the enhancement of the mobile computer by leaps and bounds. The most recent developments in mobile computing, such as the Apple iPad which was recently released for retail, have shown how dramatic the changes have come since people started carrying their computers wherever they went.

While portable computers do not have the same kind of functionality that their desktop cousins possess, the ability to carry work wherever it is needed is a major advantage. The existence of Wi-Fi Internet networks has also recently solved a problem that used to plague portable computing: Real-time updates. Modern-day hardware has made connecting to one another across distances even easier.

One question that this discussion begs is: Can an office operate largely on mobile computers and laptops? The answer: Yes and no. There will still be a need for more powerful desktop computers, especially for industries where much relies on sheer computing power. Even the emerging lineup of desktop replacement computers – laptops with screen sizes of 15 inches and more with comparable hardware specifications – still cannot quite match up to a fully-detailed desktop. These computers will still make the core of the office.

However, there are some benefits, both tangible and intangible, to keeping a robust system of portable PC units and keeping them connected.

Flexibility: Since mobile computers can be taken anywhere, and can readily be connected remotely, workers who need to be in several places at once can make it happen. The flexibility can help corporate account managers, for example, to meet clients in New York while simultaneously relaying data gathered at the office in Iowa, and then move on to Chicago for more work.

For those who do not need to travel, in-house wireless networks can help de-clutter work spaces. The power to move mobile computers around can be maximized, even if the people using them are not traveling long distances. After all, management of office space is an oft-overlooked aspect in a company’s operations.

Cost: It is no secret that smaller, portable computers can cost less, and procuring portable computers for business can equate to money saved. For a young entrepreneur looking to start a venture, sometimes a dependable laptop is all that is needed to get everything sorted out. As the company grows, even people who already own a laptop can readily get on board with the firm. Later on, they can choose to procure more sophisticated machines, depending on their needs. Yet, having a simple start can save a lot of money.

In some situations, having a lot of the data on readily transportable computer units can even save paper, making for a more eco-friendly office. Porting documents to a laptop can be a great way to move and share information. This can be even more keenly felt with a tablet computer or a portable PDF reader, making sharing and reading documents quick, simple and cheaper over an extended period of time.

Easier Integrated Collaboration: While this may sound like a paradox, it can take place. A team with multiple portable PCs can more easily converse face to face than one spread across a room with their own workstations. This makes it better to work together and make better business decisions. It also helps pare redundancies away when working with files that are shared and constantly updated.

These are some of the ideas being explored by companies today. All Covered has answers for IT consulting needs and business technologies, and the company can be reached at All Covered or at 866-446-1133.