The new office? Where would you rather do your work: a nice coffeehouse or a busy office? More and more, people are able to do their work with a good cup of coffee in the friendly environment of their local coffeehouse. With a powerful laptop and a mobile phone, it isn't necessary to be tied to a desk any more. Next time you're out for a coffee, look around you. That man in the comer could be an advertising executive writing an advertisement that you'll be seeing on TV in the near fusture. That woman in a dark coat talking to a man could be discussing his pension. And the young woman typing away could be finishing a business proposal! it's certainly a new world, and you could join it more easily than you think. According to a survey, 7.6 million Americans now work at home or away from a traditional office. Many organizations realize that people like working away from the office and are trying to create incentives to encourage more people to telecommute. As well as making workers happier, it reduces pollution as fewer people travel to work. But it's not a perfect life. One telecommuter, who finds he can concentrate better in a coffeehouse than at home, complained about the lack of electrical outlets. Another person at work on her computer said that she didn't like to feel under pressure to buy something. Both admitted, however, that these were minor difficulties compared with the problems they used to face in a big office. Coffeehouses provide the sense of community that the office used to provide, but without the stress. They may be great places to relax, concentrate, meet friends and business contacts, but they are in business, too, and they rely on customers buying their products. But where else could you get your work done, enjoy doing it, have good company, great coffee, and all for less than the cost of driving to work every. day? With new technology, you don't need to be at the office to do your job.