A mobile x-ray apparatus for generating a digital x-ray image and transmitting it to a remote site, includes: (a) a first computer; (b) a flat panel detector in communication with the first computer; and (c) an x-ray cart assembly removably supporting the first computer, which includes a cart with a battery charger and an x-ray machine in communication with the flat panel detector; wherein the mobile x-ray apparatus includes an x-ray tube extendible from the cart, and a mechanism for framing a target body area of a patient. Also included herein is a method of generating a digital x-ray image and forwarding it to a remote site using the mobile x-ray apparatus.