E-Services using Blackberry or I-Phone

[jimmydeanno]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone here do any data entry/updates in E-Services using a blackberry or I-Phone?

Does it work?

I'm about to finally get a smart phone of some sort.  Our squadron doesn't have internet access at our unit, so I'm curious if I'd be able to update cadet testing records, SQTRs, etc.

Any input appreciated.

[JoeTomasone]

Way painful but possible on an iPhone.  I wouldn't want to do it often. I'd imagine it's worse on a BB.

[D2SK]

Worked very well for me on the iPhone.

[Tubacap]

Blackberry Pearl is brutal, but it works in a pinch.  The default browser does an awful job, but I can use Bolt and it does a little bit better.

A mobile website would be exceedingly helpful!

[Al Sayre]

I've got an AT&T 8525 and I do both eServices and WIMRS on it.  Not the easiest way to do it.  I usually just tether my laptop to the phone and do it that way...

[BTCS1*]

I also have an 8525, what browser do you use for it? its horrible in IE

[Eclipse]

Both the WMU and eServices work on my MDA (a derivative of the 8525), but as commented its painful.  Few smartphones render frames very well, and frankly neither of these sites is entirely machine-friendly on a regular PC.

Its nice in a pinch, but not how I'd do it with a choice.

[Al Sayre]

I also have an 8525, what browser do you use for it? its horrible in IE

I have the standard IE that came with it.  I really haven't had any need to go looking for another browser, and I don't have the time to participate in the HTC forums.  If you know of a better one for download, I'd love to hear it.

[jeders]

With my Bold WMIRS came up but didn't work well, eServices didn't work at all. Besides, I'd rather have a full computer screen to do that kind of data entry.

[jimmydeanno]

I went to the wireless store the other day and tried with the new Blackberry Storm (the touch screen one).  It has a fully functioning web browser, supports java, etc.  It worked, but it was kind of painful having to zoom in to see each appropriate field, etc.

I suppose that in a tough situation (like a quick ES Qual approval at a SAREX or something) it wouldn't be very practical.

Although, what do y'all know about hooking your data capable phone to your laptop and using it for web access?

[argentip]

I have a Moto 9Q that runs Windows Mobile with a version of IE and it doesn't work well at all.  I can use it for the stuff that is on the main screen of eServices, but can't even get to the Ops/Quals section.  I would love if they came out with a mobile web version of the website.  Seems like that would make everything much easie.

[Eclipse]

Although, what do y'all know about hooking your data capable phone to your laptop and using it for web access?

I do it all the time, works with both the USB cable or bluetooth.  I prefer the tether because a bluetooth data connection to a PC is about the hottest the radios can get and burns the batteries at about the highest rate possible (ditto when I listen to Live365 w/ my BT headphones).

So when I use it I prefer to use the USB, because in that case the phone is actually charging while its connected.  One issue I've found, which is just normal ops, is that you can't get voice calls while connected to data - no issue surfing on the phone, etc., but in a situation like an encampment, where we don't have internet, and my phones ringing all day, you've got to do some device-time-management.

Much, much better than nothing, but painful if you're trying to get email and someone decides to send a 4Mb "I couldn't resist" picture, etc.

[Al Sayre]

I do it all the time on my 8525.  No issues.  I generally use the USB cable to tether, and  I can get my voice calls at the same time as long as my bluetooth ear piece is active.  I also tether and use Skype on my laptop to take incoming and make outgoing calls while doing other data intensive activities.

[Tubacap]

Verizon charges for the tethering capability past just the data plan.

[DBlair]

I just tried on my BB 8310 (AT&T) and eServices wouldn't load in the browser- got an error message about a communication failure. Not sure if it was just the browser not working right now or if it generally won't load.