RAS -vs- TREO

[BMCM Deane Smith]

I'm going to either get a RAS card or TREO type device this year. At first I thought I wanted a TREO, but now am leaning toward a RAS card.

My primary reason for either is to get email, but having the ability to access CG Applications with a RAS is starting to sound more appealing. I'm just concerned that I would only use the email anyway, so the TREO might be more convenient.

I have u/w connectivity with a cellular broadband connection, so I could RAS in u/w, on leave, TDY, at home, etc. I could get email via a TREO anytime.


So, my question is for all of you that have used or are using either. Which do you think is better? If you have used either, what are the pros/cons of each.

I appreciate your feedback. I'm trying to make an informed decision and don't want something that doesn't meet my needs.

[BMCS Harley Matlock]

I have RAS, it's convenient in that I can work from home if needed, plus I can get onto CGWEB apps. The only downsides are that you are not allowed to RAS wireless and you have to load software. But, like I said if something comes up I can log on at the house/hotel and do real work. I have never had a TREO, but I do know that you can email all day long like a teenager sending text-messages. The TREOs are real nice if you have to travel. Our Chaplain has one and that is the only way he has time to keep current.

[BMC Russell Miller]

I like the ras. I have heard rumor we will be able to use wireless with the ras still working on some bugs, I looked into the treo and if was a pain in the back side for me. Myself I do not text, I just call back if I get one. I guess I just getting old.:D

[BMCM Deane Smith]

The only downsides are that you are not allowed to RAS wireless and you have to load software.

Are you saying that you have to load software on the computer that you're using at home or on the road?

I also have heard that we will have to use the CAC reader even while RAS'ing in from home. I guess the ESU's will provide a CAC reader for everyone with a RAS. That's what I heard today, not sure if it's accurate or not.

[AMTCM John Long]

Fellas,

I have the RAS token and use it with wireless on my personal laptop. Been doing so since I've been in HQ. I checked in with HQ security folks first to make sure it was ok to use with wireless. It comes in handy when traveling on the road in hotels or at conferences when I need to check on something. The software is not a big deal. You get a CG CD to load up. If any questions or problems call OSC Martinsburg and the gals there will walk you thru it in no time at all. The RAS token (actually the licensing) is a controlled item so you don't want to leave it laying around unsecured. (Also don't leave it in your clothes when doing laundry....it can't swim! :o )

I have the CAC reader at work (don't use it). I heard the same thing about home puters too but haven't seen anything come of that yet.

[MEC Edward Briganti]

Senior,
If your primary reason for either is to get email my vote is for the treo. What I do if I need to to access CG Applications when i'm on the road, I just remote access in from a unit i'm training at.

Ed

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Deane,
I used a RAS token at my last unit and liked it well enough. I liked the ability to get to all the applications that I might need to do my job. The thing I don't like about a TREO is that you can never get away. On liberty? On leave? There is an expectation that you will always be checking in. When do you get some down time? That, plus the fact that they are very distracting when you are in a meeting and the guy next to you feels that his business is so important that he needs to be fiddling with his damn TREO rather than paying attention. I told my District Commander to NOT send me one for that very purpose. If something is that important, I CAN be reached either by cell, messenger or carrier pigeon if necessary. I do my very best to leave work at work. (As I type this from my home PC)

[BMCS Mike Ellis]

I tried to get access for a unit-purchased TREO when I reported to my current unit. I was told that access was approved by the District Chief of Staff and reserved only for "VIP's". OIC's don't count as VIP's either.

Oh well.

I just wanted to be able to answer emails while in the GV or 55' ANB after finishing a good long day of AtoN work. Instead, I spend an extra hour or two at the office upon return following up on the dozen or so "immediate" emails.

I don't understand since I was willing to pay for the service out of my unit budget.

[MKCM Brett Ayer]

I'm going to either get a RAS card or TREO type device this year. At first I thought I wanted a TREO, but now am leaning toward a RAS card.
If you need real time email, then the TREO. If you need to work with documents and have a cell phone then RAS.

I have RAS and would not trade it for a TREO if you paid me, if anything is that important someone calls me on my cell. But, as you know most of my work revolves around access to data, which can only happen with RAS.

If you have your own cell and don't mind using your minutes for CG business, or if you already have a unit cell phone, RAS is hard to beat for getting work done outside the office.

The TREO does have the cool “I'm important” thing going for it though :)

Be Safe,

Brett

[BMCS Dave Considine]

I have had both, used the RAS infrequently enough that I couldn't justify the $500 a year cost of the RAS. The Treo works fine for me, I can view almost every document I need (except the daily Sector Command Brief powerpoint).

Hard to believe the District doesn't count you as a VIP Mike - I believe almost all the OIC's out here have the Treo.

Deane, it all comes down to how much access to a computer and wireless you have. To me the Treo made more sense. Not sure of what your situation exactly is. I also have the old Treo, the newer models have quite a bit more applications I believe.

Dave

[BMCS Eric Guerette]

We had a few RAS tokens at my last unit; once the novelty was gone they never got used. I refuse to get a treo and am actually debating going in the other direction. I may start checking e-mail first thing in the morning and again after lunch, the rest of the day I'll make sure outlook is closed. I'm sick of my desk!

[BMCM Deane Smith]

Thanks, I appreciate everyone's input.

[BMCM Bruce Bradley]

Is RAS vs. TREO like Washington's choice with crossing the Deleware? Roe vs. Wade.......

[AMTCM John Long]

Is RAS vs. TREO like Washington's choice with crossing the Deleware? Roe vs. Wade.......


Ahhhh Bruce......you funny man!!:D It took me a second to catch that.

[ETC Matthew Turner]

I also have heard that we will have to use the CAC reader even while RAS'ing in from home. I guess the ESU's will provide a CAC reader for everyone with a RAS. That's what I heard today, not sure if it's accurate or not.

Deane,

Paragraphs 8 and 9 of ALCOAST 454/07 (intranet only) address this point.

Matt

[CWO Jay Greiner (BMC)]

I have a TRIO and it is good for checking short emails with no attachments. However, the cell phone part of it is unreliable. Working in NYC you would think one would have outstanding coverage but these phones do not seem to get the best coverage. I have received a new voice mail alert when the voice mail was 5 days old. I have been told that people called my cell phone and my phone never even rang. Also, I have to reset my TRIO 3-4 times a week otherwise it stop receiving emails or calls
Just my 1.5 cents

Jay

[AMTCM John Long]

I have a TRIO and it is good for checking short emails with no attachments. However, the cell phone part of it is unreliable. Working in NYC you would think one would have outstanding coverage but these phones do not seem to get the best coverage. I have received a new voice mail alert when the voice mail was 5 days old. I have been told that people called my cell phone and my phone never even rang. Also, I have to reset my TRIO 3-4 times a week otherwise it stop receiving emails or calls
Just my 1.5 cents

Jay

Jay,

Are you related to CAPT Greiner?? Sorry if I blew your cover.:eek:

John

[CWO Jay Greiner (BMC)]

John, no we are not related

Jay