Smart Metering Trial

Posted on 02/07/2023 13:23 by Hja

Can’t use a smart phone? My OH for one. Fine on his Mac pc at home, but if takes a lap top away invariably has some issue connecting to internet.

As Age UK have said many older people are not good with mobile technology like phones. Key boards too small, screens too small.

Posted on 02/07/2023 14:25 by Tinwheeler

Presumably you use a smartphone, Hja. My OH isn’t good with them due to lack of interest rather than lack of ability but I do what’s necessary for both of us.

I'm 74 so reckon I fall into the 'older' category 👴🏻🙂

Posted on 02/07/2023 15:32 by Hja

Nope. I have a smart phone because that is pretty much all you can get. Use it for phone calls, very occasionally, and the occasional text. No email. Internet only in emergency because it costs too much. I think there are three apps on it that I use, one for the car charge point, but once set up doesn’t change (had to change my email address on it the other day, absolute nightmare, key board far too small) and two apps associated with the lithium battery, only use one, don’t understand the other.

Use my iPad for stuff like this but windows pc for most stuff.

I simply find no need for a mobile phone, smart or otherwise.

Posted on 02/07/2023 15:32 by Hja

Nope. I have a smart phone because that is pretty much all you can get. Use it for phone calls, very occasionally, and the occasional text. No email. Internet only in emergency because it costs too much. I think there are three apps on it that I use, one for the car charge point, but once set up doesn’t change (had to change my email address on it the other day, absolute nightmare, key board far too small) and two apps associated with the lithium battery, only use one, don’t understand the other.

Use my iPad for stuff like this but windows pc for most stuff.

I simply find no need for a mobile phone, smart or otherwise.

Posted on 02/07/2023 15:54 by Tinwheeler

Your last sentence contradicts your earlier statement, Hja. You do use your phone so you have a need.

You have an iPad and by picking up wifi could use that for site EHU purposes. As has been said, it matters not what device you use but on the availability of signals.

Incidentally, I pay £7 p/m for a phone package which gives me 100gb of data. It’s cheap as chips and I can tether my Pad to the phone for easier use of a bigger screen and keyboard if needed. Tethering is so simple but if I do stick with the phone, a stylus makes the small keyboard much more user friendly.

There are ways of doing most things if one wants to.

Posted on 02/07/2023 15:54 by Tinwheeler

Your last sentence contradicts your earlier statement, Hja. You do use your phone so you have a need.

You have an iPad and by picking up wifi could use that for site EHU purposes. As has been said, it matters not what device you use but on the availability of signals.

Incidentally, I pay £7 p/m for a phone package which gives me 100gb of data. It’s cheap as chips and I can tether my Pad to the phone for easier use of a bigger screen and keyboard if needed. Tethering is so simple but if I do stick with the phone, a stylus makes the small keyboard much more user friendly.

There are ways of doing most things if one wants to.

Posted on 02/07/2023 17:54 by N1805

Good to hear from someone whom has actually used the trial smart meter system. - H1UBS (page 44). Agree it appears to be a ‘faff’ . Not something I personally would want to deal with when away spending a few nights at different sites.

Posted on 02/07/2023 17:26 by Tinwheeler

"Tether. What is tether"

If it’s serious question, it’s a very simple process for turning your phone into a personal wifi hotspot. You’ll find full details available from Mr Google 👍🏻