Re: OT

On 2026/8/17 21:42:53, Joel W. Crump wrote:
[]
> Office 2003?  Under what OS, exactly?  I mean, that's kind of like still 

Seems to run fine under Windows 10; I believe it would under 11, too.

Are you aware of anything you actually _do_ with whatever Office you
have, that 2003 (with .###x plugins) can't do? Not things you _could_ do
with it, but that you actually _use_.

> using a DVD player, instead of a modern video entertainment device.
> 
What's a "modern video entertainment device"? I do have lots of .mp4
files on this laptop, and watch them there - so far always on its own
screen, though it does have an HDMI output (and I think both my TVs have
an HDMI input).

If someone gave you a DVD, what would you watch it on?[]
>> Plus, a lot of map "apps" - like a lot of other apps - are actually only
>> a gateway to an online database, i. e. won't work where there's no
>> signal. (OK, if you know you're going to use them in advance, you can in
>> many "apps" pre-download the maps for the areas you're going to be in.)>
> 
> 
> That's true, a paper map where cell service is inadequate is still useful.
> 
A dedicated SatNav/GPS can be better (and GPS coverage is pretty
universal, except in very narrow valleys or insude structures). [I still
use paper maps for another hobby - genealogy - but there, often the more
out-of-date the better!]>
>>> I mean, yeah, planning is great, but when you are in a random unknown
>>> place and need to get oriented quickly, a smartphone is the solution, I
>>> have seen it in practice and benefited from it.
>>>
>> A dedicated SatNav (US name GPS) will work too. Where the _online_ ones
>> come into their own - and fine if you have a permanently-on data
>> contract you're using for other things anyway (and have signal) - is
>> where there are roadworks, traffic conditions, and so on.
> 
> 
> I tend to think that having up-to-the-moment instructions for driving is 
> usually indicated.  The smartphone sold me on itself pretty quick after 
> I got one.  I had been reluctant to adopt the technology, myself, but 

I have been with someone using her smartphone to give me directions, and
it does indeed work very well.

> found myself separated from my computer for an extended period and the 
> phone gave me Internet on an alternative device.  I soon realized having 
> both is ideal.
> 
I _may_ switch to cellular for internet entirely - certainly, the option
to have it anywhere (there is coverage) is attractive; however, until
then, having to pay for an extra contract seems a needless expense. (I
don't go out much; I do have a - non "smart" - mobile for emergencies,
but it's on a PAYG, _not_ monthly, contract. [About 2 pounds per 180
days, for the calls I have to make to keep the number active.])
-- 
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

... a series about a grumpy old man who lives in a phone box is
unlikely to have been commissioned these days. 798 episodes later ...