A dedicated "tablet" for web browsing

[alanworland]

I just use my Android (Motorola) phone - put it on when I get up, it's on and with me all day then turn it off for bed - lasts a couple of days on a charge. I use it for 99.99% of internet stuff and it's pretty instant!

Alan

[PerdioPal]

Here (obviously!) I still have a twisted pair copper connexion to the outside world. I don't do "mobile".

[Mark Hennessy]

Enjoy it while you can! For an increasing number of people, the twisted pair is just how broadband enters the house; the "POTS" part of it isn't enabled.

Checking my ISP, I note that a "phone line" isn't included to new customers in the monthly package I have - I assume I get to retain mine for now, but I wouldn't be surprised if I'm incentivised to give it up at some point. It's only used for incoming calls anyway - mostly scammers - as I didn't opt for a call bundle at the time, meaning that outgoing calls are prohibitively expensive. But we have more free minutes on our mobiles than we'll ever use, so that's how we dial out on those rare occasions it's needed.

There are many articles out there discussing the death of the landline - the POTS part of it, at least. I guess some us might be sad to see it go, as the (apparent) simplicity appeals to engineers with a KISS mindset. Of course, there's a fair bit of work still to do in the areas that currently have poor broadband and/or poor mobile network coverage...

[PerdioPal]

I may have to use the VOIP adaptor I hope they supply.

[Mark Hennessy]

And get a UPS for your router, etc, so it works during a power cut

Joking aside, and at the risk of stating the obvious, that is something I recommend. The UPS is primarily for the file server, but also powers the router and the separate wireless access point, and means that wi-fi continues in the event of a power cut. Of course, the phones would fall back on 4G, but the tablets and laptops keep going too. Handy, as I find phone screens are a bit on the small side when searching for status updates, etc, as those parts of the supplier's website aren't mobile-friendly IME. The only downside is the "vampire draw" of the UPS, which is between 10 and 20 watts when the batteries are fully charged, according to my basic measurements (still - as mentioned in passing in another thread - looking out for a power meter that is good and accurate at low powers).

[PerdioPal]

Indeed I have a UPS for the server, router and downstairs Ethernet switch, big enough for a couple of hours. I got it because SHMBO works at home upon occasion on quite critical stuff. I power the router which is upstairs with PoE.

[Nick]

Apart from the UPSs for all networking, SANs and PCs etc., we now have a nice 3-phase generator and ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch).

We lost power for 36 hours in the recent storms - the freezers only just held out. I've put off having an autostart generator for years, but now I'm running a business from here, it had to happen.

3-phase is necessary as the GSHP needs it, plus the house is on one phase, my office on another and my workshops on the third!

[PerdioPal]

The charging dock has arrived, it doesn't fit, the pins are too far appart and the locking tabs a bit too wide and the slot far too wide. The model I need is the D3200, I got the D3100. I don't mind the £25 I spent really. Time for a dismantle job I think, at least I have 4 POGO pins! My fine screwdriver set is at work, tomorrow then...

The thing itself is very well made and quite heavy.

[PerdioPal]

Went off on a different tack, I bought a Kindle Fire HD 8 Plus and wireless charger.  Currently building a "holster" for it with a magnetic back so it can stick to the fireplace surround.  Not finished yet, here are a couple of pictures.  I put a magnet to sleep the Fire when one way down, stays awake the other.  It charges both ways round.

[PerdioPal]

I have been premature in saying it charges both ways round (it did once while testing perhaps I did it slowly, not simply dropping it into the holster), now it only charges the sleep way round if I put it in very slowly. Stay awake way, no problem. I hope a "hack" of the Fire will fix this. Surprisingly there is only MW/LW interreference on a portable radio within a couple of feet.