Android sheddie question

[Jim the Geordie]

I've just spent the best part of a day transferring my data from a 4G
phone to what I bought as a new 5G model.
I thought I'd better check it out, and I think I have accidentally or
deliberately been sent a 4G model.

Just so I don't feel a fool in getting in touch with the seller -
When I disconnect from Wi-Fi a little 4G appears with two arrows and
Network mode also only shows LTE/3G/2G

Am I correct?
I can return it, but it's just a faff.

(Originally sent to comp.mobile.android group, but it's usually empty.)

[Sn!pe]

Post by Jim the Geordie
I've just spent the best part of a day transferring my data from a 4G
phone to what I bought as a new 5G model.
I thought I'd better check it out, and I think I have accidentally or
deliberately been sent a 4G model.
Just so I don't feel a fool in getting in touch with the seller -
When I disconnect from Wi-Fi a little 4G appears with two arrows and
Network mode also only shows LTE/3G/2G
Am I correct?
I can return it, but it's just a faff.
(Originally sent to comp.mobile.android group, but it's usually empty.)

Is there 5G coverage in your area?
The 'phone will fall back to 4G if not.

[D]

Post by Sn!pe

Post by Jim the Geordie
I've just spent the best part of a day transferring my data from a 4G
phone to what I bought as a new 5G model.
I thought I'd better check it out, and I think I have accidentally or
deliberately been sent a 4G model.
Just so I don't feel a fool in getting in touch with the seller -
When I disconnect from Wi-Fi a little 4G appears with two arrows and
Network mode also only shows LTE/3G/2G
Am I correct?
I can return it, but it's just a faff.
(Originally sent to comp.mobile.android group, but it's usually empty.)

Is there 5G coverage in your area?
The 'phone will fall back to 4G if not.

Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

[John Williamson]

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable. That is why I had
to get my SIM replaced last time I upgraded my phone.

[Jim the Geordie]

Post by John Williamson

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable. That is why I had
to get my SIM replaced last time I upgraded my phone.

Turns out I was sold a 4G model.
Sent it back.
I won't use that seller again, but eBay is very easy to arrange returns,
I discover.

[John Williamson]

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by John Williamson

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable. That is why I
had to get my SIM replaced last time I upgraded my phone.

Turns out I was sold a 4G model.
Sent it back.
I won't use that seller again, but eBay is very easy to arrange returns,
I discover.

Okay. Glad that's sorted out.

[D]

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable. That is why I had to
get my SIM replaced last time I upgraded my phone.

Turns out I was sold a 4G model.
Sent it back.
I won't use that seller again, but eBay is very easy to arrange returns, I
discover.

Really? I always hesitate to buy from weird people on ebay due to the risk
of not getting what I want, and trouble returning items. What did you have
to do to return?

[Jeff Gaines]

On 06/03/2025 in message

Post by D

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable. That is why I had to
get my SIM replaced last time I upgraded my phone.

Turns out I was sold a 4G model.
Sent it back.
I won't use that seller again, but eBay is very easy to arrange returns, I
discover.

Really? I always hesitate to buy from weird people on ebay due to the risk
of not getting what I want, and trouble returning items. What did you have
to do to return?

If what you get is not what you paid for eBay drives the refund through,
never had a problem with refunds.

[D]

Post by Jeff Gaines

Post by D

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by John Williamson

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable. That is why I had
to get my SIM replaced last time I upgraded my phone.

Turns out I was sold a 4G model.
Sent it back.
I won't use that seller again, but eBay is very easy to arrange returns, I
discover.

Really? I always hesitate to buy from weird people on ebay due to the risk
of not getting what I want, and trouble returning items. What did you have
to do to return?

If what you get is not what you paid for eBay drives the refund through,
never had a problem with refunds.

Excellent!

[Jim the Geordie]

Post by D

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by John Williamson

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable. That is why I
had to get my SIM replaced last time I upgraded my phone.

Turns out I was sold a 4G model.
Sent it back.
I won't use that seller again, but eBay is very easy to arrange
returns, I discover.

Really? I always hesitate to buy from weird people on ebay due to the
risk of not getting what I want, and trouble returning items. What did
you have to do to return?

It's all there on the page of the seller. You get the option to print
out a return label or a get a code for Royal Mail or arrange with
Parcelforce. All free and arranged by eBay and not the individual seller
(I think)
I'll tell you when the cash arrives back in my bank and whether there
was a charge because I had opened the package, used the phone and set it
back to factory settings.

[D]

Post by D

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by John Williamson

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable. That is why I had
to get my SIM replaced last time I upgraded my phone.

Turns out I was sold a 4G model.
Sent it back.
I won't use that seller again, but eBay is very easy to arrange returns, I
discover.

Really? I always hesitate to buy from weird people on ebay due to the risk
of not getting what I want, and trouble returning items. What did you have
to do to return?

It's all there on the page of the seller. You get the option to print out a
return label or a get a code for Royal Mail or arrange with Parcelforce. All
free and arranged by eBay and not the individual seller (I think)
I'll tell you when the cash arrives back in my bank and whether there was a
charge because I had opened the package, used the phone and set it back to
factory settings.

That's great! Hope all works out for you! =)

[Julian Macassey]

On Thu, 6 Mar 2025 17:34:42 +0000, Jim the Geordie

Post by John Williamson

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings
and see if 5G is present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable.
That is why I had to get my SIM replaced last time I
upgraded my phone.

Turns out I was sold a 4G model. Sent it back. I won't
use that seller again, but eBay is very easy to arrange
returns,

I don't use ebay, I consider it a theives market.

[Mike Fleming]

Post by Julian Macassey
I don't use ebay, I consider it a theives market.

I've used it for more than 3000 transactions. Things have gone wrong
occasionally, I've used the seller's own returns system in most cases,
Ebay has sorted out the rest. What do you base your consideration on?

[Julian Macassey]

Post by Mike Fleming

Post by Julian Macassey
I don't use ebay, I consider it a theives market.

I've used it for more than 3000 transactions. Things have gone wrong
occasionally, I've used the seller's own returns system in most cases,
Ebay has sorted out the rest. What do you base your consideration on?

E-bay started out as an online clock auction selling job
lots of parts, disk drives etc. It was bassed in the East Bay
(San Francisco) Bay Area It morphed into the monster it is today.

My last attempt at an e-bay purchase was someone trying
to sell an item that was not what it said the tin.

I have over the years had colleagues make e-bay purchases
of items that were not what they claimed to be, or were of
quesionable provenance.

I also had a collleague who would buy items on the
company account and then sell them on e-bay.

Plus of course the grifty bidding process, you put in a
bit and seconds later a bot counters your bid by an infinitesimal
amount. I don't have time for that.

Then there are bots you can use to bid. I don't have time
for that either.

That being said, I do buy stuff on line, but not by
choice. When I make a purchase I like to see what I am buying -
New or second hand. Alas not living in a major metropolis I can't
always go and have a look before laying down the readies.

[Sam Plusnet]

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Mike Fleming

Post by Julian Macassey
I don't use ebay, I consider it a theives market.

I've used it for more than 3000 transactions. Things have gone wrong
occasionally, I've used the seller's own returns system in most cases,
Ebay has sorted out the rest. What do you base your consideration on?

E-bay started out as an online clock auction selling job
lots of parts, disk drives etc. It was bassed in the East Bay
(San Francisco) Bay Area It morphed into the monster it is today.
My last attempt at an e-bay purchase was someone trying
to sell an item that was not what it said the tin.
I have over the years had colleagues make e-bay purchases
of items that were not what they claimed to be, or were of
quesionable provenance.
I also had a collleague who would buy items on the
company account and then sell them on e-bay.
Plus of course the grifty bidding process, you put in a
bit and seconds later a bot counters your bid by an infinitesimal
amount. I don't have time for that.
Then there are bots you can use to bid. I don't have time
for that either.
That being said, I do buy stuff on line, but not by
choice. When I make a purchase I like to see what I am buying -
New or second hand. Alas not living in a major metropolis I can't
always go and have a look before laying down the readies.

I have shifted away from Amazon onto Ebay when buying modest odds & sods
- ever since Amazon increased their free-delivery price-point to £35.

I can't recall ever having any problem when buying from Ebay, but there
is obviously more room for problems whilst buying second-hand stuff
where the gap between hyperbole and fact can be much wider.

"Excellent Condition!" = Pile of rust.

[Jim the Geordie]

Post by Sam Plusnet

Post by Mike Fleming

    I don't use ebay, I consider it a theives market.

I've used it for more than 3000 transactions. Things have gone wrong
occasionally, I've used the seller's own returns system in most cases,
Ebay has sorted out the rest. What do you base your consideration on?

    E-bay started out as an online clock auction selling job
lots of parts, disk drives etc. It was bassed in the East Bay
(San Francisco) Bay Area It morphed into the monster it is today.
    My last attempt at an e-bay purchase was someone trying
to sell an item that was not what it said the tin.
    I have over the years had colleagues make e-bay purchases
of items that were not what they claimed to be, or were of
quesionable provenance.
    I also had a collleague who would buy items on the
company account and then sell them on e-bay.
    Plus of course the grifty bidding process, you put in a
bit and seconds later a  bot counters your bid by an infinitesimal
amount. I don't  have time for that.
    Then there are bots you can use to bid. I don't have time
for that either.
    That being said, I do buy stuff on line, but not by
choice. When I make a purchase I like to see what I am buying -
New or second hand. Alas not living in a major metropolis I can't
always go and have a look before laying down the readies.

I have shifted away from Amazon onto Ebay when buying modest odds & sods
- ever since Amazon increased their free-delivery price-point to £35.
I can't recall ever having any problem when buying from Ebay, but there
is obviously more room for problems whilst buying second-hand stuff
where the gap between hyperbole and fact can be much wider.
"Excellent Condition!" = Pile of rust.

In my original post on this subject, I did not make it clear my eBay
purchases are all new items and 'Pay Now'.

[Abandoned Trolley]

Post by Jim the Geordie
In my original post on this subject, I did not make it clear my eBay
purchases are all new items and 'Pay Now'.

In that regard I find them a lot less aggravation than Amazon


(And if these data mining megaliths are so clever, why havent they
worked out that I am not going to pay for "Prime")

[Jim the Geordie]

Post by Abandoned Trolley

Post by Jim the Geordie
In my original post on this subject, I did not make it clear my eBay
purchases are all new items and 'Pay Now'.

In that regard I find them a lot less aggravation than Amazon
(And if these data mining megaliths are so clever, why havent they
worked out that I am not going to pay for "Prime")

To hear the 'I've got Prime' squad, you'd think they were getting
something for nothing - then they're telling me how much it costs for
the things I don't need (nor do they, if they stop and think).

[Simon]

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by Abandoned Trolley

Post by Jim the Geordie
In my original post on this subject, I did not make it clear my eBay
purchases are all new items and 'Pay Now'.

In that regard I find them a lot less aggravation than Amazon
(And if these data mining megaliths are so clever, why havent they
worked out that I am not going to pay for "Prime")

To hear the 'I've got Prime' squad, you'd think they were getting
something for nothing - then they're telling me how much it costs for
the things I don't need (nor do they, if they stop and think).

I have Amazon Prime as I watch the videos, I cancelled Netflix to pay for it.
Prime is 50€ per year and Netflix is 14€ per month. I also get next day free
delivery on most orders, but this was not the "prime" reason to switch :-)

[nev young]

Post by Simon

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by Abandoned Trolley

Post by Jim the Geordie
In my original post on this subject, I did not make it clear my eBay
purchases are all new items and 'Pay Now'.

In that regard I find them a lot less aggravation than Amazon
(And if these data mining megaliths are so clever, why havent they
worked out that I am not going to pay for "Prime")

To hear the 'I've got Prime' squad, you'd think they were getting
something for nothing - then they're telling me how much it costs for
the things I don't need (nor do they, if they stop and think).

I have Amazon Prime as I watch the videos, I cancelled Netflix to pay for it.
Prime is 50€ per year and Netflix is 14€ per month. I also get next day free
delivery on most orders, but this was not the "prime" reason to switch :-)

+1
also the whole family get prime for just the one subscription.
YMMV

[Julian Macassey]

Post by Abandoned Trolley

Post by Jim the Geordie
In my original post on this subject, I did not make it clear my eBay
purchases are all new items and 'Pay Now'.

In that regard I find them a lot less aggravation than Amazon

Anything is less grief than Amazon. But they are
amazingly disorganised. Not only poor bastards in the warehouses
buulied endlessly by time and motion thugs, but even the execs. A
friend in aviation management quit Amazon after a month, they
were too insane even for him.

Post by Abandoned Trolley
(And if these data mining megaliths are so clever, why havent they
worked out that I am not going to pay for "Prime")

Fun fact: The original name Bullshit Bezos wanted to use
was relentless.com.

https://relentless.com

Try that if you don't bellieve me.

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Tue, 11 Mar 2025 13:33:06 -0000 (UTC)

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Abandoned Trolley

Post by Jim the Geordie
In my original post on this subject, I did not make it clear my eBay
purchases are all new items and 'Pay Now'.

In that regard I find them a lot less aggravation than Amazon

Anything is less grief than Amazon. But they are
amazingly disorganised. Not only poor bastards in the warehouses
buulied endlessly by time and motion thugs, but even the execs. A
friend in aviation management quit Amazon after a month, they
were too insane even for him.

Boycott the evil tax-avoiding bastards.

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Abandoned Trolley
(And if these data mining megaliths are so clever, why havent they
worked out that I am not going to pay for "Prime")

Fun fact: The original name Bullshit Bezos wanted to use
was relentless.com.
https://relentless.com
Try that if you don't bellieve me.
--
God save us from people who go through life being indifferent to
things. Being irritated is a sign you are noticing - Jeremy
Paxman

[Simon]

Post by Mike Fleming

Post by Julian Macassey
I don't use ebay, I consider it a theives market.

I've used it for more than 3000 transactions. Things have gone wrong
occasionally, I've used the seller's own returns system in most cases,
Ebay has sorted out the rest. What do you base your consideration on?

My issue today is it seems halfway between Amazon and Ali Express, the prices
are too high and you can't trust the listings. Admittedly I would be looking as
IT stuff where things like advertised capacity is easily faked.

[Abandoned Trolley]

Post by Simon

Post by Mike Fleming

Post by Julian Macassey
I don't use ebay, I consider it a theives market.

I've used it for more than 3000 transactions. Things have gone wrong
occasionally, I've used the seller's own returns system in most cases,
Ebay has sorted out the rest. What do you base your consideration on?

My issue today is it seems halfway between Amazon and Ali Express, the prices
are too high and you can't trust the listings. Admittedly I would be looking as
IT stuff where things like advertised capacity is easily faked.

So ... use the sliders on the left of the screen to show only the stuff
within your budget


Generally speaking, I would say that the search facilities on eBay are
miles ahead of anything on Amazon - one of the more irritating examples
being the "Delivered By Amazon" check box which displays a load of stuff
which "cannot be delivered to an Amazon Locker"

Also, my experience is that stuff which is "easily faked" can just as
easily be returned

[Jeff Gaines]

Post by Abandoned Trolley
Generally speaking, I would say that the search facilities on eBay are
miles ahead of anything on Amazon

Absolutely, and you can do a Regex search!

[John Williamson]

Post by Abandoned Trolley
Generally speaking, I would say that the search facilities on eBay are
miles ahead of anything on Amazon - one of the more irritating examples
being the "Delivered By Amazon" check box which displays a load of stuff
which "cannot be delivered to an Amazon Locker"

Delivered by mAzano means exactly that, they deliver it using their own
drivers (Often in the driver's own van), not an outside contractor such
as Parcelfarce or the Royal Mail. At the moorings here I live, we know
all the regular guys by face. "Fulfilled by Amazon" means the item is
actually stored in their warehouse, not the seller's garden shed.

The reasons an item can't be delivered to a locker is that it is either
too big or needs a hazchem label. (They won't deliver paint to a locker,
for example)

[Abandoned Trolley]

Post by John Williamson

Post by Abandoned Trolley
Generally speaking, I would say that the search facilities on eBay are
miles ahead of anything on Amazon - one of the more irritating examples
being the "Delivered By Amazon" check box which displays a load of stuff
which "cannot be delivered to an Amazon Locker"

Delivered by mAzano means exactly that, they deliver it using their own
drivers (Often in the driver's own van), not an outside contractor such
as Parcelfarce or the Royal Mail. At the moorings here I live, we know
all the regular guys by face. "Fulfilled by Amazon" means the item is
actually stored in their warehouse, not the seller's garden shed.
The reasons an item can't be delivered to a locker is that it is either
too big or needs a hazchem label. (They won't deliver paint to a locker,
for example)

I understand and accept the paint and hazchem issues

I am talking about relatively modest sized items of clothing, computer
bits, guitar strings etc.


And on a related note - does anybody know if its possible to get a "real
world" delivery address and postcode for an InPost locker ? Even the
online HelpBot at InPost doesnt seem to know

[Sam Plusnet]

Post by John Williamson

Post by Abandoned Trolley
Generally speaking, I would say that the search facilities on eBay are
miles ahead of anything on Amazon - one of the more irritating examples
being the "Delivered By Amazon" check box which displays a load of stuff
which "cannot be delivered to an Amazon Locker"

Delivered by mAzano means exactly that, they deliver it using their own
drivers (Often in the driver's own van), not an outside contractor such
as Parcelfarce or the Royal Mail. At the moorings here I live, we know
all the regular guys by face. "Fulfilled by Amazon" means the item is
actually stored in their warehouse, not the seller's garden shed.
The reasons an item can't be delivered to a locker is that it is either
too big or needs a hazchem label. (They won't deliver paint to a locker,
for example)

What about Ebay items which are "Delivered By Amazon"?
I've had that a time or two - but it's pretty confusing when I know I
have bought nothing from Amazon, yet they are at the door, handing over
'stuff'.

[Abandoned Trolley]

Post by Sam Plusnet
What about Ebay items which are "Delivered By Amazon"?
I've had that a time or two - but it's pretty confusing when I know I
have bought nothing from Amazon, yet they are at the door, handing over
'stuff'.

That’s never happened to me - but I have only been on eBay for 23 years.

I have received a few things in the post in recycled Amazon packaging
though, and occasionally sent out stuff I have sold on eBay in Amazon
packaging.

Having said that, various mail order items have appeared in my letterbox
which I know have not been delivered by the postman (like on a Sunday)
and it’s impossible to tell who the courier is.

I have just looked in to my eBay account, and tried to specify Amazon as
a courier for something I wish to sell, and there’s no option to create
a postage category or policy using Amazon, unless it comes under "other
courier"

If you are buying anything on eBay, then on the right of the listing
(assuming you are not doing this on a phone) where it says "Postage:"
there is a link just to the right of that which says "See Details" -
this will open a pop up box which (usually, but not always) gives some
detail of the courier being used.

Amazon DOES operate as a courier but by the look of things its only for
large enterprises which have a warehouse – if you are interested the
gory details are at https://shipping.amazon.co.uk/you-grow-we-deliver

I imagine the service must use packaging and labels with Amazon branding
all over them

[Theo]

Post by Abandoned Trolley

Post by Simon

Post by Mike Fleming

Post by Julian Macassey
I don't use ebay, I consider it a theives market.

I've used it for more than 3000 transactions. Things have gone wrong
occasionally, I've used the seller's own returns system in most cases,
Ebay has sorted out the rest. What do you base your consideration on?

My issue today is it seems halfway between Amazon and Ali Express, the prices
are too high and you can't trust the listings. Admittedly I would be looking as
IT stuff where things like advertised capacity is easily faked.

So ... use the sliders on the left of the screen to show only the stuff
within your budget
Generally speaking, I would say that the search facilities on eBay are
miles ahead of anything on Amazon - one of the more irritating examples
being the "Delivered By Amazon" check box which displays a load of stuff
which "cannot be delivered to an Amazon Locker"
Also, my experience is that stuff which is "easily faked" can just as
easily be returned

You have to understand the search facilities on Amazon are the best for
them, not the best for you. They are chock full of 'dark patterns'.
I have a few tricks to make it work for me.

First of all, know that Amazon will never say 'that's all we have', they'll
fill your search will irrelevant junk. The key is to notice and stop
scrolling at the point.

Second, sort by price doesn't work because it includes all the irrelevant
junk. So don't use it. What I do is manipulate the search terms to filter
by price, something their UI doesn't fully let you do.

So here's what I do to search for generic items:

0. Start with the desktop website, not the mobile one. They remove various
things from the mobile site - use 'view in desktop mode' on a phone.

1. Search for something... let's say 'sink plunger'. Results show up,
organised by how much they've paid Amazon to appear.

2. In the price slider on the LHS, slide the maximum price to some value.
They often won't let it go low enough (here it won't go below £9), but it
doesn't matter what the number you slide to. I selected £86. Click Go.

3. Edit the URL. If you've just moved the slider to £86 I see
'&high-price=86' on the end. Change the '86' to some lower number, let's
say 2. Press Enter.

4. Now I have a list of sink plugers under £2. There are two, both for
doll's houses, and some irrelevant junk. (it's now lost the &high-price
from the end of the URL, but no matter)

5. Those are no good so repeat steps 2 and 3 with a higher number, let's say
4. Now we have some hits, but they're all on long shipping times (dropship
from China probably) and some have extra postage to pay.

6. Repeat step 2/3 with high-price=6 and there are some more available for
fast shipping. If I tick 'all Prime' it cuts down the 1000 hits (many of
them irrelevant) to 60, all of which can be delivered this week. Only about
33 of them are actually sink plungers, the rest are junk.

7. Keep tweaking until you find something you want to buy.

Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.

Theo

[Abandoned Trolley]

Post by Theo
You have to understand the search facilities on Amazon are the best for
them, not the best for you. They are chock full of 'dark patterns'.
I have a few tricks to make it work for me.
First of all, know that Amazon will never say 'that's all we have', they'll
fill your search will irrelevant junk. The key is to notice and stop
scrolling at the point.
Second, sort by price doesn't work because it includes all the irrelevant
junk. So don't use it. What I do is manipulate the search terms to filter
by price, something their UI doesn't fully let you do.
0. Start with the desktop website, not the mobile one. They remove various
things from the mobile site - use 'view in desktop mode' on a phone.
1. Search for something... let's say 'sink plunger'. Results show up,
organised by how much they've paid Amazon to appear.
2. In the price slider on the LHS, slide the maximum price to some value.
They often won't let it go low enough (here it won't go below £9), but it
doesn't matter what the number you slide to. I selected £86. Click Go.
3. Edit the URL. If you've just moved the slider to £86 I see
'&high-price=86' on the end. Change the '86' to some lower number, let's
say 2. Press Enter.
4. Now I have a list of sink plugers under £2. There are two, both for
doll's houses, and some irrelevant junk. (it's now lost the &high-price
from the end of the URL, but no matter)
5. Those are no good so repeat steps 2 and 3 with a higher number, let's say
4. Now we have some hits, but they're all on long shipping times (dropship
from China probably) and some have extra postage to pay.
6. Repeat step 2/3 with high-price=6 and there are some more available for
fast shipping. If I tick 'all Prime' it cuts down the 1000 hits (many of
them irrelevant) to 60, all of which can be delivered this week. Only about
33 of them are actually sink plungers, the rest are junk.
7. Keep tweaking until you find something you want to buy.
Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.
Theo

That might be a lot of fun if you have a PhD in computer science, but it
SHOULD be easy enough for my wife to use (after all, she is the "Senior
Shopper" in the building) - and in any case the comparisons with eBay
are a bit pointless.

eBay is primarily an auction site, with lots of used items on it, which
also happens to directly sell a lot of other (mostly new) stuff.

It’s also a place where I can easily sell a lot of my unwanted old junk

Also, prior to selling my old junk, I can check the actual hammer price
of similar bits of old junk before I list them

As you say, the Amazon search algorithm suits THEM but irritates me
because it shows a load of unrelated shite on account of their aversion
to empty screens - whereas eBay searches appear (to me) to be more refined.

But .. since they are not mutually exclusive I can use whichever one I
like – I have a Temu account as well, and a Tesco Club Card :-\

[Theo]

Post by Abandoned Trolley

Post by Theo
Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.

That might be a lot of fun if you have a PhD in computer science, but it
SHOULD be easy enough for my wife to use (after all, she is the "Senior
Shopper" in the building) - and in any case the comparisons with eBay
are a bit pointless.

If the comparison is between native Amazon where it's highly likely Amazon
will rip you off (unless you know the dark pattern tricks), and ebay where
the seller might try to rip you off but you can ask ebay to step in, go with
ebay every time.

Post by Abandoned Trolley
eBay is primarily an auction site, with lots of used items on it, which
also happens to directly sell a lot of other (mostly new) stuff.

ebay has long not been primarily an auction site. Its bread and butter for
the last decade+ is new items on fixed prices, just like any online store.
Auctions are a tiny part of their market nowadays, although more common
where used items are being sold - you can entirely avoid auctions if you
want to. Luckily the ebay filters are good.

Post by Abandoned Trolley
It’s also a place where I can easily sell a lot of my unwanted old junk
Also, prior to selling my old junk, I can check the actual hammer price
of similar bits of old junk before I list them

Indeed. It's nice that both functions are on the same marketplace, but
they're different. eg when buying car parts I filter by 'used' if I want an
OEM original from a scrapyard or 'new' if I want an aftermarket one from a
parts distributor. Filtering by 'used' can often get rid of some of the
China-junk-UK-warehouse stuff which often plagues the lower tiers of
sort-by-price even if only showing UK sources.

Post by Abandoned Trolley
As you say, the Amazon search algorithm suits THEM but irritates me
because it shows a load of unrelated shite on account of their aversion
to empty screens - whereas eBay searches appear (to me) to be more refined.

Indeed. And knowing the advanced search terms like
"word phrase" (alternatives,variations,options) -without

are very handy.

Post by Abandoned Trolley
But .. since they are not mutually exclusive I can use whichever one I
like – I have a Temu account as well, and a Tesco Club Card :-\

Yep :)

[Richard Robinson]

Post by Theo

Post by Abandoned Trolley
eBay is primarily an auction site, with lots of used items on it, which
also happens to directly sell a lot of other (mostly new) stuff.

ebay has long not been primarily an auction site. Its bread and butter for
the last decade+ is new items on fixed prices, just like any online store.
Auctions are a tiny part of their market nowadays, although more common
where used items are being sold - you can entirely avoid auctions if you
want to. Luckily the ebay filters are good.

I use ebay mostly for books I'd like to read. I read too many for it to
make sense to ohl them when there's always Something That Might Be
Interesting in the public library. But if there is a particular thing I
want[1], open a search tab on ebay for it and refresh every week or two,
one usually turns up eventually "£1.99 free p&p used" sortathing.

[1] Which reminds me: I want to reread Carlo Rovelli's "Reality is not
what it seems". ... clicketty-click ... "£3.99 Buy it now Free delivery".
*And* someone pushed the donations button on my website a couple of days
ago, so paypal. TYVM.

[Simon]

Post by Theo
Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.

We have no real local shops and things like hardware and computer stuff is an
hour away, Amazon still offer next day delivery and free returns, it's a
no-brainer.

[Jim the Geordie]

Post by Simon

Post by Theo
Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.

We have no real local shops and things like hardware and computer stuff is an
hour away, Amazon still offer next day delivery and free returns, it's a
no-brainer.

It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:05:08 +0000

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by Simon

Post by Theo
Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.

We have no real local shops and things like hardware and computer stuff is an
hour away, Amazon still offer next day delivery and free returns, it's a
no-brainer.

It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

This was being done in the 80's - (pre-amazon)
Commuterland, no community. What could possibly go wrong? (Early days; no
disaffected teenagers - yet).

[Julian Macassey]

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by Simon

Post by Theo
Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.

We have no real local shops and things like hardware and computer stuff is an
hour away, Amazon still offer next day delivery and free returns, it's a
no-brainer.

It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

[John Williamson]

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

[Julian Macassey]

On Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:56:31 +0000, John Williamson

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

There were a rash of new towns created after WWII. Milton
Keynes was not one of the new towns created after WWII. It was
created in 1967, no doubt unserstanding the lessons learned in the
40s and 50s.

The early new towns gave birth to the "New Town Blues" and
"Cockney Siberia"

The early New Towns were created between 1946 and 1950,
they lacked amenities and a soul.

[Chris Elvidge]

Post by Julian Macassey
On Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:56:31 +0000, John Williamson

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

There were a rash of new towns created after WWII. Milton
Keynes was not one of the new towns created after WWII. It was
created in 1967, no doubt unserstanding the lessons learned in the
40s and 50s.
The early new towns gave birth to the "New Town Blues" and
"Cockney Siberia"
The early New Towns were created between 1946 and 1950,
they lacked amenities and a soul.

Oh dear, what can the matter be?
Some silly bugger has sent us to Hattersley.
We've been up Hattersley three weeks on Saturday.
Oh how I wish we weren't here!

(Sung to the expected tune)
(Prob. written/sung by Mike Harding (or perhaps The Oldham Tinkers))

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Julian Macassey
On Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:56:31 +0000, John Williamson

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

There were a rash of new towns created after WWII. Milton
Keynes was not one of the new towns created after WWII. It was
created in 1967, no doubt unserstanding the lessons learned in the
40s and 50s.
The early new towns gave birth to the "New Town Blues" and
"Cockney Siberia"
The early New Towns were created between 1946 and 1950,
they lacked amenities and a soul.

Supposedly, with coal kept int' bidet? :-D

[Sn!pe]

Nicholas D. Richards <***@salmiron.com> wrote:

[Julian]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Julian Macassey
The early new towns gave birth to the
"New Town Blues" and "Cockney Siberia"
The early New Towns were created between
1946 and 1950, they lacked amenities and a soul.

Supposedly, with coal kept int' bidet? :-D

Did people not wash their feet in those days?
I suppose that's [ahem] a social strata thingie.

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Sn!pe
[Julian]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Julian Macassey
The early new towns gave birth to the
"New Town Blues" and "Cockney Siberia"
The early New Towns were created between
1946 and 1950, they lacked amenities and a soul.

Supposedly, with coal kept int' bidet? :-D

Did people not wash their feet in those days?
I suppose that's [ahem] a social strata thingie.

You mean to polish your clogs in?

[Richard Robinson]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Sn!pe
[Julian]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Julian Macassey
The early new towns gave birth to the
"New Town Blues" and "Cockney Siberia"
The early New Towns were created between
1946 and 1950, they lacked amenities and a soul.

Supposedly, with coal kept int' bidet? :-D

Did people not wash their feet in those days?
I suppose that's [ahem] a social strata thingie.

You mean to polish your clogs in?

They 'ad *feet* ?

[Hymermut]

Post by Julian Macassey
On Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:56:31 +0000, John Williamson

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

There were a rash of new towns created after WWII. Milton
Keynes was not one of the new towns created after WWII. It was
created in 1967, no doubt unserstanding the lessons learned in the
40s and 50s.
The early new towns gave birth to the "New Town Blues" and
"Cockney Siberia"
The early New Towns were created between 1946 and 1950,
they lacked amenities and a soul.

And yet the 'garden' cities and towns like Welwyn and Letchworth were
built at the turn of the 19C after New Earwick as a model, built by the
Quaker Rountrees for their employees in York.

Tone

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:13:00 +0000

Post by Hymermut

Post by Julian Macassey
On Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:56:31 +0000, John Williamson

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

There were a rash of new towns created after WWII. Milton
Keynes was not one of the new towns created after WWII. It was
created in 1967, no doubt unserstanding the lessons learned in the
40s and 50s.
The early new towns gave birth to the "New Town Blues" and
"Cockney Siberia"
The early New Towns were created between 1946 and 1950,
they lacked amenities and a soul.

And yet the 'garden' cities and towns like Welwyn and Letchworth were
built at the turn of the 19C after New Earwick as a model, built by the
Quaker Rountrees for their employees in York.

So probably no pubs at all. Bound to end in tears.

[John Williamson]

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:13:00 +0000

Post by Hymermut
And yet the 'garden' cities and towns like Welwyn and Letchworth were
built at the turn of the 19C after New Earwick as a model, built by the
Quaker Rountrees for their employees in York.

So probably no pubs at all. Bound to end in tears.

The residents of Bournville, set up by the Quaker Cadbury family for
their workers at about the same time still has a complete prohibition on
alcohol sales in the local shops and no pub were asked recently to
approve such sales. The ban is still in place.

https://secretbirmingham.com/bournville-dry-village/

Tciao for Now!

John.

[Hymermut]

Post by John Williamson

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:13:00 +0000

Post by Hymermut
And yet the 'garden' cities and towns like Welwyn and Letchworth were
built at the turn of the 19C after New Earwick as a model, built by the
Quaker Rountrees for their employees in York.

So probably no pubs at all. Bound to end in tears.

The residents of Bournville, set up by the Quaker Cadbury family for
their workers at about the same time still has a complete prohibition on
alcohol sales in the local shops and no pub were asked recently to
approve such sales. The ban is still in place.
https://secretbirmingham.com/bournville-dry-village/
Tciao for Now!
John.

It is in New Earswick too. Letchworth had a pub that wasn't licensed to
sell alcohol!

"The fact that Letchworth had a pub – the Skittles Inn – that wasn’t
licensed to serve alcohol created much ridicule. Opened in 1907, it
became known as the “pub with no beer” and offered “fellowship, rest and
recreation” for workers, with non-alcoholic drinks like Cydrax (a
non-alcoholic apple wine), Bournville’s Drinking Chocolate, Tea and
Sarsparilla served at the bar."

https://pastinthepresent.net/2014/12/18/drinking-in-letchworths-tee-total-history-in-search-of-the-worlds-first-garden-city/

Tone

[Abandoned Trolley]

Post by Hymermut
It is in New Earswick too. Letchworth had a pub that wasn't licensed to
sell alcohol!

When I worked in the area during the 80s, there was a cafe on an
industrial estate there which was closed at lunch time

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Sun, 23 Mar 2025 19:55:06 +0000

Post by Hymermut

Post by John Williamson

Post by Kerr-Mudd, John
On Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:13:00 +0000

Post by Hymermut
And yet the 'garden' cities and towns like Welwyn and Letchworth were
built at the turn of the 19C after New Earwick as a model, built by the
Quaker Rountrees for their employees in York.

So probably no pubs at all. Bound to end in tears.

The residents of Bournville, set up by the Quaker Cadbury family for
their workers at about the same time still has a complete prohibition on
alcohol sales in the local shops and no pub were asked recently to
approve such sales. The ban is still in place.
https://secretbirmingham.com/bournville-dry-village/
Tciao for Now!
John.

It is in New Earswick too. Letchworth had a pub that wasn't licensed to
sell alcohol!
"The fact that Letchworth had a pub – the Skittles Inn – that wasn’t
licensed to serve alcohol created much ridicule. Opened in 1907, it
became known as the “pub with no beer” and offered “fellowship, rest and
recreation” for workers, with non-alcoholic drinks like Cydrax (a
non-alcoholic apple wine), Bournville’s Drinking Chocolate, Tea and
Sarsparilla served at the bar."
https://pastinthepresent.net/2014/12/18/drinking-in-letchworths-tee-total-history-in-search-of-the-worlds-first-garden-city/

There's still (at least just post-covid) Temperance Hotel

Ah: (just an inn)

https://www.cautleyspout.co.uk/

I visited during Restrictions, we had to sit outside. Shame, as it looks
like an Historic Interior.

[Mike Fleming]

Post by John Williamson
The residents of Bournville, set up by the Quaker Cadbury family for
their workers at about the same time still has a complete prohibition on
alcohol sales in the local shops and no pub were asked recently to
approve such sales. The ban is still in place.
https://secretbirmingham.com/bournville-dry-village/

There is a social club in Bournville which serves alcohol. My old band
played there about 15 years ago.

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Hymermut

Post by Julian Macassey
On Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:56:31 +0000, John Williamson

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

There were a rash of new towns created after WWII. Milton
Keynes was not one of the new towns created after WWII. It was
created in 1967, no doubt unserstanding the lessons learned in the
40s and 50s.
The early new towns gave birth to the "New Town Blues" and
"Cockney Siberia"
The early New Towns were created between 1946 and 1950,
they lacked amenities and a soul.

And yet the 'garden' cities and towns like Welwyn and Letchworth were
built at the turn of the 19C after New Earwick as a model, built by the
Quaker Rountrees for their employees in York.
Tone

And even earlier, at the end of the 18th Century New Lanark. By 18th
century standards, built to a high standard for industrial artisan
dwellings of the time.

In the middle of the nineteenth century there was Saltaire, which was/is
a complete town with all the usual facilities although it was a
'company' town with all that implies.

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Sun, 23 Mar 2025 21:42:05 +0000

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Hymermut

Post by Julian Macassey
On Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:56:31 +0000, John Williamson

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

There were a rash of new towns created after WWII. Milton
Keynes was not one of the new towns created after WWII. It was
created in 1967, no doubt unserstanding the lessons learned in the
40s and 50s.
The early new towns gave birth to the "New Town Blues" and
"Cockney Siberia"
The early New Towns were created between 1946 and 1950,
they lacked amenities and a soul.

And yet the 'garden' cities and towns like Welwyn and Letchworth were
built at the turn of the 19C after New Earwick as a model, built by the
Quaker Rountrees for their employees in York.
Tone

And even earlier, at the end of the 18th Century New Lanark. By 18th
century standards, built to a high standard for industrial artisan
dwellings of the time.
In the middle of the nineteenth century there was Saltaire, which was/is
a complete town with all the usual facilities although it was a
'company' town with all that implies.

Not at all (no pubs, as per Quaker rules); but now there is a brewery
and tap!

Post by Nicholas D. Richards
--
"Où sont les neiges d'antan?"

[Simon]

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

But how many wished they live in where ever and wish they did not.

I wish I did not live here, but then where do I realistically wish I
lived?

[Simon]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

But how many wished they live in where ever and wish they did not.
I wish I did not live here, but then where do I realistically wish I
lived?

Maybe I am odd, I am happy where I am and glad we picked it. :-)

[Tease'n'Seize]

Post by Simon
Maybe I am odd, I am happy where I am and glad we picked it.

I'm happy here, but I wish I could have the previous neighbours back ...

[Simon]

Post by Tease'n'Seize

Post by Simon
Maybe I am odd, I am happy where I am and glad we picked it.

I'm happy here, but I wish I could have the previous neighbours back ...

Yes I can appreciate that, the neighbours can make the place a lot nicer :-)

[Peter]

Post by Simon

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson

On Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:05:08 +0000, Jim the Geordie

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops,
no pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each
area. That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

But how many wished they live in where ever and wish they did not.
I wish I did not live here, but then where do I realistically wish I
lived?

Maybe I am odd

+1 [1]

Post by Simon
I am happy where I am

+1 [2]

Post by Simon
and glad we picked it.

+yet another 1

[1] no "maybe" about it in my case
[2] NE Hants

[Simon]

Post by Peter

Post by Simon

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson

On Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:05:08 +0000, Jim the Geordie

Post by Jim the Geordie
It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops,
no pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each
area. That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

But how many wished they live in where ever and wish they did not.
I wish I did not live here, but then where do I realistically wish I
lived?

Maybe I am odd

+1 [1]

Post by Simon
I am happy where I am

+1 [2]

Post by Simon
and glad we picked it.

+yet another 1
[1] no "maybe" about it in my case
[2] NE Hants

It seems I didn't need the maybe either :-)

[John Williamson]

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

A lot of the people who live in Bourton on the Water wish they didn't as
well.

People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

[Abandoned Trolley]

Post by John Williamson
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

My father was only happy when he was miserable

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Sat, 22 Mar 2025 14:35:19 +0000

Post by Abandoned Trolley

Post by John Williamson
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

My father was only happy when he was miserable

I vaguely recall someone's catch phrase being 'it's being so cheerful
that keeps me going"

Ethel Glumm?

[Simon]

Post by John Williamson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

A lot of the people who live in Bourton on the Water wish they didn't as
well.
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

[John Williamson]

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

Because when they do, they know they'll end up being miserable there as
well?

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:10:07 +0000

Post by John Williamson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

Because when they do, they know they'll end up being miserable there as
well?

After a certain age, or maybe just settling on a viewpoint, the grass is
seen to be browner everywhere you look.

[Sam Plusnet]

Post by John Williamson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

Because when they do, they know they'll end up being miserable there as
well?

Some people want to move to some holiday place, where they had a really
good time. If they do manage to do that, they find that real life moves
in with them and it isn't at all like being on a permanent holiday.

[Simon]

Post by John Williamson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

Because when they do, they know they'll end up being miserable there as
well?

Haha, yes true, some people are not happy, location does not matter :-)

[Richard Robinson]

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

A lot of the people who live in Bourton on the Water wish they didn't as
well.
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

They have wbof to go to ?

[Simon]

Post by Richard Robinson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

A lot of the people who live in Bourton on the Water wish they didn't as
well.
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

They have wbof to go to ?

I suppose, I changed to WFH and moved somewhere sunny and cheaper.

[Mark P. Nelson]

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

A lot of the people who live in Bourton on the Water wish they didn't as
well.
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

I moved to California, and I'm happy here.

[Nicholas D. Richards]

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

A lot of the people who live in Bourton on the Water wish they didn't as
well.
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

Unless you are like Drump you will not live in the place you most want!

Work, finance, family preferences, health considerations etc decide
where you can live.

[Simon]

Post by Nicholas D. Richards

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson

Post by Simon

Post by John Williamson
Obviously. Milton Keynes had a block of shops and a pub in each area.
That seems to work quite well.

but it always seems the people who live there wish they did not. /shrug

A lot of the people who live in Bourton on the Water wish they didn't as
well.
People in the UK all have the same superpower, they can be miserable
wherever they live.

True, I don't understand why people don't move to where they want?

Unless you are like Drump you will not live in the place you most want!
Work, finance, family preferences, health considerations etc decide
where you can live.

We moved to a place that was warm but not hot, we picked it purely for the
average temperature and the number of hours sun. I hope I am nothing like Sñr
Cheeto. :-(

[Bernard Peek]

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by Simon

Post by Theo
Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.

We have no real local shops and things like hardware and computer stuff is an
hour away, Amazon still offer next day delivery and free returns, it's a
no-brainer.

It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

They were fine in their day. Wigan has knocked down the shopping-centre that
they knocked down the Casino nightclub to build. More than half of the shops
in it had been empty since before Covid. That put the tin lid on it when
WFH became acceptable and town centres emptied out. All the sandwich-bars
became nail-bars.

[Kerr-Mudd, John]

On 22 Mar 2025 14:27:41 GMT

Post by Bernard Peek

Post by Julian Macassey

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by Simon

Post by Theo
Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.

We have no real local shops and things like hardware and computer stuff is an
hour away, Amazon still offer next day delivery and free returns, it's a
no-brainer.

It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

Obviously we learned nothing from the post WWII New Towns.

They were fine in their day. Wigan has knocked down the shopping-centre that
they knocked down the Casino nightclub to build. More than half of the shops
in it had been empty since before Covid. That put the tin lid on it when
WFH became acceptable and town centres emptied out. All the sandwich-bars
became nail-bars.

I know things are rough Up North, but Nail Bars? that's sounds harder than
tattoo "parlours".

see "Going Postal:
https://wiki.lspace.org/Back_Street_Pins


Dave Stamper is "strictly pins".

[Simon]

Post by Jim the Geordie

Post by Simon

Post by Theo
Even better is not to order from Amazon than do this rigmarole, but if you
have Prime the ability to get a small item *tomorrow* for sure (or today, in
some cases) with no postage to pay is unmatched, especially if you have no
local shops you can get one from.

We have no real local shops and things like hardware and computer stuff is an
hour away, Amazon still offer next day delivery and free returns, it's a
no-brainer.

It's the way of the world.
Round here they are building vast housing estates with no shops, no
pubs. Amazon's dream.

We have lots of bars and restaurants, so covered there. At least that's
something I suppose :-)

[D]

Post by D
Another indicator can be to look through the settings and see if 5G is
present there.

It does not always show if the SIM is not 5G capable. That is why I had to
get my SIM replaced last time I upgraded my phone.

Got point. I will be sure to remember that when the time comes. Hopefully
my wonderful 4g nokia dumbphone will last another 2-4 years before I will
be forced to upgrade.

[John Williamson]

Post by Jim the Geordie
I've just spent the best part of a day transferring my data from a 4G
phone to what I bought as a new 5G model.
I thought I'd better check it out, and I think I have accidentally or
deliberately been sent a 4G model.
Just so I don't feel a fool in getting in touch with the seller -
When I disconnect from Wi-Fi a little 4G appears with two arrows and
Network mode also only shows LTE/3G/2G
Am I correct?
I can return it, but it's just a faff.
(Originally sent to comp.mobile.android group, but it's usually empty.)

First, check that there is 5G coverage where you are, then check that
your SIM is 5G capable. If, like me, you have been using the same SIM in
your last few phones, it may not have the necessary codes on it to
access 5G.

All the networks have coverage maps available, linked to from here:-

https://5g.co.uk/coverage/