The totally off-topic thread

[anat0l]

Maybe there would be a market for a travel nespresso machine ? So much better than Starbucks

Maybe there would be a market.

You could easily accommodate it in your USA-based hand carry allowance and still carry the kitchen sink. :mrgreen:

 

[markis10]

Nespresso actually sell a travel case for the smaller DeLonghi's. Took my Latissimo into the HI when we had two couples with us for Riverfire, it got a lot of use

 

[drron]

Sorry but I'm a coffee slob so I go to Starbucks-and in coming trip to NZ none of our hotels offer free internet!

 

[notzac]

I should also note that espresso coffee is a bit of a rarity here, too. (I mean, real strong espresso coffee.)

Most Americans wouldn't know good coffee if it hit them in the face
Side note -- last time I was in the US, I got this horrible addiction to the Starbucks "Doubleshot" mini can things. I feel so dirty thinking about it

 

[oz_mark]

Most Americans wouldn't know good coffee if it hit them in the face
Side note -- last time I was in the US, I got this horrible addiction to the Starbucks "Doubleshot" mini can things. I feel so dirty thinking about it

Ahh, but Starbucks is better than a lot of coffee in the US. So don't feel so bad.

 

[anat0l]

For some reason I have been unable to make calls whilst in the USA with my Optus Prepaid. I just logged onto Zoo, and it's telling me that roaming was turned off. Which is a surprise to me because AutoRoam is normally turned on by default, and had been like that for as long as I could remember (i.e. even when I went overseas last time, I didn't bother turning it on explicitly, and it just worked).

No expletive you could possibly think of could exceed the one that I was screaming inside when I found this out.

Of course, all of this doesn't explain how I could send SMS without any problem!

 

[samh004]

No expletive you could possibly think of could exceed the one that I was screaming inside when I found this out.

I turned on my Optus roaming on the way to the UK, and likewise had issues actually getting it turned on. Seems their website on/off buttons don’t actually work

I still wouldn’t shift because of the value I get out of them, but they have a shonky system.

 

[anat0l]

I turned on my Optus roaming on the way to the UK, and likewise had issues actually getting it turned on. Seems their website on/off buttons don’t actually work

I still wouldn’t shift because of the value I get out of them, but they have a shonky system.

Now that I think about it, it may be active but something is going wrong with my trying to use it.

I'm really lost because I can send SMS alright. Been sending SMS between both Australia and even to another international number, and both are fine. Trying to call has been the problem. I can't even call the Optus Prepaid special numbers (e.g. 555), although the special SMS number 9999 for account balance - you guessed it - works.

Optus seems to connect with AT&T whilst in East Coast America.

 

[drron]

Nearly went bald last night trying to activate my new Telstra modem-on hold then call would drop out.Why do they ask what you want when you enter details on the automated system first?Then why details of all your other accounts-hey its prepaid you ain't going to be ripped off.on the last attempt i just said no accounts-all in mrsdrron's name and then it was easy.
And on a less frustrating note-something else for plane buffs to see on the Coast-
Memorial for 1953 air crash | Sunshine Coast News | Local News in Sunshine Coast | The Sunshine Coast Daily

 

[oz_mark]

Nearly went bald last night trying to activate my new Telstra modem-on hold then call would drop out.Why do they ask what you want when you enter details on the automated system first?

When it drops out while you are talking to a 'consultant', they always put in the notes that you hung up on them!

 

[markis10]

Why telstra don't have an online system for prepaid I will never know.

 

[anat0l]

Why telstra don't have an online system for prepaid I will never know.

Not that Optus has a good one anyway, so there. Not sure about the smaller service providers out there.

 

[jsd]

Virgin's is pretty basic, some things like global roaming and plan changes need to be done over the phone, but it does the job.

 

[Sprucegoose]

For some reason I have been unable to make calls whilst in the USA with my Optus Prepaid. I just logged onto Zoo, and it's telling me that roaming was turned off. Which is a surprise to me because AutoRoam is normally turned on by default, and had been like that for as long as I could remember (i.e. even when I went overseas last time, I didn't bother turning it on explicitly, and it just worked).

No expletive you could possibly think of could exceed the one that I was screaming inside when I found this out.

Of course, all of this doesn't explain how I could send SMS without any problem!

The American telecom system is quite antiquated and uncompetitive. They also pay, on the balance, more than us in AUS.

Nothing surprises me there really. BTW roaming rarely works for us unless you ahve a BB.

Cheers

SPRUCE

 

[anat0l]

BTW roaming rarely works for us unless you ahve a BB.

I thought you were going to say iPhone.

 

[serfty]

Why telstra don't have an online system for prepaid I will never know.

There is ... log on with the 'phone number -some registration required. (I track my daughters calling with it.)

FWIW, I'm in SAN (With a red-eye to CLT shortly; not planned*). Anyway I just had a 10 minute call using the free wifi here to home (phone) using Skype - cost ~50¢

*Plan was MEL-xSYD-LAX,LAX-xPHX-xCLT-FLL, but PHX-xCLT was XLD! I could have had a red-eye PHX-CLT in Y with no seat pre-assignment but demurred. So now LAX-xPHX-xSAN-xCLT-FLL.:shock:

 

[anat0l]

FWIW, I'm in SAN (With a red-eye to CLT shortly; not planned). Anyway I just had a 10 minute call using the free wifi here to home (phone) using Skype - cost ~50¢

My call was actually intended for the credit card company, but I should really consider setting myself up with a Skype account loaded with credit. Or Google Talk.

I suppose your SAN-CLT flight is a US one. I had the pleasure of a red-eye with them the other day, except in Y (and a completely full Y cabin at that). Thankfully all the non-alcoholic stuff is free of charge (had a water and orange juice before trying to hit the sack). And the FAs did not attempt to curb their enthusiasm, so to speak, when they knew the most they would have to do is a quick service run, and then off with the lights, i.e. mostly an easy flight.

BTW which lounge are you enjoying now, if you are in one?

 

[drron]

Why telstra don't have an online system for prepaid I will never know.

Well update to my saga.plugged in the new modem this morning and it comes up with the message-this service has not been activated,
then goes on -you may activate on line at www.telstra.com.au/prepaidactivation
Go to that page and it comes up=Error 404.this page could not be found.
So ring again-i have the confirmation number but a record could not be found,so after 15 minutes on hold and 25 minutes talking hopefully it has been done.Find out tonight or tomorrow.

 

[samh004]

you may activate on line at www.telstra.com.au/prepaidactivation
Go to that page and it comes up=Error 404.this page could not be found.

Worked for me, try here:

https://www.telstra.com.au/telstrap...jfn?actionID=PREPAID_ACTIVATION&SMIDENTITY=NO

 

[MissBurrill]

So far the door bell has rung twice and no one has gotten up to even look through the spy hole. We're assuming trick or treaters and ignoring.