Benefits of Skype

My daughter and her partner have recently moved abroad. I know that with the advent of email, Facebook, Twitter and other stuff even half way around the world isn't as far as it used to be (!). Still - it's good to be able to speak to someone face-to-face. With Skype this is entirely possible. I had to purchase a new web cam - and went for a Logitech C270 - which had been recommended to me. It has it's own microphone and is up to 3.2 mega-pixel. After some fun and games installing it (it didn't like my Canon scanner), it is working fine, and the quality is great.

If you have anyone that you would like to actually see as you speak to them - I thoroughly recommend this system. Perhaps the biggest bonus of all is that Skype to Skype calls are free - even with pictures!

Blackcircles - Job Well Done

I was given a time to attend for my fitting - which is good. The fact that Google maps told me it would take 17 minutes was not accounting for the traffic in Bristol. An 8.30 appointment meant that I had to leave home at about 8 according to Google. I left at about 8 and arrived at 8.50. 

The garage that I chose for the fitting was Roadworthy - which was a good choice. They were very polite and efficient. I can recommend them (and no, I am not being paid for this :-)) The whole process was painless - and I saved a heap of money by not using my first - and most obvious choice of supplier. More than happy.

Buying Tyres - National vs. Blackcircle

I have always bought my tyres from National Tyres on the Bath Road in Bristol (close to where I live). However - I thought that I would try an alternative this time - as I need four new tyres for our car. I did the Internet thing for the tyres I wanted - Dunlop SP1s. The price from National was £435.30 fully fitted. That seemed a little steep to me - so I did a search and came up with www.blackcircles.com - who were offering the same four tyres, fully fitted, for £269.24 - that's a difference of £166.06. An added bonus is that Blackcircle also seem to give Tesco Clubcard points on their tyres - so I have gained over a thousand points on this transaction. I nominated a local fitting station to fit the tyres. It should happen next Thursday - so I will report back on the experience.