layz

BA's lounge computers need an urgent software update and as far as I know it's not possible to use your own laptop to print in LHR (although some more recently refurbished lounges has wifi printers).

The current lounge computers have a very old version of Internet Explorer that won't load Google Apps (including Gmail) correctly. It also doesn't have any alternative browsers to use.

Most of the computers sit there unused probably due to a combination of them being almost unusable for modern web apps and people having their own devices.

So they could get away with having fewer computers and a WiFi capable printer so people can use their own devices. They should then keep the computers that they have up to date and offer at least one alternative browser. I think they should have a couple of Macs at least (I know there's no chance we'd get Linux!)
I know the dangers of using a public computer so I have a 2nd Gmail address that I just use if I need something forwarded to a public computer, this means if this account is compromised it won't affect my main account.

I forwarded a document to print off and was surprised that I was unable to access my attachment in gmail because of the outdated browser. I had no time to find a workaround.

headingwest

Does anybody actually use these computers? I thought they were just for show!

Anyway, by the sounds of it, most people here are more worried about keeping the champagne flowing.

layz

I've heard Raffles travels without a laptop and often uses facilities like this or hotel business centres to update headforpoints.com

As for me I tend to have to carry a laptop but it's great on the odd occasion that I don't, however, the lounge computers are the only way that I know of that you can print in the lounge.

For those two reasons it seems to make sense to have some sort of facility that's kept up to date.

In T5 the computers and champagne are close to each other so you can keep it flowing while you print!

Paralytic

Yes, and they print. And how they can print!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...o-manners.html

T8191

At the risk of going OT, has anyone found many 'public computers' that are well-maintained, capable and up to date?

I've managed OLCI in some creaky 'business enters', but never tried to do anything more complex than that.

dnajockey

The iMacs in the CDG CX lounge are pretty good!

FlyerTalker6245

Completely agree. I use them on most trips to print out a map of my destination and a hotel confirmation so that I've got it for when I land.

T8191

Hmmm ... I print all that stuff at home, and stick it in the travel wallet along with the OLCI BPs, at T-24.
Serious question ... why leave it until the last minute, especially when relying on someone else's IT system?
Not a dig, I assure you, just curious.

henners

When we do our annual big holiday, where typically we go somewhere and travel about, I print an info pack of hotel and travel reservations day-by-day. Each day we discard whatever's in the past, starting from a big stapled wodge, eventually reducing to just our return flight detail sheet.

At some point before we go, when I find myself passing through GF, I do the printing - I don't have a printer at home and I don't like doing bulk personal printing at work.

For me - a very useful, convenient perk of status.

As is - it's just an insurance against a lost smartphone.

T8191

Or a flat battery

It might be my age, but having all this stuff in hard copy is a great comfort blanket

But then we've had threads on that in the past!

layz

I'm extremely young (well same age as young KARFA ) so I don't see the need to print much. Therefore when my printer died I never got a new one, didn't see the need. I travel through Heathrow enough to use their facilities on the rare occasions I need it.

As a freelancer I don't like using the printer in a clients office unless my printing is work related.

nobbyclark

I use one each week in the FLounge to buy tickets on the Swedish rail site and print them out. Sometimes when the lounge is full, it is the only place you can get a seat.

KARFA

angeloedades

I have to say the T5 GC South computers are fine for what I need them to do.

Was able to print some academic papers from journals and do some emails via gmail. I usually carry USB sticks with me anyway to transfer documents between my laptop and their desktop. Great for printing coursework

I guess it really depends on what you want it to do.

/AE

dc2447

computers aren't printers