ChatGPT or Google search engines for advice

I use the free version but could be persuaded to pay for it. I don't use it very often ie less than once a week but it's excellent information and the way it's presented are very useful.

keepingquiet

Is it something you have to download?

No - just google ChatGPT and you can get in to it. It is free, but I subscribe as I use it a lot for images.

It is very clever as it remembers my medical and drug history and if I ask it a question it knows the context.

Maremia

I wonder when it will happen that one of us will actually be a GranChat instead of a real person? Could happen, as we are all anonymous.

Darn - I've been rumbled!!

I wonder when it will happen that one of us will actually be a GranChat instead of a real person? Could happen, as we are all anonymous.

Is it something you have to download?

I much prefer chart GPT to any of the others, it has a sense of humour and interacts more naturally. it's absolutely brilliant on some things. It's helped me write a couple of legal letters or get them just right And I thought I was good at letter writing, but it helped me get my money back! however none of them are completely reliable, They don't get everything right.

Luckygirl3

When I say the costs have been huge I meant environmentally as well as financially ... but that bit is done now.

Think I must use shorter simpler ?s on ChatGPT re my interest in buying a new/used car for disabled person 🤞

When I say the costs have been huge I meant environmentally as well as financially ... but that bit is done now.

Yes it is. I think that basically using AI is no more environmentally negative than using all the things we all take for granted daily.
The set up and training costs have been huge but they are basically done now.
I find it hugely useful. For example the sealing strip round my oven has broken. I went on to the website of the oven and searched for ages for the right section and got nowhere. I went onto ChatGPT, quoted the oven model and it came straight back with the part number and the parts phone number and I had it all sorted pronto.

keepingquiet

Occasionally defined as a few dozen times a day??

Is that by one person??

That’s my question…

Come back Luckygirl3 and Thank you for the comprehensive explanation

Occasionally defined as a few dozen times a day??

Is that by one person??

Here's what ChatGPT said about itself when asked about its environmental impact! ...

💬 A ChatGPT conversation (per short response)

Roughly 1–10 watt-hours (Wh) of electricity per query.

That’s about the same as running a low-energy light bulb for a few minutes.

☕ Boiling a kettle (1 litre of water)

Around 100–120 Wh.

So, one kettle boil ≈ 10–100 ChatGPT questions.

📧 Sending an email (without attachments)

About 0.3–4 g CO₂e (depending on servers and routing).

A ChatGPT response might be 2–10 g CO₂e — so a bit more than a simple email, but far less than video streaming.

📺 Streaming video

Watching 10 minutes of HD video uses around 100–200 Wh.

That’s equivalent to 10–50 ChatGPT responses.

✅ Bottom line:
Using me occasionally (a few dozen times a day) has an environmental impact closer to email or light browsing, much lower than video streaming, gaming, or household appliances. The training of the model was energy-intensive, but that’s a one-off cost spread across millions of users.

midgey

ChatGPT uses an awful lot of power and water……

They all do .......

In that case I have no desire to start using it.

ChatGPT uses an awful lot of power and water……

My Samsung phone has "Gemini" on it.

The advantage over just using Google is that you can ask secondary questions - so, ones I'd asked the original question I said "and where is this info from" and "is it reliable".

Sometimes it will say "people think" or "it is believed " and it's useful to know if that is an academic or a conspiracy type organisation!

Chat GPT was "trained" and it can "recall" info it has been trained on.
Yes, it's AI. Made by OpenAI - free to use

Is chatGPT the same as AI? If I google a question I also look at the AI answer, which can be helpful.

I don't even know how to use ChatGBT, or whatever its called.

Oops.
I've already said this!
Apologies!
🙄

My mother-in-law bought a nearly new automatic Jazz when she was in her 90s. She loved it.
We have it now.
Not my favourite car but certainly easy in-out!

Wow, 🙏 will process all of the above and try and get test drives - although just thinking of them, gives me anxiety.. but really need easy in/ out car

This is what Gemini says - I'm afraid it's rather long.

Key Features to Look For:
​*Easy Entry and Exit: This is often the most critical factor.
​*Seat Height: A car with a seat height that is roughly level with the person's hips when standing is ideal. This allows them to "swing" into the seat without having to climb up or stoop down. This is why many SUVs and crossovers are highly recommended.
​*Door Openings: Look for wide, tall, and square door openings. Shorter, lighter doors are also easier to handle than long, heavy ones, like those on a two-door coupe.
​*Accessibility Aids: Some cars can be easily adapted with features like swivel seats, transfer plates, or hoists to make getting in and out even easier.
​
Comfort:
​*Seating: Look for supportive seats with good lumbar support. Power-adjustable seats with memory settings can be a huge benefit, as can heated and ventilated seats for added comfort.

​Ride Quality:
*A smooth and comfortable ride is important, especially for those with joint pain or other conditions.

​Visibility:
​*Raised Driving Position: A higher seat offers a better view of the road, which can be a great confidence booster for older drivers.
​*Large Windows: Big windscreens and side windows make it easier to see all around the car.

​Safety and Technology:
​*Automatic Transmission: An automatic gearbox eliminates the need to use a clutch pedal, which can be a significant relief for those with knee or foot issues.
​*Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Features like reversing cameras, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist can greatly enhance safety and reduce driver strain.

​Easy-to-Use Controls:
*Simple, intuitive controls and large, clear infotainment screens are better than complicated systems with small buttons.

​Recommended Car Types and Models:
​1. Small SUVs and Crossovers:
This category is often the sweet spot for seniors with reduced mobility because they combine a comfortable, high seating position with a compact size that is easy to maneuver and park.

​-Honda CR-V: Known for reliability, a spacious cabin, and a comfortable ride.
​-Subaru Forester / Outback: Both offer excellent visibility due to their high seating position and large windows. The Outback has a low step-in height and wide doors.
​-Nissan Rogue (Qashqai in the UK): Provides a comfortable entry height and supportive, upright seating.
​-Hyundai Kona: Offers a high driving position and supportive seating.
​-Mazda CX-5: Designed with a ride height that facilitates easy access.
​-Volvo XC40: A premium, multi-award-winning option with a good ride height and easy access.
​-Toyota RAV4: A reliable choice with user-friendly controls and a spacious cabin.

​2. MPVs (Minivans):
For those who need to transport mobility equipment like a walker or a wheelchair, or require more space for passengers, minivans are a great option. Some even have sliding doors.

​-Honda Jazz: A popular choice because its "magic seats" can be folded flat for carrying mobility equipment. It also has a high seating position and wide-opening doors.
​-Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Rifter: These van-based MPVs are excellent for accessibility due to their boxy shape and low boot openings, which are ideal for loading wheelchairs.
​-Volkswagen Touran: A comfortable car with wide, high doors that are great for using swivel seats or car seat lifts.

​3. Small Hatchbacks:
If a smaller car is preferred, some hatchbacks are designed with accessibility in mind.

​-Honda Jazz: (Also listed above) Its design prioritizes easy entry and exit despite being a smaller car.
​-Toyota Yaris: A supermini that has a surprising amount of interior space and is a popular, reliable choice

MY thoughts -
Sorry this is so long.
My mother-in-law bought her Honda Jazz in her 90s and drove it happily for many years. It's an automatic.
We have it now.
I'm not a fan because I do prefer lower cars - though I admit it's easy in-out and very reliable.
I did ask Gemini where the info came from and they listed sources - Age UK, AA, RAC and the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers amongst others. I hadn't hears of this last one. It may be very helpful for other things!

Good luck.

…really..I thought you had to cut and paste? Bit confused 🫤

I find ChatGPT really good. If you google then you get lots of results to wade through. If you use ChatGPT they do the wading for you instantly.