On Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:40:14 -0800 (PST), Mizter T
wrote:

[itso smart system branching out]

Anyway, when it comes to buying low value items (apart from local
fares where Oyster is a boon), I've never had any particular issues
with using cash! From Mondex onwards, cashless payment systems for
small purchases seems to have been regarded as the holy grail (see all
the notions of cashless payment by mobile or 'm-payments') - I wonder
if it isn't just technology desperately looking for a use...

Take a look at the now very wide spread of uses and companies involved
in Octopus in Hong Kong. Also look at the interesting way the "card" is
marketed.

http://www.octopuscards.com/consumer/en/index.jsp

I think we have a very long way to go to get near this sort of
widespread use. I shall be getting an Octopus in a week's time and this
time I might well be tempted to use it for something other than travel
just to see how convenient it is.
--
Paul C