The new meter is fine. Like many customers, I was angry to have to spend so much money on another model when the first model worked just fine. But I need to be able to test my blood regularly. The second model of the meter works just like the first model - but the test strips are supremely frustrating. 1) The strips are very challenging to tear open. I have to use scissors; but I'm not often testing in a place where scissors are handy. 2) The strips are super hard to remove from the packaging in such a way as to keep the end of the strip untouched. 3) I am am trying to improve my health (which affects my dexterity) and the strips are keeping me from using the meter properly and with ease. It makes me cranky every time I have to test. 4) I wonder if customers with joint damage or arthritis would be able to access the strips at all. 4) The former packaging of the strips (in the canisters) seemed less impactful on the environment. In short, please package the strips in a more accessable way.