After set up

[Jazzman]

Possible stupid question but after you set up the Echo through your tablet/smart phone do you need to have the tablet/smart phone switched on all the time to use Echo?
  As an older person I am tempted to buy one of these but do not want to have to switch on my tablet/smart phone each time I want to use Echo.
  Thanks in advance for any replies

[bubbacable]

Once the Echo has been set up, the mobile/app doesn't really play a role anymore.
You can switch off the App or even the Tablet/Mobile.

I have even powered off the Echo, and turned it back on; it retains it's settings. So you're good.

Of course, were you ever to move this Echo to say another house/wifi system, you'd need to app to configure it again.

[Jazzman]

Thank you for your help I will go ahead and  get one, Thanks again