Presto! The Perfect Gift for Grandparents Who Don't Have A Computer!

My Dad is ninety years old and has never owned or operated a computer. He lives in Oklahoma and I live in Michigan, and since he doesn't hear well either, this makes communication difficult. For years I wished that I could send him email and the cute, funny and even weird stuff I'd get on the internet. Sometimes I'd print it out and mail it, but it just wasn't the same.

Then I saw a TV ad about 'Presto'. It's basically a printer or fax machine that allows me to send Dad email! I sent him one for his birthday and he loves it.

The best part is there is no need for an internet connection; all that is needed is a landline phone and an electrical outlet! When it arrives, simply plug the phone line into a phone jack and plug the electrical cord into the wall!

I'm considered the 'administrator' and provide a list of approved email addresses. This way friends and family can send Dad emails and photos, but spammers cannot.

Presto also lets me know when the ink is low or the paper has run out. Once the machine was unplugged and Presto send me an email reminding us to plug it back in!

The messages print out three times a day. I choose the times, and this is great because Dad knows when to check his 'machine', since it's in a spare bedroom. This also means he's not worrying about checking it ten times a day (like most of us do with our email!).

Presto provides decorative templates for borders and special occasions and holidays. I rarely use these as I send a lot of photos and would rather use the ink for that.

The machine arrives with a small ink cartridge, but I recommend that you purchase a spare as the starter one doesn't last long. You can buy your ink or paper anywhere or from Presto, which delivers it. The difference in price isn't much no matter where you buy it and I find it more convenient to let Presto take care of it.

The machine costs about $100 and the service is $10 a month. I feel its well worth it to give Dad something to look forward too and to keep in touch.

This is a delivery system, so it's only one way. He can't send out messages from the machine, he only receives them. Maybe some day Presto will figure out a cheap and easy way to let messages be sent, but for now I'm just happy that I can share letters and emails with Dad!