Mrs. Kunilou’s parents are in their 70s, and her mother doesn’t want to use a computer for fear she’ll blow it up. But she does like the idea of e-mail to keep in touch with the kids and grandkids. I’ve heard of systems that include a small terminal and e-mail account for a low equipment cost and monthly fee. Does anyone know anything about them?
Or, you can tell her it isn’t a computer, it’s an email device. That way, when she discovers big band mp3 or a WWII chat room, she can.
I don’t know much about them, but you may want to check out the i-opener by Netpliance. They sell for $100 and monthly service is $22.
I’m sure there are a bunch of others around as well.
I-phone too. Our phone comp, Pac Bell has one of their own for $10 month & 120 for the box. So ask your phone comp first.
Here’s another one http://www.mailstation.com/details.html
The i-opener is a good idea. That way when Granny becomes a linux hacker she can hack it into a full-on linux box!
There was another (hackable) network appliance type think called a WebSurfer, but I think they blew the business model and stopped selling them.
I believe Netpliance now requires you to subscribe to their connection service if you buy an i-opener. No more $100 Linux boxes. Still, even with their service charge, it seems reasonable enough.
Is WebTV still around? That may be a good choice here as well, though I’m sure the i-opener has a much better display.
Some of them have a touch screen this is pretty neat.
Also, Im pretty sure Iopener has been changed so you can’t hack it.