Thanks very much for writing about the Presto printing mailbox. I am Presto’s VP Marketing and wanted to say that we created Presto after conducting a tremendous amount of research with older Americans who are struggling with today’s technology. Although Presto may not be a product you would ever buy, you were never the intended user, either.

You mention that Presto assumes a one-way relationship. We would say it differently: we assume there is already a two-way relationship between family members, Presto just makes it easier for those who struggle with computers to be the beneficiaries of the richness of their extended families lives through digital photos and emails.

We would be the first to say that if someone can enjoy the rich interactions made possible by a computer, they should do so. We at Presto certainly do. But what about the part of the populace that is left out? Those who are afraid of technology and who have tried, and given up on bringing computers into their lives. Are they just out of luck? Are they relegated to snail mail and photo prints sent weeks after they were taken — or not at all — because it’s just too cumbersome for their kids and grandkids to revert to old school delivery methods?

The tens of thousands of Presto users tell us they resoundingly LOVE the product (just visit Amazon.com, search for Presto and see the reviews). All I would ask is for you and your readers to think about whom in your lives might enjoy getting emails and photos on a frequent basis without needing to learn how to use a PC, how to use Windows or Vista, how to use email, how to format photo attachments for printing, and how to operate a standard PC printer.

Using this technology is second nature to many of us, but there are MILLIONS of people for whom computers and email will never be an option. For them, we created Presto. And the big secret is, their tech-savvy kids and grandkids are the biggest beneficiaries because Presto makes it much easier to communicate with Mom/Grandma they way that THEY want to.

Bottom line: Presto is just a tool that’s purpose built for a specific audience. The audience of current Presto users love it. We hope that you’ll give it a try. Thanks again for your great blog.

Peter Radsliff, VP Marketing, Presto

I am in my mid-50s and bought a Jitterbug. Just wanted to say that I don’t mind paying for the phone and service they provide. I can make calls anytime I want – no roaming or long distance charges that I would get when traveling with my previous cell phone company. Also, there’s no contract so I can cancel whenever. I had to pay $250 to cancel my last service!

Thanks

Sue