E-mail service, printer for people sans computer is well conceived

BOSTON — By offering technology that allows people without computers to read e-mail, Presto Services Inc. took on a bold challenge. Yet Presto and its Internet-connected printer that spits out the e-mails are remarkably well conceived.

I tested this service with my grandparents in California, ages 86 and 87, and thought of it as a dual experiment. While putting Presto through its paces, I wanted to see how people tuned to slower social rhythms felt about becoming more connected to today's constantly firing communications culture.

This is not a complete transformation, since Presto is one-way: Recipients get printed e-mails but have no keyboard or computer screen for responding. For that reason, my grandfather told me he didn't think he'd enjoy Presto.

But it turned out that even being brought part way into the e-mail fold — which meant a steadier stream of photos of their three great-grandchildren — was elating. Ultimately, my grandfather delivered such an effusive verdict that I suspect even Presto would tone his comments down in an advertisement, for believability's sake.

So let's just put it this way: They liked it so much I'm going to pay Presto to keep them on as customers (it's generally $100 for the printer, plus $10 a month or $100 a year for the e-mail service).

Here's how it works. First someone orders Presto's color printer — likely someone on the Web-connected side of the equation, since this is available mainly online, at least for now. (It also can be ordered by phone.)

The "Printing Mailbox" printer is custom-made for Presto by Hewlett-Packard Co. It is simplified so it has a just a few buttons — including volume controls, since the printer chimes when it has delivered something.

It's pretty easy to get it going. The printer has to be plugged into an outlet and an active phone jack, and fed with the ink cartridge and plain white paper. (Twenty sheets are included.)

I had one ready within 15 minutes of opening the box. My grandfather needed a bit more time when he set his up, because it wasn't clear to him at first where the lone ink cartridge went.

Either before or after the printer is running, the Web-connected friend or relative uses Presto's Web site to activate the recipient's service. In addition to e-mail, Presto can deliver newspaper columns, recipes and puzzles.