Our family is pretty tech-savvy. We e-mail each other regularly, share photos online, and occasionally use webcams with distant relatives. However, if you have family members who simply can’t (or won’t) use a computer, the HP Presto system looks like a way to nudge them into the world of electronic communication. Well, at least at first glance.
Now before you read any further, it’s only fair to point out that I haven’t tried Presto and this post isn’t about the system itself, just the concept. Of course if HP wants to send me a demo unit, I’ll be happy to try it out and share my experiences.
Presto consists of two parts: a $10/month (or $100/year) internet service and the $150 HP Printing Mailbox, basically a specialized HP printer. Simply connect the printer to your phone line and it automatically prints a copy of any messages sent to your Presto e-mail address. Now I know what you’re thinking: What about SPAM? Don’t worry, HP’s got you covered. The Printing Mailbox will only print messages from people you select (and free content from the Presto service if you chose).
Presto sounds like a good idea at first but it’s not one without problems, despite HP’s claim that it “eliminates the cost and hassle of a computer and Internet account.” Ok, where to begin. First let’s examine the cost. True $150 up front and $100-120/year doesn’t sound too bad. But look what that gets you: a printer. Want to reply to an e-mail you’ve received. Sorry, you’re out of luck: this is strictly one-way. All it does is print what others send you. And let’s not forget the ink: The HP Printing Mailbox uses “standard HP print cartridges.” Cha-ching! Those babies add up.
But what about the hassles of owning a computer? Things like spyware, viruses and system updates are problems for all users, not just the tech-challenged. Surely Presto wins there, right? Well, sort of. It’s unlikely that the printer will fall victim to spyware or viruses and I’m sure Presto will handle any updates automatically. But what happens when the printer runs out of ink. If you don’t want to deal with the hassles of owning a computer, are you likely to be comfortable replacing ink cartridges? And let’s not forget managing the account settings for things like adding an e-mail address to the approved list? No problem, that’s done on the Presto website. So just go there and…oh wait, you’ll need a computer to do that. But I’m sure you have someone you can call for help…maybe a relative? =)
Really, I think the one saving grace of Presto is sharing digital photos. But photos look best when printed on inkjet photo paper. No problem: just load the Printing Mailbox with photo paper when you’re ready to print a photo and…oh right, it prints everything sent to it. So you either print everything on expensive paper or deal with reduced quality on your photos. Ok, I guess I can’t think of a saving grace.
So Presto doesn’t appear to be that special. Honestly, if you can think of someone who might be able to use Presto, then you can probably also think of several reasons why they shouldn’t (if not, feel free to use some of mine). But as I mentioned above, there are other options.
First, it is possible to set up your relatives with an inexpensive computer for safe, basic internet use. For about $300 you can get a computer that not only does e-mail (send AND receive), but can also play audio and video. Add dial-up internet access for $10/month and you’re set. Yes, this will cost more than the HP Printing Mailbox, but it’s much, much more useful. Of course, this will take a bit of work on your part and you will probably be called upon for tech support.
Second, if you just want to send photos, there are Internet-enabled picture frames that automatically update their display from pictures sent to a specific account (yes, also with a monthly fee). This might be a good option for people who really, really don’t like computers.
Finally, there’s the tried-and-true way to share messages and pictures: just mail them. Sure it requires a bit more work on your part, but it’s probably safe to say that even the most tech-challenged relatives know how to use the mailbox. 
[Presto via Gizmodo]