Anybody actually own one of these? So, anybody with real-world experience on one of these? Pretty expensive, but could be nice for Grandma. Assuming, of course, they service stays connected and this thing doesn't flop. Anybody actually own one of these? So, anybody with real-world experience on one of these? Pretty expensive, but could be nice for Grandma. Assuming, of course, they service stays connected and... » Read More Anybody actually own one of these? So, anybody with real-world experience on one of these? Pretty expensive, but could be nice for Grandma. Assuming, of course, they service stays connected and this thing doesn't flop. « Show Less
1961183
Figured I'd shell out the yearly subscription up front, but since it seems like there is no user base its probably likely that the service won't last; which means that its not worth the up-front cost.
1961184
The user base is irrelevant. If one person had this, it would not require anybody else to have one. It's not like a fax machine where there has to be one on each end. The sending parties only need an email account. I think that the user base for email is pretty well established!
1961185
My mom is 90 and has used WebTV for over 10 years. The keyboard stunk, the service stunk, her mailbox was swamped with spam in spite of so-called "controls," she only used it for email and to follow an occasional link in our emails, and worst of all, she couldn't print anything out.We're getting this Presto critter for her birthday. If WebTV could hang around this long, I have extremely high hopes for this product. And she will be happy that she has hard copies and can phone her replies.
927302
This thing will be around a while I'm sure. The posts about it have pretty much all been positive (including my own!). As far as Gramma shelling out the moola for a sub. hey you bought it as a gift right? So buy her at least a year sub. to go with it!
1961186
I'm doubtful it will go under; it's a relatively inexpensive, reliable, safe from spam, easy to use way for elderly folks to stay connected. I'd be interested to know why you think there is no user base; it's been around for a few years now.
1961187
This is a brand new item to the market. I'll bet the user base will increase exponentially starting on Christmas day.
1961188
One of the ways a Presto user can add friends to the approved senders list is to pass out a "business card" that automatically prints out when the machine is activated. On these cards, there is an authorization code that allows someone to add themselves to the approved sender list (presumably they are a real friend otherwise the user wouldn't have given them a card). This may be the "code" that is referred to in the post below. Account managers can also add friends on the account manager web site. Also, Presto users can call the Presto customer service line toll-free to add friends at any time.Hope this helps,Peter RadsliffPresto CEO One of the ways a Presto user can add friends to the approved senders list is to pass out a "business card" that automatically prints out when the machine is activated. On these cards, there is an authorization code that allows someone to add themselves to the approved sender list (presumably they are a real friend otherwise the user wouldn't have given them a card). This may be the "code" that is referred to in the post below. Account managers can also add friends on the account manager web site. Also, Presto users can call the Presto customer service line toll-free to... » Read More One of the ways a Presto user can add friends to the approved senders list is to pass out a "business card" that automatically prints out when the machine is activated. On these cards, there is an authorization code that allows someone to add themselves to the approved sender list (presumably they are a real friend otherwise the user wouldn't have given them a card). This may be the "code" that is referred to in the post below. Account managers can also add friends on the account manager web site. Also, Presto users can call the Presto customer service line toll-free to add friends at any time.Hope this helps,Peter RadsliffPresto CEO « Show Less
1961189
I recently bought one of these for my mom. It's one of the best uses of technology I've seen. I highly recommend it, especially for folks who can't get their email by conventional means. My mother looks forward to every email.
975800
Hi,I bought this for my grandpa who lives out of state and as far as I know he hasn't had any issues. I would double check with someone who has used it personally or even the manufacturer. Good luck.
1753967
I don't own one, but I've extensively researched it online and "played" with it at BestBuy. If you need a compact, advanced, wireless laptop then I don't see how you could go wrong here. With VMFusion or Paralells, you can even run Windoze on it without rebooting. This is a sweet piece of technology.
1206909
It's been out for almost a year now as mentioned by some of the other responses. I will say though that I have not had any of the issues expressed. I bought the unit new as soon as it came out and haven't had any major issues that required a send back. I will say that it doesn't have the quickest boot time (~30-45 sec) and the GPS loses its recent history every once in a while but other than that it's a great unit. The GPS navigation is stellar and the wifi works good if you have tethering on your phone or a mobile hotspot. In short, of the 4 units I tried (Pioneer, Clarion, OEM and this one) this Kenwood has been the best. Just thought I would put that out there. Good luck on your search. It's been out for almost a year now as mentioned by some of the other responses. I will say though that I have not had any of the issues expressed. I bought the unit new as soon as it came out and haven't had any major issues that required a send back. I will say that it doesn't have the quickest boot time (~30-45 sec) and the GPS loses its recent history every once in a while but other than that it's a great unit. The GPS navigation is stellar and the wifi works good if you have tethering on your phone or a mobile hotspot. In short, of the 4 units I tried (Pioneer, Clarion, OEM and this... » Read More It's been out for almost a year now as mentioned by some of the other responses. I will say though that I have not had any of the issues expressed. I bought the unit new as soon as it came out and haven't had any major issues that required a send back. I will say that it doesn't have the quickest boot time (~30-45 sec) and the GPS loses its recent history every once in a while but other than that it's a great unit. The GPS navigation is stellar and the wifi works good if you have tethering on your phone or a mobile hotspot. In short, of the 4 units I tried (Pioneer, Clarion, OEM and this one) this Kenwood has been the best. Just thought I would put that out there. Good luck on your search. « Show Less
1438094
I don't actually have the phone. I was just commenting on the ability of a wired phone like this to remain working when your home power goes out. However, the picture on the 2554 clearly shows that the cord is modular and can be changed. I was a phone repairman in the 1970's and all phones by the end of that decade were constructed with modular cords. It would be relatively difficult to actually find a hard-wired phone except maybe in the Salvation Army bins. Look carefully at the picture of the phone on the Amazon offering and it's pretty clear that the cord is modular on both ends and can be exchanged for any other modular handset cord. I don't actually have the phone. I was just commenting on the ability of a wired phone like this to remain working when your home power goes out. However, the picture on the 2554 clearly shows that the cord is modular and can be changed. I was a phone repairman in the 1970's and all phones by the end of that decade were constructed with modular cords. It would be relatively difficult to actually find a hard-wired phone except maybe in the Salvation Army bins. Look carefully at the picture of the phone on the Amazon offering and it's pretty clear that the cord is modular on both ends and can... » Read More I don't actually have the phone. I was just commenting on the ability of a wired phone like this to remain working when your home power goes out. However, the picture on the 2554 clearly shows that the cord is modular and can be changed. I was a phone repairman in the 1970's and all phones by the end of that decade were constructed with modular cords. It would be relatively difficult to actually find a hard-wired phone except maybe in the Salvation Army bins. Look carefully at the picture of the phone on the Amazon offering and it's pretty clear that the cord is modular on both ends and can be exchanged for any other modular handset cord. « Show Less
1035346
I had one. Used it for over 2 years and worked pretty good. Although I would probably recommend something else like fireTV over this. Depends on how much he wants, and how willing you are to fiddle with it.
841411
Berry:I tried both wireless and hardwired (Ethernet cable). With hardwire, it works well. Wireless: not reliable. I had to have another one sent since the voice dropped off so bad and the wireless signal reception was poor even in front of the wireless router! The second one was slightly better, but the voice quality was very poor or could not connect. I discussed it with OOMA, but I would have to return to Amazon to get the refund. By that time I could not return it. So, I am stuck with it. It really amazes me that they sell such a poor quality product.In summary: it is bad idea to use this wireless. Berry:I tried both wireless and hardwired (Ethernet cable). With hardwire, it works well. Wireless: not reliable. I had to have another one sent since the voice dropped off so bad and the wireless signal reception was poor even in front of the wireless router! The second one was slightly better, but the voice quality was very poor or could not connect. I discussed it with OOMA, but I would have to return to Amazon to get the refund. By that time I could not return it. So, I am stuck with it. It really amazes me that they sell such a poor quality product.In summary: it is... » Read More Berry:I tried both wireless and hardwired (Ethernet cable). With hardwire, it works well. Wireless: not reliable. I had to have another one sent since the voice dropped off so bad and the wireless signal reception was poor even in front of the wireless router! The second one was slightly better, but the voice quality was very poor or could not connect. I discussed it with OOMA, but I would have to return to Amazon to get the refund. By that time I could not return it. So, I am stuck with it. It really amazes me that they sell such a poor quality product.In summary: it is bad idea to use this wireless. « Show Less
2210065
That is a question only you can answer. In the past five years, Magic Jack has made many improvements.Now, you can plug it into your router, without the computer being left on all of the time. Additionally, now, the call quality is better than my old land line.It was an easy decision for me as I was replacing a land line that cost $35 per month plus long distance. Now, I have local and unlimited long distance for about $3 per month.It works perfectly well for my needs. Your needs may differ. If you need fax or have a security system that uses analog dialing, Magic Jack really is NOT reliable enough for those applications. That is a question only you can answer. In the past five years, Magic Jack has made many improvements.Now, you can plug it into your router, without the computer being left on all of the time. Additionally, now, the call quality is better than my old land line.It was an easy decision for me as I was replacing a land line that cost $35 per month plus long distance. Now, I have local and unlimited long distance for about $3 per month.It works perfectly well for my needs. Your needs may differ. If you need fax or have a security system that uses analog... » Read More That is a question only you can answer. In the past five years, Magic Jack has made many improvements.Now, you can plug it into your router, without the computer being left on all of the time. Additionally, now, the call quality is better than my old land line.It was an easy decision for me as I was replacing a land line that cost $35 per month plus long distance. Now, I have local and unlimited long distance for about $3 per month.It works perfectly well for my needs. Your needs may differ. If you need fax or have a security system that uses analog dialing, Magic Jack really is NOT reliable enough for those applications. « Show Less
126927
I purchased one of these for my parents, and in the 2 months they've owned it, the wireless has been fine. Everything has been fine. It's tough to judge any computer on its wireless ability. Wifi is one area of technology that's still plagued with problems and inconsistencies. I have no doubt that the router or modem was to blame in a good 1/2 of the reviews that you read. But yeah, no problems that we've seen.
1622155
I have had Belkin, Netgear, and Linksys (linux software) routers and by far the Linksys is the most stable. Both Netgear routers died after a year or two and went to electronic recycling. Their (non)support was non-existent and I will never buy another Netgear product. The Belkin seems to work but with limited range. Linksys is a workhorse! Easy to setup and program. It does occasionally loose sync, but will run for months unattended. I suspect it loses sync when wireless devices (I have 5) wake from sleep and require an ip address but I'm not sure. It's just a matter of unplugging the power, waiting 5 seconds and replugging. Always does the trick. I've bought a second (used, non VxWorks) for a relative. I have had Belkin, Netgear, and Linksys (linux software) routers and by far the Linksys is the most stable. Both Netgear routers died after a year or two and went to electronic recycling. Their (non)support was non-existent and I will never buy another Netgear product. The Belkin seems to work but with limited range. Linksys is a workhorse! Easy to setup and program. It does occasionally loose sync, but will run for months unattended. I suspect it loses sync when wireless devices (I have 5) wake from sleep and require an ip address but I'm not sure. It's just a matter of unplugging the... » Read More I have had Belkin, Netgear, and Linksys (linux software) routers and by far the Linksys is the most stable. Both Netgear routers died after a year or two and went to electronic recycling. Their (non)support was non-existent and I will never buy another Netgear product. The Belkin seems to work but with limited range. Linksys is a workhorse! Easy to setup and program. It does occasionally loose sync, but will run for months unattended. I suspect it loses sync when wireless devices (I have 5) wake from sleep and require an ip address but I'm not sure. It's just a matter of unplugging the power, waiting 5 seconds and replugging. Always does the trick. I've bought a second (used, non VxWorks) for a relative. « Show Less
2083103
Hi, I just bought one of that. I'm loving it! I have no troubles with it. good luck!
395226
Actually I have 2 of these and never had 1 problem with either hooking up to internethope it helps, you better knock on wood before you buy, i could have jinks'ed it.
1693461
I have one in my office (on wifi) and has worked flawlessly thus far. I don't use it intensely, but it has worked every time.
467617
Not very well. Its a miracle if you can get it to connect. And it will often drop the connection
1562782
It is regrettable, but Dwayne is correct. These are not well made. In many instances the cheap devices are actually what we (I'm an embedded systems programmer) consider prototypes not really ready for consumers. One of the biggest problems we've run into is wifi, and I imagine 4g is the same. Before we release a product we exhaustively test wifi and other problem features. Digital Reins believes in "testing it in-line." In other words, you're the tester.I recommend you return it if you can. It can't be fixed.
2085143
Owned one and travel extensive with it. However after a couple years had a problem with the programming and repair was to expensive due to shipping so got a new smaller unit with is still in service today! Bob
653277
I had one and I think it needed Internet however it wasn't what I expected . Bulky and not that easy to use . Good luck!��