How to send and receive email without PC?

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Don’t laugh.

Have a couple of colleagues who would like to ”ONLY” send-recv emails over the net without using a PC, just like the old WEB-PC or was it WEB-TV?

Any suggestions??

[:}]::

klxdrt

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The cheapest option is probably a wifi-only Android tablet, if they don’t already have smartphones. If they need ‘always available’ then a cheap 3G/wifi Android tablet with a PAYG contract.

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If they have smartphones, they already have their answer.

But if they don’t want computers, then they probably don’t have smartphones.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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Have they tried phoning a friend and asking them to send their email?

cheers, Paul

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Gmail works great on my Kindle and you can surf the web and read books too! HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Everything mentioned so far is actually a PC or proxy to a PC (Paul). I was thinking one might need an old telegraph machine and use Morse code to qualify technically.

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My dad used to give out my email address whenever someone asked for his. If he would receive something, I would print it out and hand it to him. That was how he did email.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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Here are a couple of Email only devices:
http://landel.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Peek-Mobile-Email-Device-Gray/dp/B001FC0BWE

Jerry

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Here are a couple of Email only devices:
http://landel.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Peek-Mobile-Email-Device-Gray/dp/B001FC0BWE

Jerry

Actually, the Peek service no longer exists. It is surprising Amazon is still trying to sell the device as it is completely useless.

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There are various services that will convert email to a voicemail message. Are there any services that can convert a phone call to an email message and send it?

Otherwise I can’t imagine anything cheaper or simpler than those $50-$80 android tablets.

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Well, Google Voice has the option of converting a voice message into text.
So the caller dials the GV number, and leaves a voicemail.
Then the receiver (owner of the GV number) can set it up so that the voice message is converted to text, which can be
1 – directed to a cell phone or read directly at the google voice website.
2 – read with any web browser at the GV website
3 – sent to gmail or other address
4 – all of the above

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Most public libraries offer free computer use (and lots of other free stuff).

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If you have a tablet or a phone capable of connecting to Wifi or cell data, why do you need anything more specialized?

Tablets are brain-dead simple and cost as little as under $100.00 for a pretty good Kindle, up to $300.00 for something which can put your laptop out to pasture.

Why do we need more devices when one will do almost everything, and each App can now be dedicated to a single task?

-- rc primak

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Many times folks want to set up an email service for older folks who have never used nor want a computer. So they have come up with a good solution with the Presto mail service. I took a look and rejected it at first until I realized that those folks don’t want to have to type or feel pressured to respond. I wanted to be able to send my 83 year old in laws email as we traveled, but they want nothing to do with computers. In hindsight this would have worked because when they felt the need to respond they do it the comfortable way for them; They pick up the phone or pen and paper and do it their way.
http://www.presto.com/email-people-who-dont-use-computers.aspx

Here is the link to the “Living Senior” article describing how to set it up for another you want to have it.
http://www.retirement-living.com/how-to-receive-email-without-a-computer/

I only include that because many times we project onto others our desire to both send and receive, and perhaps the original people asking made that assumption. My in laws will not get or use a smart phone, nor let me set them up with a computer. The Presto service gets them emails. They respond in their way. Or not. They will also have the ready made tech equivalent to “the check is in the mail.” OH? We must not have gotten that email.

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I was thinking for several months I’ve lived without an actual computer, using an iPod touch for the necessities in technology I’ve noticed that the app stores have apps for just about every thing I want to do online. Honestly I get more done faster in terms of online stuff, not only just email but other things as well because there are no distractions from extra “junk” on the screen. Anyway there are so many other devices out there that can handle email, browsing and such plus a lot wi-fi hotspots that are free, pay to play and just open by those who just don’t care to close them, it almost seems to me that being tied to a desk is a thing of the past. BTW this post was written and posted using an iPod

Just thought I’d add also some still do like old school pen and paper although that maybe becoming a lost art in this age but I’m sure there are alternatives out there, like calling a good friend giving them an email address and the text and having them send it or perhaps calling the intended recipient directly and speaking over the phone.

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Straight talk phone with web access might be the cheapest option, but it depends on whether they would like to learn text style writing. I know a few people that have just gotten past the WEB-TV now. Whatever works for them & is comfortable to use. I wish I could just tell them not to worry about it, if they are fine without internet…carry on. The truth is, however, that it is getting harder and harder for people to actually do normal, non-technical business without it,which is somewhat sad.

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Straight talk phone with web access might be the cheapest option, but it depends on whether they would like to learn text style writing. I know a few people that have just gotten past the WEB-TV now. Whatever works for them & is comfortable to use. I wish I could just tell them not to worry about it, if they are fine without internet…carry on. The truth is, however, that it is getting harder and harder for people to actually do normal, non-technical business without it,which is somewhat sad.

While texting is great for quick bursts of information exchange, it doesn’t really do the job of a full-blown email service with keyboard (typing) input. Sometimes the message or the attachments are just too complex or lengthy for texting. That’s why I and a lot of folks also use Tablet or PC Apps or clients.

-- rc primak

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In my pre-computer/online days, I bought a BT Dect phone that could send and receive e-mails but then found that my provider (non BT) didn’t support that facility :rolleyes::)

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