Need Video Chat solution.

[wmarcy]

My FIL is Deaf, and a technophobe, we need to stay in touch with him, we have been using FAX, but as he lives in Puerto Rico, his phone lines really stink. He does have cable TV and that has been pretty reliable. Anyone know of a simple, easy solution that he could use, that other people could call him on also. He is quite active and has friends everywhere, it would be a real good thing if he could stay in touch with everyone.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bill
wmarcy@stny.rr.com

 

[purplecatty]

My FIL is Deaf, and a technophobe, we need to stay in touch with him, we have been using FAX, but as he lives in Puerto Rico, his phone lines really stink. He does have cable TV and that has been pretty reliable. Anyone know of a simple, easy solution that he could use, that other people could call him on also. He is quite active and has friends everywhere, it would be a real good thing if he could stay in touch with everyone.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bill
wmarcy@stny.rr.com

Does he have Cable TV company offering Broadband internet such as Road Runner, Comcast, ect. Cable TV without Broadband would not work.. If he do, then either that he can get computer or laptop with webcam OR Sorenson VP200 if they have service in PR. If that be the case then you would be able to reach him. (It may be a technicial hassle if trying to use Webcam on pc or laptop if it's behind the router. If connected DIRECTLY to Cable modem then it'll work just fine with incoming calls for Videochat) If not then Emailing and Instant Messaging such as AIM, Yahoo, MSN Messager would do.

Also He can get BlackBerry, Tmobile Sidekick, or cellular phone w/ unlimited Text messaging ect to communicate with you using AIM or Email and maybe Text messaging IF it's unlimited use. He can carry it with him all the time and be easy to reach(phone or Cellular PDA must set to vibrate mode for him to feel). Be sure he get the Data only plan which cost $29.99 a month unlimited use either Tmobile or Sprint (he must tell the sale reprensative that he's deaf and want Data only, no voice). You might want to call Tmobile or Sprint about charges for USA and PR chat ect (general question to avoid costly usage ect). I do not know much about Puetro Rico area that may have wireless service such as Tmobile, Sprint ect..

All three communication methods are VERY popular among Deaf user. My boss communicates me through text messaging while I work. He sent text messaging to request me to come in work later to supervise. It's so conveniece than hassling calling thru Relay service by phone and he can't use AIM or Email to reach me due to work IT policy (my work have very strict IT policy to prevent virus or spam email).

Good Luck!
Catty

 

[purplecatty]

IF he have wireless router at his home (must have cable broadband). He can use MYLO pager or Nokia i800 (WiFi Internet PDA w/ Video chat camera built in) only if he can't afford Cellular services. It is free to use. MYLO pager can be found in Best Buy or Microcenter or Online order. I don't know where to get Nokia i800 (perhap online order). It is limited to distance on how far his wireless can go. Most wireless router can reach up to 400 to 800 feet. He can go to WiFi hotspot in some area near his home to use it for free LOL. Airport, Bookstore, Internet Cafe ect are Hotspot area. There's more to it.

Catty

 

[purplecatty]

IF he have wireless router at his home (must have cable broadband). He can use MYLO pager or Nokia i800 (WiFi Internet PDA w/ Video chat camera built in) only if he can't afford Cellular services. It is free to use. MYLO pager can be found in Best Buy or Microcenter or Online order. I don't know where to get Nokia i800 (perhap online order). It is limited to distance on how far his wireless can go. Most wireless router can reach up to 400 to 800 feet. He can go to WiFi hotspot in some area near his home to use it for free LOL. Airport, Bookstore, Internet Cafe ect are Hotspot area. There's more to it.

Catty

OOPS!!!! I mentioned Nokia i800, Wrong! It's Nokia N800. My apology!!

Catty

 

[TechBill]

Does he have Cable TV company offering Broadband internet such as Road Runner, Comcast, ect. Cable TV without Broadband would not work.. If he do, then either that he can get computer or laptop with webcam OR Sorenson VP200 if they have service in PR. If that be the case then you would be able to reach him. (It may be a technicial hassle if trying to use Webcam on pc or laptop if it's behind the router. If connected DIRECTLY to Cable modem then it'll work just fine with incoming calls for Videochat) If not then Emailing and Instant Messaging such as AIM, Yahoo, MSN Messager would do.

Also He can get BlackBerry, Tmobile Sidekick, or cellular phone w/ unlimited Text messaging ect to communicate with you using AIM or Email and maybe Text messaging IF it's unlimited use. He can carry it with him all the time and be easy to reach(phone or Cellular PDA must set to vibrate mode for him to feel). Be sure he get the Data only plan which cost $29.99 a month unlimited use either Tmobile or Sprint (he must tell the sale reprensative that he's deaf and want Data only, no voice). You might want to call Tmobile or Sprint about charges for USA and PR chat ect (general question to avoid costly usage ect). I do not know much about Puetro Rico area that may have wireless service such as Tmobile, Sprint ect..

All three communication methods are VERY popular among Deaf user. My boss communicates me through text messaging while I work. He sent text messaging to request me to come in work later to supervise. It's so conveniece than hassling calling thru Relay service by phone and he can't use AIM or Email to reach me due to work IT policy (my work have very strict IT policy to prevent virus or spam email).

Good Luck!
Catty

He said his friend live in Puerto Rico which I doubt have any of those things that you suggested. I am sure they have Internet and Mobile phones but prices had to be very high there.

My FIL is Deaf, and a technophobe, we need to stay in touch with him, we have been using FAX, but as he lives in Puerto Rico, his phone lines really stink. He does have cable TV and that has been pretty reliable. Anyone know of a simple, easy solution that he could use, that other people could call him on also. He is quite active and has friends everywhere, it would be a real good thing if he could stay in touch with everyone.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bill
wmarcy@stny.rr.com

I can only advice that he should go check and see if there any Internet Cafe in Puerto Rico.

Most counteries with high priced internet does have Internet Cafe where commuities can go in and use the internet for a moderate fee. So research and see if there any Internet Cafe in his area in Puerto Rico.

Here a list of some Internet Cafe in Puerto Rico but I am sure there many more not listed that need more researching.

San juan Internet Cafes

Cybercafes.com. Internet cyber cafes guide all over the world.


Hopefully that will get you and your friend started and find a way to commuicate with each other better than just a fax.

 

[purplecatty]

He said his friend live in Puerto Rico which I doubt have any of those things that you suggested. I am sure they have Internet and Mobile phones but prices had to be very high there.








I can only advice that he should go check and see if there any Internet Cafe in Puerto Rico.

Most counteries with high priced internet does have Internet Cafe where commuities can go in and use the internet for a moderate fee. So research and see if there any Internet Cafe in his area in Puerto Rico.

Here a list of some Internet Cafe in Puerto Rico but I am sure there many more not listed that need more researching.

San juan Internet Cafes

Cybercafes.com. Internet cyber cafes guide all over the world.


Hopefully that will get you and your friend started and find a way to commuicate with each other better than just a fax.

My FIL is Deaf, and a technophobe.

Maybe he can do wireless hacking using Can antenna (Aka. Pringles Can) LOL.


Catty