ButterflyGirl said:
There are some people out there who cannot afford to own a computer and pay internet every month so they still use TTY.
True for some deaf people especially to own a computer. But to realize that you have to pay the telephone service usually ranges from $25-40 per month while use the TDD. It's about the same amount as you pay for the Internet.
Only you need to own a computer .. pay for one or rent to own (high interest- I wouldn't). While pc offers gigantic opporunities online than TDD could, however.
Can find a cheaper used computer to buy .. can find these around 300's for a new and affordable pc nowadays .. quite less for good used computers you can find thru eBay or other store online .. think of it as one-time fee just like these sidekicks.
On my part, I stopped using TDD about 2 years ago and closed our telephone account and save me about $480 a year! We only received crap calls by telemarketing (geez)(even after registered my ph# on Federeal Do-Not-Call) and rarely call anyone using TDD. Now our 2 TDDs (1 new and barely used) are relic already. Plan to sell the new one on eBay. It's just so blessed to use pc and sidekick2.
Hope some of these low-earning deaf people could find a way someday soon, somehow. They have to be little more creative how to earn bit more and buy a pc .. say paint for someone or littel extra cash job then buy a pc. They will realize how much difference and advantages to have a pc that it offers .. sure many already knew that by now.
Like I said it saves me $480 a year disconnecting telephone and stop using TDD .. that money can cover you a new and affordable pc!
Even a new sidekick2 can do them good instead of having to own a pc and still can use relay service to call anybody, anywhere without a charge .. and that it has web, email, aim, and more that costs $30 monthly while telephone service costing you the same for much less features but to call or receive via TDD! And it costs you quite less than that telephone bills (yr) to get a new sk2. See the difference in general, hmm.