| We have plenty of other gift ideas for dads in general, | | | | might be a good solution. |
| but here are two good gifts for divorced dads, | | | | Additionally, the Vidtel has an auto-answer setting |
| probably from friends or family interested in supporting | | | | making it possible to be used as a room monitoring |
| dads’ relationships with kids who may not even be | | | | device. We’d counsel against using this for spying, |
| in the same city. Both are also wonderful presents for | | | | but there are very real situations (new babysitter) |
| dads who “can’t be there” whether due to | | | | where this might be handy. |
| business travel or military service. | | | | The ease of use of the Vidtel system also makes this |
| The first is the Vidtel telephone service. Vidtel is finally | | | | a good choice for older grandparents who may not be |
| the telephone of the near future that AT&T | | | | able to use computer videoconferencing. |
| promised to us at the 1964 Worlds Fair. Vidtel, using | | | | The second is the etendi BRIDGE, available at BRIDGE |
| broadband (cable or DSL) connections, finally makes | | | | is a website that provides a closed environment for |
| good on that promise. | | | | families to communicate without fear of outsiders and |
| Because it’s broadband, rather than POTS (plain | | | | open emails. The users of BRIDGE can only write, |
| old telephone service), the picture quality and voice are | | | | share photos, look at a shared calendar and see video |
| as good as any online connection using Skype or one | | | | of the specific BRIDGE users in their group. This |
| of the many online video chat services. The big | | | | makes it perfect for kids who might be too young to |
| difference though is that the connection is made using | | | | have their own email. |
| what looks to be a traditional telephone. This means | | | | The desktop if set up for sharing photos and |
| that any child can answer the phone, and even dial | | | | there’s even a shared whiteboard where you can |
| from it, making connection possible without an adult to | | | | imagine dads able to help on math homework. This is |
| set the connection up. | | | | certainly not “ideal,” but changing family situations |
| Vidtel is a bit expensive at $14.95 per month for each | | | | demand technology solutions, never to replace real |
| phone (other Vidtel payment plans available). At this | | | | dad time, but far better than no contact. |
| price, it’s not for everyone, but in our tests, it does | | | | Key for dads right now: the service is FREE for four |
| what it promises to do: makes it easy to make video | | | | or fewer users. So dad and up to three kids can |
| calls, inlcuding video voicemail. For a divorced dad who | | | | communicate. A more extensive plan is available for |
| doesn’t want to go through a ex-spouse | | | | larger families and more users. |
| gatekeeper for every conversation with his child, this | | | | |