Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a rental method and apparatus is described that provides the ability to effect a rental transaction and provide a user with access to the selected rental item. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a user accesses descriptions of available rental items via a DPS. The user then selects a desired rental item and effects a rental transaction agreement via the DPS. Upon completion of the rental transaction agreement, the user is automatically provided access to the selected rental item. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the selected rental item is proximate to the DPS (e.g., within a same commercial location) and the selected rental item is provided to the user promptly (e.g., within several minutes).

Abstract: An e-mail message system that evaluates each e-mail message address. During evaluation one or more portions of the address are compared to corresponding valid address portions or to portions of other addresses. These address portions include the user name portion, the domain name portion, and the domain name-type extension, which may include a national identifier. The method of comparison and the response to the evaluation are dependent upon the address portion being evaluated and whether the e-mail message is being going to be sent or has been received. If the evaluation indicates that an address may be invalid or in any way incorrect, appropriate action is taken to ensure the e-mail is directed to the intended recipient. Embodiments of the invention not only help to ensure accurate addressing and delivery of e-mail messages, but also reduce web traffic as less erroneously addressed e-mails will be sent and bounced back.