Transaction processing and remote activation

A device that includes equipment that provides a major function other than two-way communication. The computing device in the device controls the equipment. The device operates in a variety of modes including an operation mode and a payout mode. When the device is in an operating mode, the computing device communicates with a remote computer and, in response, receives instructions based on the status of the financial account. Based on the received instructions, the computing device controls whether the equipment provides this primary function. When the device is in the payment mode, the equipment provides this primary function without being controlled by the computing device based on the status of the financial account. Based on the wireless communication from the remote computer that has been paid out of the unpaid amount in the financial account, the device transitions from the operating state to the settled state.