Looking for a desk top PC for 80 yr old. Help please.

custardy

xxdeebeexx wrote: »

Thanks for all the thoughts and replies. They already have a monitor that has been given by a grandson and it will definately do the job (for now anyway),

Yes, they are quite 'set' on BT .... it's what they know and trust.
I think they are looking to spend no more than £300 on a computer. We don't even know what sort of spec to look for....
I find it hard to trust sales men in Currys and Comet as they tend to steer you towards the most expensive things.

Once we have an idea of spec it should be easier to choose,
As sharkie suggests, I have heard that the Aldi PCs are value for money and often have 3 year warranty.

I will keep looking but leave the final decision to FIL

Dx

you dont need anything fancy
TBH i would most likely pick up a refurb/2nd hand machine
but if you want new then the basic machines will do what you need

GunJack

debitcardmayhem wrote: »

set them up a bookmark to direct them to here, and explain that Alienrik is not an ALIEN and Browntoa has no "D" in his name, and GunJack fires warning shots first, and Debitcardmayhem was in a nursing/residential home once :eek:

Class


BUT....to the OP, I'd also go with a basic recon machine, cheap as chips (£100 or less) and see how they get on - if they take to it like ducks to water then after a year, say, maybe think of upgrade, if they don't get on with it then not much lost for them.

bear in mind most people have a spec way higher than they need,therefore wasting money....

Riche1976

Just wanted to chip in that if you're in Worcester area, there used to be a charity that gives pretty good for free computers to elderly and disabled people. Can't remember the name but if you ever use the park and ride at Crowngate shopping centre, the office where you sign for wheelchairs, the couple who run the office at the weekend also work for the charity. There used to also be loads of leaflets around the same office. This was a few years ago so apologies if I'm wasting your time and they no longer do it.

closed

cheapest you can get will do

http://www.dmxdimension.com/

laptops are far more useful once you get past the dropping issue (get a good case), or tie it to a desk

custardy

closed wrote: »

cheapest you can get will do

http://www.dmxdimension.com/

laptops are far more useful once you get past the dropping issue (get a good case), or tie it to a desk

so a laptop tied to a desk is more useful than a desktop PC?

Richie-from-the-Boro

closed wrote: »

cheapest you can get will do

http://www.dmxdimension.com/

laptops are far more useful once you get past the dropping issue (get a good case), or tie it to a desk

Why .. .. .. would a lappie be more use to an AP who won't see the screen, whose fingers are no longer dexterous enough to use the tracker pad be more useful ?

Sorry closed, you want to recommend paying five times the price for something they can't use and then tell them to get a length of rope and tie it to a desk .... you're mad mate ... too much of the ' falling down water ' polluted to brain son ? :beer::beer:

Richie-from-the-Boro

custardy wrote: »

so a laptop tied to a desk is more useful than a desktop PC?

He'll be ok in the morning if he gives his head a good shake !

closed

The chain it to a desk was an aside, I suspect the risk of dropping is overstated especially if they use a bag - you can untie it, and use an external mouse if need be.

A comfy chair or a bed is a more comfortable place to surf, than sat at a desk, whatever the age, a laptop works anywhere so they have the best of both worlds.

laptops cost 5 times more than desktops do they?

Richie-from-the-Boro

closed wrote: »

The chain it to a desk was an aside, I suspect the risk of dropping is overstated especially if they use a bag - you can untie it, and use an external mouse if need be.

A comfy chair or a bed is a more comfortable place to surf, than sat at a desk, whatever the age, a laptop works anywhere so they have the best of both worlds.

laptops cost 5 times more than desktops do they?

- no idea, but the URL you posted was 5 times more than the O/P's needs

The URL you posted started @ £500, you do have a fair point with the comfy chair, for twenty years or more my wireless mouse etc [ connected to my PC ] has been doing just that on my megga tele and from my ' bad boy ' electric reliner.

I'm sure your intentions were good. Can you point me to the bit where they need to use it anywhere please I must have missed that bit :beer:

- chain it to a desk - chain it to a desk - chain it to a desk - I'm never going to let you live that down closed :kisses: - well truth be told I will let you live it down, I promise I'll never mention it after tomorrow :eek:

AirCooledHeaven

xxdeebeexx wrote: »

Hi MIL and FIL want to buy a computer for surfing, playing cds/ dvds, online shopping, skype, iplayer and games such as cards, bejewelled....

We have no idea of costs or what to look for, We are looking for value for money and maybe a bit of a waranty.

They have discounted a laptop as they will be tempted to take it from room to room and both adults are very wobbly on their feet so, could result in an accident.

We have looked at bt broadband and have decided on :-
Broadband and Anytime Calls

• Up to 20Mb download speeds (depends on line and location)
• 10GB monthly usage
• New BT Home Hub (worth £91.90)
• Basic online security
• £29.60 a month

They need a reliable phone service and don't want cable,

Any ideas please?

Tia

Dx

OMG, £30 per month for broadband and calls :eek:. Please check out plusnet before you sign up for anything. Just sorted out my MIL with broadband, £30 setup cost including wireless router, and then £6.50 a month on a 12 month contract. Google plusnet promotion code, enter what you find at the checkout and get the first 4 months for free. Really it's a no-brainer. Plusnet also offer a phone service but I have no experience of it.