SimplicITy PC for older people

Gazing_On_Sunsets

My grandad, in his 80's, has become very interested in getting a laptop (they don't have much space in their bungalow for a desktop). He likes the idea of iPlayer, he loves watching bus videos on Youtube, and he liked using webcams to talk to people. But he's kind of overwhelmed by technology and worried it will all go wrong. He lives 200 miles away so we can't just pop round and reset everything.

So, I looked up the Simplicity pc/laptops that were mentioned on the BBC a while ago, the ones with Valerie Singleton doing little videos on them. Has anyone used one? I thought they looked great but then I wondered if being on Linux was a problem with compatability. (I've never used Linux).

The other option might be to get a laptop and customise it with good contrast, large relevant desktop shortcuts and stuff before giving it to him.

So what do people think - is SimplicITy any good, or do you have advice for getting older folks online?

Gazing_On_Sunsets

http://www.simplicitycomputers.co.uk/ This is the particular one, and he liked the idea of it - the way it starts with a simple screen and so on.
But I agree with you, a basic PC might actually be better.

WOnder if anyone here has even seen one of these in action?

MisterBrico

I would recomend an iPad if I'm honest.

If all he wants is iplayer, web browsing and youtube it would be ideal.

So simple to use after initially getting used to touch screen. Good sized screen but also small profile so won't take up much room in the house, great battery life and turns out so fast.

Almost impossible to screw it up and no viruses at all so can browse in safety.

New one has a webcam that you can use for face time if you have an iOS device or via skype.

After getting mine alot of my relatives are intrested.

The 16 GB with wifi is £399 so similar to a laptop anyway.

Gazing_On_Sunsets

MisterBrico wrote: »

I would recomend an iPad if I'm honest.

If all he wants is iplayer, web browsing and youtube it would be ideal.

So simple to use after initially getting used to touch screen. Good sized screen but also small profile so won't take up much room in the house, great battery life and turns out so fast.

.

I hadn't thought of that. Interesting. He has large, thick fingers, not very good eyesight and poor co-ordination these days - I have never used an iPad, but do you think he'd be okay? I guess I need to go and look for myself, but am immobile with injury at the moment.

Andrew1472

Gazing_On_Sunsets wrote: »

http://www.simplicitycomputers.co.uk/ This is the particular one, and he liked the idea of it - the way it starts with a simple screen and so on.
But I agree with you, a basic PC might actually be better.

WOnder if anyone here has even seen one of these in action?

Seeing one in action is the key, isn't it. It sounds a good idea in principle.

I was reading the FAQs and in there it says "Although there is a free version of Eldy available for download, the Simplicity Computers version has been considerably rewritten and enhanced. The free version also does not contain Simplicity's video tutorials."

I haven't looked for a download link, but it might be a cheaper way to go if you could install it alongside windows on basic PC.

If you ever find out I will be interested to see what you think.

gonzo127

although i disagree that Linux is only for techie people as i have set numerous older people up with it for the usage you have suggested and they have really got on really well with it, i would suggest however going with something that you can be the 'tech support' for (as you will be called when something doesnt go quite according to plan) so if you know windows it would probably be better sticking to a system with windows on so you can diagnose the problem over the phone

J_J_Carter

I agree with the iPad idea.

I've had to educate old folks about windows (i.e. the concept of a desktop in Windows or Linux) and TBH they really struggle...the iPad doesn't require them to scroll, get focus on the input window etc.

That said, my experience is the old folks seem to have an uncanny ability to 'fiddle' with Windows and then can't even begin to explain what they've done. By the time they've found their glasses, the messagebox has gone! You're going to have to get them broadband and then remotely take over their screen to get them out of a pickle.

debitcardmayhem

J_J_Carter wrote: »

I agree with the iPad idea.

I've had to educate old folks about windows (i.e. the concept of a desktop in Windows or Linux) and TBH they really struggle...the iPad doesn't require them to scroll, get focus on the input window etc.

That said, my experience is the old folks seem to have an uncanny ability to 'fiddle' with Windows and then can't even begin to explain what they've done. By the time they've found their glasses, the messagebox has gone! You're going to have to get them broadband and then remotely take over their screen to get them out of a pickle.

Totally patronising twaddle from a 16 year old phan boi

GunJack

gotta say both simplepc and ipad seem to be very overpriced ways of introducing "oldies" to computing. A low-spec laptop but set up correctly for the person in question would, IMHO, be far better, e.g. use the large fonts & icons, use lower screen resolutions, etc......and as has already been pointed out, the tech support is usually free

Owain_Moneysaver

J_J_Carter wrote: »

That said, my experience is the old folks seem to have an uncanny ability to 'fiddle' with Windows and then can't even begin to explain what they've done.

all newbies do that, regardless of age.

Often the oldies are too scared to click on anything in case they 'break it'

J_J_Carter wrote: »

By the time they've found their glasses, the messagebox has gone! You're going to have to get them broadband and then remotely take over their screen to get them out of a pickle.

Remote access rocks for tech support. I use Teamviewer - free for personal use, and interoperates between Linux and Windows.

Owain_Moneysaver

Eggie wrote: »

If he has any problems worst case is he switches off the computer and starts again....

For example I found it hard to find my documents on windows because windows puts them in a folder which is hard to find, rather than putting them on the desktop where you can see them and organise them yourself.

Windows is very intolerant of incorrect shutdown procedures; my experience of Linux is that it is a lot more robust.

Shortcut to 'my documents' in the start menu, on the desktop, etc.
Shortcut to remote access ditto.