SimplicITy PC for older people

Mobeer

The software they use is a customised version of Eldy, as noted by a previous poster. You can view some screenshots of the original:
http://www.eldy.eu/
or download the manual
http://www.eldy.eu/software/technical-support/

Gazing_On_Sunsets

Thanks for all the input! I have definitely gone off the idea of the Simplicity PC. I checked out the Eldy software, and that's the answer. I can get the laptop delivered to me, customise it, travel down for a few days and get him sorted.

Cheers all.

kabayiri

Gazing_On_Sunsets wrote: »

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.

My father is in his 70s.

He has both an iPad, and a Linux netbook linked to a bigger screen.

He is definitely a newbie to the tech world. I thought he might stop using Linux once he got the iPad, but that is definitely not the case.

The fact the netbook runs Linux is not so relevant. He knows how to launch the music player; firefox; skype and that's pretty much it. He doesn't need to worry about anti virus.

The iPad screen may be the deciding issue.

bob_man_uk

+1 for the ipad2 the iOS comes with very good software for accessibility and the screens are very precise even with fat fingers

edgex

er, dosnt the iPad need a seperate computer for it to work
ie. its not a stand-alone computing solution for anyone

-TangleFoot-

edgex wrote: »

dosnt the iPad need a seperate computer for it to work

If you buy an iPad in an Apple Store you can have it 'activated' on the spot so there's no real need to have a PC with iTunes on it. That said, you're supposedly missing out on a fair few features if you go that route.

stilltheone

Get a Remote Support solution set up. Something like Team Viewer is free and very easy to use.

Teach him how to open Team Viewer. You can then take control of his computer as and when necessary, no matter the distance.

patman99

Eldy might be the solution to getting my mum on to a computer without the constant 'Which button do I press' question stream.

Gazing_On_Sunsets

My brother has got the laptop and downloaded Eldy onto it - I'm going to see it tomorrow, and we'll set it all up, big icons and help files and everything. We decided he'd be too scared of dropping the iPad and stuff, in the end. He can put the laptop on a tray on his lap, and happily surf away... we hope... I will report back when we hand it over!
Oh we're thinking it's a bit mean to give him a laptop but then he has to fork out for internet access, so we're going to find out the best mobile coverage at his house and supply him with a dongle. He doesn't need to know it's being paid for monthly, and it saves all the hassle of setting up an internet connection for him.

stilltheone

Gazing_On_Sunsets wrote: »

My brother has got the laptop and downloaded Eldy onto it - I'm going to see it tomorrow, and we'll set it all up, big icons and help files and everything. We decided he'd be too scared of dropping the iPad and stuff, in the end. He can put the laptop on a tray on his lap, and happily surf away... we hope... I will report back when we hand it over!
Oh we're thinking it's a bit mean to give him a laptop but then he has to fork out for internet access, so we're going to find out the best mobile coverage at his house and supply him with a dongle. He doesn't need to know it's being paid for monthly, and it saves all the hassle of setting up an internet connection for him.

Team Viewer...you'll be glad that you did when there is a problem.