Ipad 2 - for a 70 year old for internet access and games. Has no wi-fi at home.

bluenose1

Hi,
some advise please.
My MIL was given an old laptop for which she uses a none expiring dongle. It is really slow and she wants to upgrade to an ipad. She needs something really lightweight and easy to use. She wouldn't use the internet for more than an hour at most per day

She does not have wi-fi connection, though will get one if required via Virgin.

What would be the cheapest method of getting monthly connection. Not sure if she should get wifi or 3G Ipad. Not sure if there is a cheap method od getting 3G.

My head is spinning as I have looked but can't figure it out.
Thanks

boxst

I would say that an iPad is overkill and a netbook (or cheap laptop) would be more appropriate.

For the 3G side, if she can get a signal something like a PAYG 3 dongle for 3 months @ £30 would be good...

Steve

bluenose1

boxst wrote: »

I would say that an iPad is overkill and a netbook (or cheap laptop) would be more appropriate.

For the 3G side, if she can get a signal something like a PAYG 3 dongle for 3 months @ £30 would be good...

Steve

Thanks but she wants an ipad as it is so lightweight and due to her health problems would find it easier operating a touch screen

jayme1

I think an ipad is a great idea for someone who (forgive me if I'm wrong but) is likely not to know a great deal about computers, as it requires no antivirus no waiting around for it to update before you can use it. (though it is important to keep the ipad uptodate software wise)

for internet access as you could prob guess a 3G model would be easiest as it is all self contained and you can buy sim cards with data on them something like this (if she gets a 3 signal), but if you did get the wifi only model you could always use something like a MiFi device to get the internet. which would be more of a faff

some important things to note she would need an apple ID to which is easy to set up and also her own email, if you were going to manage it for her she may still need the apple ID password inorder to buy any (free or paid) apps and also update already installed apps. therefore it would be easier if she had her own apple ID.

she would also need a computer with itunes to set it up and get it working, though once activated it will work fine, but would have to be synced with a computer to get updates (at least until iOS 5 comes out which includes Delta updates OTA in autumn). also iOS 5 will remove any need for a computer with iTunes.

so a typical set up if she is getting it now, is get her an email address (eg gmail) then get her an apple ID, sign into her apple id in itunes, connect the ipad it will activate, you can then disconnect the ipad from the computer and set up the simcard and also set gmail up in the mail.app so she can sent you email, (if you set it up via exchange it can also sync and backup her contacts and calender)
or I gues you could use one of your email addresses temporarily untill she gets her own email address via apple when iOS 5 comes out, in that case dont set up the email in the ipad.

if you get one after iOS5 comes out then all she would need is the apple ID which she would set up and create as you first start the device which will come with an email address contacts and calender sync, this is also an important point that she really needs her own apple ID (ie not shared with you) as when iOS5 comes out she can migrate to the apple email and contacts/calender sync and leave the gmail (easier because it is all in one neat package) and you can only get one apple email (@me.com) per apple ID.

sorry for the massive chunk of info I have just thrown it down pretty fast,

Humphrey10

A tablet computer does sound like it would be much more suitable than a laptop or PC. I know a couple of people with health problems that limit the use/movement of their hands and they both have found iPads far more easy to use than laptops or PCs.

Before you decide to buy one, if possible visit an Apple store with your MIL and speak to one of the staff, and get them to demonstrate an iPad to your MIL and she can try using to see how she gets on with it.

A wifi connection would be better than 3G if possible. In my experience, wifi is more reliable and faster than 3G. Also wifi only ipads are cheaper than 3G ones.
Personally I am and have always been very happy with Virgin broadband - does your MIL already have a Virgin phone line? Virgin broadband is cheaper if you have one of their other services too.

Humphrey10

jayme1 wrote: »

she would also need a computer with itunes to set it up and get it working, though once activated it will work fine, but would have to be synced with a computer to get updates

Actually they can activate in store (if you get it direct from Apple). I'd recommend doing this so you can check for any dead pixels.

Also don't worry too much about updating it all the time - taking the iPad to a relative's/friend's house every few months (or a relative or friend bringing a laptop round to your MIL) to update it will suffice.

jayme1

I agree a proper internet connection via wifi would likely be best, that way she would be in no way restricted (ie all networks except 3 and vodafone block skype calling) it would also not be an issue for app or software updates using up precious data allowance as virgin broadband is unlimited so she could download all the apps and skype call/video call all the time.

all you would have to do is set up the router (using WPA2 only ) and connect with the ipad once and it will automatically connect and stay connected in the future.

Humphrey10 wrote: »

Also don't worry too much about updating it all the time - taking the iPad to a relative's/friend's house every few months (or a relative or friend bringing a laptop round to your MIL) to update it will suffice.

I would make an effort to update it to iOS 5 when that is released, and then after iOS 5 all updates can be done through the internet on device, so esp. if she had wifi broadband it will update and keep her secure without any trouble.

wba31

If your mother in law isnt bothered by having to have the latest ipad 2, i read that Apple stores are selling refurbed ipad 1's for a reduced price...

spaceboy

ipad 1 is much heavier though, not very nice to hold for long periods, much worse if you have arthritis etc I would imagine.

bluenose1

Dear all,
thank you so much for all your help.
My MIL has Virgin Broadband so wifi through them is certainly an option, I did not realise that 3G was slower than wifi. Though in all honesty she is that slow using it she probably wouldn't notice. Can you always get access with 3G or is it sporadic? We live in the suburbs of Liverpool so think our 3G coverage should be ok.

All it will be used for is accessing the internet, browsing Amazon etc and some home shopping eg from Tesco. Plus she likes playing scrabble, sudoku etc. Her PC knowledge is minimal. Though she has done well and perservered as I am not the best teacher - too impatient.

Wish I could justify getting one myself, think they look brilliant and I think she will benefit from the touchscreen,

jayme1

bluenose1 wrote: »

Can you always get access with 3G or is it sporadic? We live in the suburbs of Liverpool so think our 3G coverage should be ok.

you just have to check coverage maps to try and work out how good 3G would be.

what I would say is home broadband is much better than 3G, it is more stable, most of the time faster and there are no restrictions for like streaming youtube/iplayer or using skype, if she has virginBB then she also doesn't have to worry about going over any data allowances.