Which tablet computer for my 70 year old dad?

watchoutworld

Hello – I really hope you can give me some suggestions on which tablet to buy for my dad.

It's his 70th birthday very soon and I'd really like to treat him to something special but with so much choice I'm not sure what's best.

Background -
· A bit gadget show fan but never 'splashes out' on things for himself so he's interested but still very much a beginner when it comes to computers.
· He has an old desktop pc that he uses most days for playing simple games (he LOVES Sudoku and solitaire), also for writing letters, scanning documents, internet banking and occasional Amazon shopping. It’s really slow – running an old operating system and low on RAM but he says it ‘does the job’.
· He already has a wireless connection at home.
· Severe mobility problems stop him from doing very much at all and he’s often confined to an adjustable chair due to pain.

Solution? –
Because of his leg problems, I don’t think a laptop would be very comfortable to use in his chair – even if it’s light, it would cause discomfort resting on his legs and would wobble about every time he adjusts himself so I’m thinking of a tablet. He could use that in any chair (or bed), garden and even in the car while he’s waiting for mum in the shops J

I need it to be-

• Light to hold but not too small (normal eyesight problems of that age)
• Easy to get/play Sudoku, solitaire and other similar card games even when offline
• Good for general internet surfing – big enough to read
• Easy to use
• Ability to insert an SD card to view photos would be a bonus

Budget
It’s really difficult to treat dad and I haven’t been around to do it for a long time so on this occasion money isn’t an issue – if it’s worth it. So if I can get all this for £200 or less then great – if not I’m happy to spend more – I’d prefer to get something good for him. If the iPad is best then I’ll stretch to that.

Sorry for the long post – just wanted to give a good picture in the hope you can give me some suggestions and thoughts please

Many thanks

SteveJH200

The simplest thing is to ask him what he wants. He may feel more comfortable with a PC because of the larger screen - many people (including myself) have difficulty seeing and reading stuff on smaller screens. The PC is more versatile than a tablet anyway. Older people can be quite stubborn - the two electronic items bought for my 84 year old mother are still in the box - she said she will use them one day..........

I have recently put together a system for the older folks in a nursing home. On a trolley, all wireless, 22" screen, wireless keyboard and mouse etc so it can be accessed whether they are in a bed, chair, wheelchair etc. It has proven to be a great success.

tweets

Dont forget an ipad doesnt have a very large screen. You maybe better with a laptop for him.

Humphrey10

As he is reasonably computer literate and needs a large screen, a PC on a trolley like SteveJH200 suggested sounds like a great idea.
This wouldn't help when out in the car etc ofc, but would let him use the machine when sitting in an armchair etc.

watchoutworld

Thanks for the suggestions, and you have some good ideas SteveJH200. I'd love to ask him but I'd also love it to be a surprise - he doesn't get many treats and he'd probably just say he doesn't need anything else (He says he doesn't need pudding either but still really enjoys it if I make a nice bread pudding lol).

You're right he IS stubborn but I think he'd be quietly excited by a new piece of tech and he's been quite interested in my converable tablet/notebook that I use for work (He happily looked at photos and video on that). Also he bought mum a Wii for christmas to do some gentle excercise so he's quite eager to use technology.

I think he will still use his existing desktop pc for 'serious' work such as online banking, scanning, typing etc - it's currently on a desk/trolley and he's the kind of person that prefers to sit at a desk to do that even if it's a little uncomfortable - he just does it quickly! (He's the same with eating - he sits at a table rather than in his armchair)

So the tablet/laptop would be a secondary device - not really for typing - just for 'fun' - his games and internet browsing.

Sid_Wolf

take a look at the advent vega, im getting one in 2 weeks (mum has it but im not allowed to see it yet!) so i will let you know how i find it when i've had a go, but seems to be the best tablet in that price range and has a 10.2 screen

you will have to root it (upgrade the software) to have access to the android market (where he can download games) but that is pretty simple

McKneff

I've heard good things about the Advent Vega too, my usage doesnt warrant an IPad so think Im going to treat myself to a Vega in a couple of weeks.

closed

You could probably speed the existing one up if you wanted - see sticky threads

Sid_Wolf

McKneff wrote: »

I've heard good things about the Advent Vega too, my usage doesnt warrant an IPad so think Im going to treat myself to a Vega in a couple of weeks.

its doing my head in, its my birthday present so i dont get it till the 11th, maybe the 10th if im lucky (i dont live at home and will be seeing them on the 10th) but my mums been playing on it and telling me all about it :mad::rotfl:

watchoutworld

Thanks for all the suggestions - The Advent Vega sounds promising - I'll certainly check it out.

@ Sid_Wolf - The anticipatation is the exciting bit! It will be worth it when you get it! Happy Birthday in advance

Errata

erm .... I'm a similar age to your dad *coughs* and I've just bought an iPad. The challenges are :
weight - it's not that light to hold in one hand whilst hitting keys with the other one, this could be overcome if he propped it up on a cushion - perhaps
screen size - it's a small screen but the zoom level can be changed; I did this the other day and have no idea how I managed it and can't do it again
operating - it's very different to the way windows operates and that takes a bit of getting used to and familiarisation, although Dummies do an iPad book for around £15 (might be cheaper on Amazon or ebay)
touch - I've given in and bought a stylus; the screen gets dirty with fingermarks quickly and sometimes it's had to 'hit the spot' on a website eg accessing MSE Forum posts
cost - like all Apple products, it ain't half dear mum
HTH