Which tablet computer for my 70 year old dad?

jayme1

the iPad has specific accessibility features for easier access, like zooming in and having the device read you what's on the screen you can read more here:
http://www.apple.com/accessibility/ipad/vision.html

Errata wrote: »

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

if you were in safari you just put 2 fingers on the screen and move them apart then to zoom back in you put 2 fingers back on the screen and move them together.
you can also enable being to zoom in anywhere on the device more info in my link above.

pigeonpie

a 5p's worth from an elderly (she's 88) friend of mine. She dislikes the iPad as says it is too heavy to hold and uncomfy on her legs (her legs swell a bit, so if your dad has sore legs that could be an issue).

Just a thought but if he doesn't need to use it out and about and most of his use would be at home, why not get him a better version of what he has already and knows how to use. A new PC with a nice monitor. Would cost more than £200 though but if it were faster, he'd get more enjoyment out of games and websurfing.

Laptops get very hot on your 'lap' and really need to be on a table top. I'm typing this with the local paper under mine - 30 mins usage before the legs get v warm. Useful on cold days though.

I think to surprise him would give him a lot of pleasure and hope he has a very happy birthday when it comes.

Errata

pigeonpie wrote: »

a 5p's worth from an elderly (she's 88) friend of mine. She dislikes the iPad as says it is too heavy to hold and uncomfy on her legs (her legs swell a bit, so if your dad has sore legs that could be an issue).

Just a thought but if he doesn't need to use it out and about and most of his use would be at home, why not get him a better version of what he has already and knows how to use. A new PC with a nice monitor. Would cost more than £200 though but if it were faster, he'd get more enjoyment out of games and websurfing.

Laptops get very hot on your 'lap' and really need to be on a table top. I'm typing this with the local paper under mine - 30 mins usage before the legs get v warm. Useful on cold days though.

I think to surprise him would give him a lot of pleasure and hope he has a very happy birthday when it comes.

I use one of those laptray thingys that has a built in cushion underneath, saves my legs and sstops my laptop from getting hot and bothered.

Humphrey10

pigeonpie wrote: »

She dislikes the iPad as says it is too heavy to hold and uncomfy on her legs (her legs swell a bit, so if your dad has sore legs that could be an issue).

There are stands available that would help, you can get lap stands or like Errata says just get a normal stand + a lap tray.

I very rarely hold my iPad when using it, I almost always have it on a stand.

watchoutworld

Thanks for all the really helpful replies. I took a deep breath and did opt for the ipad in the end - we went half's with mum!. Oh wow I've never seen him so happy with any gift, he seemed really chuffed. He's getting to know it slowly but the biggest thing for him is that it is instantly on and he's amazed how quick he can check his emails! He's exploring on it slowly but enjoying getting to know it. Although he still hasn' t registered on the i store because he needs to put in his credit card details and is worried he'll 'press the wrong button' and be charged!! Most of the things he'll want will be free but it seems you can't get them without the credit card .

He's still really happy and says when he's played around he'll set it up. I think I might have to help him on that bit but wanted him to have a chance first!

Otherwise so good and each time I've visited he's shown us something else he's found

Thanks all!

mancitychick

My Dad loves his ASUS eee pad. He got it with the transformer keyboard so it can convert into a notebook but to be honest in the 4 months he has had it he hasn't used it whilst docked into the keyboard.

mancitychick

Oops sorry I posted above without seeing your last post. I have the ipad2 and wasn't to happy about registering card for the same reasons as your Dad and because you don't have to on android pads. However I have registered my bank card and the fact that you have to create a password and everytime you want to download an app you have to enter your password. This has reassured me somewhat that I am less likely to incur charges by downloading something by mistake. Hopefully this will reassure you dad, at least a bit.

Humphrey10

watchoutworld wrote: »

Although he still hasn' t registered on the i store because he needs to put in his credit card details and is worried he'll 'press the wrong button' and be charged!! Most of the things he'll want will be free but it seems you can't get them without the credit card .

It can be a credit or debit card. But you don't need one (I think...) - just choose 'none' when asked for card details during the sign up process. If that doesn't work, then register the account with the card details, then once the account is active delete the card details.

If your dad does want to buy a paid app but is unhappy about adding his card details to iTunes, then just use iTunes vouchers - that's what I do, they are quite often deals on iTunes vouchers so it works out cheaper doing it this way. Boots and Asda had offers earlier in the week, I don't know if they still do: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3486247

watchoutworld

Thank you both - that's really good to know about the cards and I'm sure he'll feel better - thanks for the advice. I couldn't see an option for none but it would be great if we can remove it after, and if you need to enter the password each time you buy an app that will reassure dad that he can't just click on something and be charged due to a mistake

Thanks!

jayme1

watchoutworld wrote: »

Although he still hasn' t registered on the i store because he needs to put in his credit card details and is worried he'll 'press the wrong button' and be charged!! Most of the things he'll want will be free but it seems you can't get them without the credit card .

if you go buy a 'free' app then start the registration for the itunes store there will be a 'None' option for payment therefore he would not be required to input a payment method.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2534

this is all he would require to get free stuff from then on, but then if he wanted to buy a paid app then he can use itunes gift cards (you can often get a £20 card for £15 from shops - very MSE)