Buying a laptop for parents

buzzhoney

I'd say try a MacBook - I've got a second-hand one, cost me £300 or so and it's great. Obviously you have to be careful with second-hand but there are official refurbishing outlets.

I hated the trackpad at first but I've got used to it and now prefer it to a mouse - I got one but never use it.

It's not a very big screen but I think it's fine for Skype if you set it to full-screen (I have pretty bad eyesight myself).

peteb23

Whatever you end up with make sure you install something LogMeIn or GoToMyPC on it.

It will save you hours when they start calling you up saying they can't get something to work

salboy

Thank you everyone for your great suggestions. I'll let you know how I get on with it. I know HP has a great after-sales service down there. I used to have an HP laptop and printer so used there services several times.

cepheus

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/elderly-parents-reveal-plan-to-buy-!!!!-computer-201111184563/

zagubov

peteb23 wrote: »

Whatever you end up with make sure you install something LogMeIn or GoToMyPC on it.

It will save you hours when they start calling you up saying they can't get something to work

Which brings us back to mac where you'll be like the maytag repairman who's phone never rings.
Got my P&M a second hand mac desktop with monitor for just over £100. does everything they can watch streaming TV surf and email. It's user-friendly! My parnets are tin their 70s and they're getting on well with my 10-year old mac dual G4 1GHz.
Doesn't play most games, freeze or get viruses. Piece of cake to use. Set thier browser to computingwithbifocals and let them explore.
Don't fall for the hype you (or they) need a new computer. It's like asking a barber if you need a haircut!
Good luck. Or get an old cheap mac in which case good luck isn't needed. Obviously if you know another reliable make well, then go for it, but don't go for modern bells and whistles they don't plan to use