Skype for older people

gemini1dj

Hi, my Mum recently passed away which has left my 81 year old dad alone now. I live 250 miles away and visit as often as I can. My cousin lives with my dad and I have been able to speak to him via Skype which he really enjoys. The problem now is that my cousin has a new love in her life so tends to be out more and I can't always Skype when I want too. I would like to get Dad his own tablet so we can Skype when we want too but he has no idea of technology and also has minimum dexterity in both hands.

Can anyone suggest the best tablet to get for him with a big screen size and easy to use. I have an ipad and thought of getting him one and taking off all the other apps and just having Skype on but my daughter pointed out that it is a very expensive videophone!

Any thoughts/ideas would be helpful.

Cheers.

John_Gray

How about getting a second-hand laptop with a decent built-in webcam and speakers?

Toxteth_OGrady

A Skype VOIP phone:

http://www.cordless-phones.uk.com/skype-phones/cordless-skype-phones/dualphnone-4088-skype-phone/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=rtx%2Bdualphnone%2B4088%2Bskype%2Bphone&utm_campaign=froogle&gclid=CJbY4-j8l7gCFbMbtAodwWsA3Q

grumpycrab

Depending on budget I'd go for a second-hand or refurb or new 15.6" laptop/netbook (e.g. refurb £174 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOSHIBA-SATELLITE-C850-15-6-INCH-2GB-INTEL-CELERON-1-8GHZ-320GB-BLACK-LAPTOP-/350827663264?pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item51aef54fa0)

Map the on/off button to hibernate; (for Windows8) install classicshell; ensure startup runs Skype; (for Windows) set Windows to autoupdate.

aerostar

I think you can make Skype auto answer, (you used to be able to do this) so when you ring him it would ring and open the connection. When you hang up it closes the connection, in that way he does not need to do anything other than have the computer on at the time.

onzey

Sort of similar thread a while back might be worth a read

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4667843

Who knows, your dad might get into the technology.

Whatever you do buy what's best for you and yours. I'm not "Apple obsessed" but if you want to buy an ipad because you have one and it might make life easier for you and your dad when it comes to helping him with it, and save time, then buy one.

It is the moneysavingexpert site but there are often other things to consider besides the money. Best to find what's best for you and then try to find the cheapest.

prowla

Skype lets you know when the person at the other end is online (ie. connected and running Skype).

I think on a laptop you could have it auto-run when you start windows so all he has to do is press the green button.

You can also assign photos to the contacts so you don't have to read text.

I've not tried it on a tablet.

aerostar

prowla wrote: »

Skype lets you know when the person at the other end is online (ie. connected and running Skype).

I think on a laptop you could have it auto-run when you start windows so all he has to do is press the green button.

You can also assign photos to the contacts so you don't have to read text.

I've not tried it on a tablet.

Skype (windows) can be run on start up from options in the program, tools - options -general - and autoanswer is still available in the settings under tools -options - calls - advanced.


Set it up so it only accepts known callers in contact list.

hellobhainet

Depends on your budget. you purchasing second-hand laptop with a decent built-in webcam and speakers.

SailorSam

If your Dad is 81, is he on any sort of benefits.
Check out these,

http://www.getonlineathome.org/