Anyone tried an Android tablet out on an elderly not techy relative?

buglawton

I have an elderly rel that is desperate to use iPlayer Radio app having seen it on my iPad. She even wanted an iPad! (she does have WiFi).

I have big reservations since she really does not get on well with Techy things. I advised against spending a lot of dosh.

However once the £120 Hudl comes back into stock after Xmas she will get one just to see if she can learn how to use iPlayer radio on it. At this price it is OK as visiting rels with be able to borrow it and it can also be photo frame. Apparently the sound is as loud and clear an an iPad, if Which? is to be believed.

BBC iPlayer Radio app has one big plus - its a phone app so the text is huge on a tab. On the other hand it has very poor navigation, no home button to get back to a fixed central place and goes all weird in landscape mode.

Anyway, has anyone else unleashed an Android tab on an elderly or handicapped person? Any advice to give?

JJ_Egan

Apart from the fact that the tablet should be set up by someone capable then go for it .
Most that i know are well capable of using varying models but will need to be shown how a few times .

paddyrg

Set it up for her, make sure the Home screen is very simple with just a couple of apps, remove the spare homescreen pages, and show her that the home button always gets you right back there.

xbrenx

buglawton wrote: »

At this price it is OK as visiting rels with be able to borrow it and it can also be photo frame.

Oh yes, so they can adjust settings, add apps and generally add to the confusion when the poor relative is on her own and can't understand it (again).

That one line made me shiver and I'm not elderly lol. It's great that she's excited but keep things simple and she'll probably start investigating what it has to offer for herself.

Tigsteroonie

My 92 (93? can't remember) year old Nan has progressed from PC, to laptop, and now prefers her Android tablet as it means she can sit in her armchair and check Facebook She only uses it for FB and email I think, when she's online shopping she tends to use the laptop.

My Mum visits every week, and some weeks has to reset/rebuild the desktop links or wifi connection etc as my Nan will occasionally do something wrong So yes, older people can use tablets but they have to have very good IT support :rotfl:

buglawton

Now thinking of a Samsung tablet with Teamviewer QS Android app to allow full remote control from a laptop. Just cannot find one review or post confirming anyone has succeeded in using QS app to control a Samsung tablet over the Internet reliably.

GunJack

buglawton wrote: »

Now thinking of a Samsung tablet with Teamviewer QS Android app to allow full remote control from a laptop. Just cannot find one review or post confirming anyone has succeeded in using QS app to control a Samsung tablet over the Internet reliably.

hmm...may be today's project

System

you could always try her on this which was released yesterday.

http://www.stuff.tv/android/datawind-ubislate-7ci-uk-s-cheapest-tablet/news

UncleZen

buglawton wrote: »

Now thinking of a Samsung tablet with Teamviewer QS Android app to allow full remote control from a laptop. Just cannot find one review or post confirming anyone has succeeded in using QS app to control a Samsung tablet over the Internet reliably.

Not possible, or at least it wasnt. I tried this with Teamviewer, you couldnt control a tablet in the traditional way, just see whats running and a few other useless things I dont remember now.

DigForVictory

Caution: 'elderly' does not mean unaware of trends, invulnerable to Apple advertising, or broke.
If the lady wants an iPad, roll with the punch, but do check she gets a robust cover too. Possibly with a carrying strap.
However, all visits should include at least 5 minutes checking the gadget has been charged & works. Sorry.

donny-gal

Depends what you consider "Elderly", I'm in my 60's but pretty techy.

I think your relation will do fine, as folk say you will have to set it up for her initially, and maybe like some of my slightly older and far less techy neighbours, who I end up supporting, as well as DH who is totally untechy, but has mastered a Nexus 7 (using not the set up), she will have to write things down.
Show her a couple of things, and when she is OK with them, on the next visit add a couple more. Pads are really far more friendly than any other kind of pc.
DG