Recommend a computer Tablet for a 80+ yr old

captainhindsight_2

bryanb wrote: »

I disagree, I've used windows for many years, I picked up iPad use in about 10 minutes. 72 yrs of age BTW

You may have found it easy to use having used computers for years, but a 'technophobe' would not.

Also message for the OP, she may not find it comfortable reading on a tablet screen. A e-book may be better for reading as you can increase the text size and the screen is much easier on the eye.

So it could be worth getting something like a nexus for skype, games etc and then an kindle paperwhite for reading books etc.

Idiophreak

captainhindsight wrote: »

Also message for the OP, she may not find it comfortable reading on a tablet screen. A e-book may be better for reading as you can increase the text size and the screen is much easier on the eye.

You can change the font size on a tablet too. The screen isn't as easy on the eye, that's true....but as long as you keep the backlight to a minimum, most readers should be comfortable enough on a tablet...

captainhindsight_2

Idiophreak wrote: »

You can change the font size on a tablet too. The screen isn't as easy on the eye, that's true....but as long as you keep the backlight to a minimum, most readers should be comfortable enough on a tablet...

I know you can change the txt size on the tablet but thats not what I was saying, I was saying that a backlit screen can be uncomfortable for reading. Where as a e-book would resolve this issue if it concerned you.

Even with the backlit screen on low I would still find this uncomfortable.

DigForVictory

If the lady can be given a choice, she may "take to" one or the other without any logic involved. If you want her to have a comms gizmo, try to give her a choice?

I know two octogenarians - one is unwillingly parted from his ipad & the other from her kindle - it can be very much a matter of taste.

Ipad apps can cost money but a lot of them have free lite versions - and there are regular newspaper articles on "the best 50 free apps" to consider.

Hoping the lady has many happy years with whichever tablet should not be taken with water!

Idiophreak

captainhindsight wrote: »

A e-book may be better for reading as you can increase the text size

captainhindsight wrote: »

I know you can change the txt size on the tablet but thats not what I was saying

It *is* what you were saying. It just wasn't *all* you were saying.

You evidently find a backlit screen intolerable for reading, but you might have to accept that you're in the minority. If everyone felt the same, Kindle wouldn't have diversified from true eReaders.

captainhindsight_2

Idiophreak wrote: »

It *is* what you were saying. It just wasn't *all* you were saying.

You evidently find a backlit screen intolerable for reading, but you might have to accept that you're in the minority. If everyone felt the same, Kindle wouldn't have diversified from true eReaders.

No I wasnt saying you couldn't increase the text size on a tablet, I was saying you can increase the text size on a ebook and it is more comfortable to read... #handonface

The kindle fire and the kindle ebooks are completely different products, the fire is a computer tablet the ebook is a ebook.... Thats like saying samsung started making phones because no body wanted to buy their televisions.

(Text removed by MSE Forum Team)

Amazon is a business of course they are going to offer a range of different products, do you know how a business works?

Idiophreak

captainhindsight wrote: »

No I wasnt saying you couldn't increase the text size on a tablet, I was saying you can increase the text size on a ebook and it is more comfortable to read... #handonface

You said an eReader may be better because you can adjust the font size. This gives the impression it's a point of difference. If that's not what you meant, work on your grammar.

No, they're variations of the same product. That's why they all have "kindle" in the name. The kindle 3G is like the kindle, but with 3G. The kindle paperwight is like a kindle but backlit. The kindle fire is like a kindle, but able to be used as a (limited) tablet, too.

You'll notice that they don't call Samsung Televisions "Samsung Galaxy Note 42" - because *they* are different products.

Take a look at the amazon website about the fire:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-fire-tablet-amazon-tablets/dp/B0083Q04M2

Notice how the first picture shows it displaying books. Notice how it's described as being "great for reading"...in fact it's "perfect" for reading on the go.

If, as you claim, it's not comfortable to read on the thing...why would they put so much emphasis on it? The truth...most people can read just fine on it...and the thousands of positive reviews back that up. So, as I said, if you're really incapable of reading on it comfortably...you're in the minority.

captainhindsight_2

Idiophreak wrote: »

You said an eReader may be better because you can adjust the font size. This gives the impression it's a point of difference. If that's not what you meant, work on your grammar.



No, they're variations of the same product. That's why they all have "kindle" in the name. The kindle 3G is like the kindle, but with 3G. The kindle paperwight is like a kindle but backlit. The kindle fire is like a kindle, but able to be used as a (limited) tablet, too.

You'll notice that they don't call Samsung Televisions "Samsung Galaxy Note 42" - because *they* are different products.

Take a look at the amazon website about the fire:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindle-fire-tablet-amazon-tablets/dp/B0083Q04M2

Notice how the first picture shows it displaying books. Notice how it's described as being "great for reading"...in fact it's "perfect" for reading on the go.

If, as you claim, it's not comfortable to read on the thing...why would they put so much emphasis on it? The truth...most people can read just fine on it...and the thousands of positive reviews back that up. So, as I said, if you're really incapable of reading on it comfortably...you're in the minority.

I give up, clearly to dense to tell the difference between an e-reader and a tablet computer.

joepubli

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have a kindle I don't use so I will see how she gets on with that.

Please can I hear from a few Siri users - does it works well? could she dictate an email or call someone on skype? or play some music Given that she is alone much of the day, she might welcome interaction with a machine with personality.

If its Siri, then does that limit to iPad or is there an Android equivalent. I could google it but I am interested in hearing from actual USERS in the senior category.

joepubli

DigForVictory wrote: »

If the lady can be given a choice, she may "take to" one or the other without any logic involved. If you want her to have a comms gizmo, try to give her a choice?
Hoping the lady has many happy years with whichever tablet should not be taken with water!

Thanks DigForVictory - choice sounds good but then I will have to buy two of them and I fear she might be more confused with two.

So I am looking to get something that works out of the box withot too much tweaking.