Laptop for first time 'senior'?

YoungGuns

Hi.
Due to deaths and migration my granddad (81 years old) has found himself isolated and alone. He's a complete technophobic - no mobile phone, no computer, nothing - ever. It took him long enough to learn how to use the digital TV Box I set up last Christmas.
Anyway, to get to the point. I decided that whilst I'm back in the country this holiday season that I am going to get him a laptop and spend at least a couple of weeks teaching him how to use it.


So to get to the point. I'm looking for recommendations for a suitable laptop that's ergonomically easy to use. Plus software (Windows?) and any other things I might be able to buy that could possibly make it easier for an 'older person' with zero prior experience to use.
The only thing I have so far is that it's going to have to be at least a 15.6inch screen (easier to view than more compact sizes), yet still possible to fit in a standard size carry on bag - in case of flight travel etc.).


I don't know what I've let myself in for. But thanking everyone in advance for any help, advice and/or ideas I may have overlooked.


Merry Christmas!

fwor

From my own experience with an elderly relative - about the age of yours when he started - a laptop is ergonomically terrible. Because the keyboard is right in front of the screen, it forces the user to be right up against the screen, which means that your arms and your neck are at an awkward angle and the screen is too close to you.

He hated using the laptop that I bought him first, and I then had to change completely, buying a conventional PC (later changed to a NUC small form factor PC to make it all more compact) plus a nice full-size wireless keyboard and mouse.

Initially he used Windows XP, but I changed that for Linux Mint after a while, because he could click on attachments and pretty much anything he wanted and there was very little chance that he would install malware (unlike the situation with Windows).

Mint is fine for that, because all he needed was an email client (I used Thunderbird) and a browser - and that was it.

YoungGuns

I should have said - my budget is around £300-350. So that might negate getting a 'proper computer'.
Though the wireless keyboard could be a good idea - though of course price might become an issue again.
I suspect the main usage would be for streaming sports highlights/TV/Youtube/Skype . . .



Good point about the malware etc. I remember speaking to an older colleague a while ago that said his mother was literally clicking on everything. Prince Nkawinadodo would have cleared her savings account in minutes (quote unquote).
I did once try Linux a few years ago but found everything I usually used didn't work. Flash streaming etc. So abandoned the mission.

Terry98

Some good points here https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/buying-advice/laptop/how-choose-computer-for-older-people-3580311/

Neil49

Take a look at the Chromebook models as they are easy to use and don't have all the hassle associated with Windows updates and antivirus programs.

I use a wireless mouse with mine which makes life easier and the touchscreen works well. You can also flip the screen right over to form a large tablet.

Only downside is that I don't think there are many with screens over 14 inches.

arielsmelody

I think you are probably being overambitious. Someone who is over 80 and has no experience of using a computer is going to struggle to remember how to use it and when something goes wrong the laptop will be put away and never turned on again.


I think you need to focus more on getting your granddad some regular human company and help - a visit every day or a few times a week from a care agency or an elderly person charity will be more practical help than a laptop. Or enlist a friendly neighbour who can be on hand to help your grandad turning the laptop on and getting online.

ballyblack

i would try a 10' Android tablet first

even borrow one

If he likes it, consider then getting a PC/laptop/Chromebook

Neil_Jones

A tablet would be a better start IMO. If Sky is installed in the house you should be able to install the Sky+ app on it and use it as an oversized remote control if nothing else.

That being said, I would probably argue that if there is no interest in owning a mobile phone even just to make a call to say I'm running late to visit as the bus is late, then there will probably be no interest in anything beyond that. Senior citizens are 'unfortunate' in some ways these days as they've lived through so many technological changes through their lives that they're just totally overwhelmed. It is documented that the older we get the harder it tends to get to figure out how to use this that and the other especially when it wasn't there before or see the point in it.

Much like voice activated things like Alexa and the Echo or that 'Okay Google' stuff - I'm only in my late 30s and I already don't get the point in voice activated technologies as I never had them before. I'm primed to pressing buttons and typing to get stuff done. In the future a six year old will probably wonder what a remote control was.

Farway

arielsmelody wrote: »

I think you are probably being overambitious. Someone who is over 80 and has no experience of using a computer is going to struggle to remember how to use it and when something goes wrong the laptop will be put away and never turned on again.


I think you need to focus more on getting your granddad some regular human company and help - a visit every day or a few times a week from a care agency or an elderly person charity will be more practical help than a laptop. Or enlist a friendly neighbour who can be on hand to help your grandad turning the laptop on and getting online.

I echo this, plus how about something connecting TV to internet, like a Roku box & maybe Netflix?
He can then browse you tube and loads of things that may appeal without too much remembering which button to click

EveryWhere

Gosh.....people can be really insulting to the elderly. As if they are all completely stupid.
Some are definitely more competent than others, regardless of age.

I honestly would steer clear of Chromebooks.
On the other hand, the six monthly updates to Windows 10 can be confusing, especially if it fouls up the device.

It would also be useful to have a device on which you can install TeamViewer or the like.

That way, you will have access to his PC and be able to run fixes from afar. TeamViewer works with Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.

For Chromebooks, you would need; https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chrome-remote-desktop/gbchcmhmhahfdphkhkmpfmihenigjmpp?hl=en

System

EveryWhere wrote: »

Gosh.....people can be really insulting to the elderly. As if they are all completely stupid.
Some are definitely more competent than others, regardless of age.

This. I do amateur radio which has plenty of old blokes in it, many well into retirement. Being near a BAe establishment one of those old blokes in the club designed the communications protocols for the various systems in the Eurofighter use to talk to each other. Another of them used to do a lot of work in Africa and the Middle East installing radar and radio systems. In fact I reckon that the majority of them in my club when it comes to computers and electronics would make many of those walking out of Hull University with their shiny new degrees look like they hadn't the first clue.