Laptop for first time 'senior'?

psychic_teabag

I'd also suggest a tablet - my FIL has no interest whatsoever in computers, but they got a tablet and he seems quite content to check the weather, google, etc.

(MIL happily uses laptop - we put Mint on it when Vista updates stopped, and we just leave her to it, other than sometimes having to talk her through a flash update when a particular site stops working.)

DoaM

I can't help with the question in hand (other than agreeing that a tablet may be a more practical solution). But I'd like to thank the OP for at least having the thought and consideration for his Granddad - it's heartening to hear such things in this "Me! Me! Me!" society we seem to have these days.

RumRat

Another vote for the Tablet......My father, (in his 90's) uses one without problems and he'd never used anything prior to acquiring it.
Just get a cheap one initially to establish if he can be bothered with it all, or not. This is the main obstacle rather than ability.
I never understand why society always has to quote an age and then pigeon hole everyone into their given slot.
You can either be bothered to use (with a little instruction) a Tablet, laptop, Pc or phone or you can't. Not withstanding some health issues, age is no barrier in itself.

J_B

ballyblack wrote: »

i would try a 10' Android tablet first

Neil_Jones wrote: »

A tablet would be a better start IMO.

As much as I hate them personally, maybe even an iPad???

ballyblack

Just get a cheap one initially to establish if he can be bothered with it all, or not.

definitely not an iPad

YoungGuns

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.

It sure varies a lot through all ages.


I remember recently watching a news clip about the 2 oldest living men in the UK.

Those guys (especially Bob Weighton) seemed very compos mentis at AGED 110 (ONE HUNDRED AND TEN) :eek:


*sorry can't post the link.

WaywardDriver

I was recently involved in delivering a Seniors IT course to residents in sheltered accommodation. Ipads were used and even after 10 sessions many were having problems with negotiating menus, clicking on icons and typing even with a stylus.
Rather than jump in with the solution (laptop, tablet, streaming device) I'd suggest determining requirements i.e. what the user is interested in doing - might be nothing - from which the solution should follow.

YoungGuns

Thanks for all the responses.


I think a tablet would be too small. As for the wasting money on something that 'might not be used'. I'm sure there's a way any laptop would be 'recycled' - that's why I'm also half concious of getting one that's half decent in case such a need arises.



Would a laptop without any software at all be cheaper to buy? I haven't seen any 'blank' ones on sale anywhere - they all seem to come installed with some kind of OS (mostly Windows).
It would be good to start with a clean slate. My own laptop (with Windows 10) came with loads of clutter on it - (incidentally I've been thinking about wiping mine clean and trying Linux. I just can't stand Windows 10 and it's enforced and time consuming updates - which normally occur when you've powered up your device ready for kick-off time (or similar). Grrrr!)

ballyblack

I just can't stand Windows 10 and it's enforced and time consuming updates -

That's why I just use a really simple Chromebook Laptop with a wireless mouse.

You can get them up to 15"6 (Acer)


https://www.techradar.com/uk/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/acer-chromebook-15-1277917/review
.

poppellerant

I don't think this been mentioned yet, but sorry if it has and I am just repeating myself.

What about researching leisurely classes that your father can attend perhaps once or twice a week? It would be a fine opportunity for him to socialise with others while learning at the same time. The only problem I can think of is getting there and perhaps there might be a small fee per class/hour.

I think a Windows laptop with a wireless mouse. Remove the bloat before you wrap it up, so your father doesn't become confused about what Candy Crush or Cortana are.