Discussions

A family member from out of town (meaning I can't just jump in the car quickly and help) needs a new computer. He is still running XP and I have been unable to convince him to upgrade. I showed him my windows 7 and he just got scared and confused by it so we have just ignored the fact that XP is a dinosaur system. It is causing problems and he is finally ready to move on. THANK GOD! It has been a source of loving arguments for a while now.  
 
All he really needs to do is read emails and surf a couple of sites I have put in his favorites. (everything else he really struggles with) He is easily frustrated and can't type well at all.  
 
I called all around in his area and there are no real courses for seniors. However the senior centre says that any senior can show up with their laptop or tablet and they will help them with what they struggle with. (Oh wow they must be patient.)  
 
Is this a bad idea that will cause frustration or is it a good idea? Any help or experience would be great.  
 
Thanks.

The Chromebook is run by google. They are a laptop that run google apps. There is no memory in the laptop except to run the apps. Everything is stored in Google Drive. Google has said they will open up googleplay so the apps will run on the Chromebook. It is meant for using the internet. You have access to all of google software. Spreadsheets, word, pictures. If you don't need Windows software or programs, this is an ideal alternative for anyone. Simple, affordable and quick as lightning. I would highly recommend the chromebook especially now that they will have access, in a few months, to google play.

It works well for my dad who is in his mid 70s first we got him a tablet he picked it up pretty quick. Because he was not into music or movies really and because he had a flip phone I got him a Samsung tablet. After he got used to that and his flip phone quit we got him a Samsung Galaxy smartphone so tablet and phone both work the same it was a very easy transition he even will play some games now. My brother had bought him an iPod touch a few years ago he still will not use it but this spring he wanted to get a music player so I put him on to Google music he now uses Spotify and loves it. He did try the iPod but found it difficult to use. He had used a computer for emails and banking he found Android wY easier to pick up than Apple.

Get an ipad or a mini, far less confusion for older people. My dad has an android one and is always managing to screw it up.  
 
Wishes he had an ipad or minim but got an android one from a family member as a gift. I got him an ipod a while back and he uses it without issue and wishes hi tablet was Apple to..

Does the lack of a mouse or keyboard frustrate them?  
 
And thanks for your great input guys. I already feel this is a good idea.

I was seriously considering the Microsoft Surface Book ($2,500) for her when my daughter gave her an old iPad so she is starting there with her touch screen experience. She actually finds it interesting. Switching from PC to Apple is a minor challenge, but then again, she just recently learned how to deal with Excel indicating that she loves challenges.  
 
Her tower, monitor, keyboard, and mouse needs to be upgraded. When combined with the downsizing next year and the possible loss of an office, she suggested a laptop. She likes to type and send emails so a good keyboard will be essential. This is not as essential for the OP, but others in similar situations may want this information.  
 
I plan to introduce her to Russ at Staples, my source of great information regarding computers. The other sales staff are also very knowledgeable as well. They are not on commission and work to find the best item for the user.  
 
Thank you for the information about Seniors Centre helping with a new laptop. I will also arrange that for my mother when the time comes.

tablets are great option for seniors who just want to be able to stay connected with family and friends. My mother (mid 70s) is not computer literate but wanted to be able to email, go on Facebook and and do some basic browsing. We picked out a Samsung Galaxy tablet a couple years ago and she picked it up very quickly and now couldn't do without it. She finds it easier to use a stylus rather than her fingers but she loves being able to stay connected with everyone. No keyboard and mouse hasn't been an issue at all in fact it is two less things to go wrong but she also wasn't a regular computer user before. As long as there is a solid WIFI connection then it's just a matter of knowing how to turn the tablet on and off and how to perform the essential functions and it's everything she needs; at least for now.

Katwalk the senior centre thing is not in Brandon. I don't know if they do that here so for sure you will have to check.  
 
Midge that stylus is a great idea that I would never have thought of. I should get myself one too.  
 
Thanks everyone for your input.

I have been shopping and got him a Samsung. I chose it because that is what I have and I am able to give a side by side lesson to start with. Plus any questions he may have I can easily answer.  
 
I have set up prsonalized widgets and short cuts on it that should make it pretty easy to use. I cross my fingers.  
 
I learned a couple things through this:  
 
- apps are really easy to use compared to straight out internet. They are so customizable it's not funny. If I was a beginner I think it would be so much less confusing if all I had to do was one tap. No double click, single click, right click, left click BS.  
 
-The stylus is a gift from God! I can type so much better with it and will never be without one. Especially for my phone. And you can easily click on the link you want and not the one beside it.  
 
Thanks again. Have a great Sunday.