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Need a new laptop... have no idea
- Thread starter shanekingsley
- Start date
sburns
Well-known member
Agree with the ipad suggestion, if you can. We got a computer for my parents years ago, but they didn't use it much. Once my mom got a iPad though it clicked with her and she can't put the dam thing down.
Chris-CJ
Well-known member
Thoughts on a casual use device ....
- Laptop
Could be overkill for the purpose of emails and web browsing. A Windows laptop will need a wee bit of familiarity for it's maintenance and are the most targeted by hackers. A Linux laptop less so (try the Mint O/S), though it may have a problem for drivers for some external devices.
- Tablet
An Android tablet will fit the bill except for the virtual keyboard and the screen real-estate it takes up. Not all are comfortable with a virtual keyboard especially for those with reduced digital dexterity.
A Surface aka Windows tablet comes with the disadvantages of a WIN machine and the detachable keyboard is not as robust.
An iPad (no disrespect to those with a liking for Apple products) is less of a mainstream device and one will still need to use the virtual keyboard.
-Chrome Book
IMO, this is a best-in-case choice and if storage if more storage is required, a USB drive/SD card/External Drive can suffice.
Commonly used apps can be downloaded from the Google store, most are free and there are no licence fees (example, MS Office for a WIN O/S device)
My comment is provided in good faith and is based on the need for a senior with just email and web browsing as major usage.
Please do your own due diligence before purchase.
- Laptop
Could be overkill for the purpose of emails and web browsing. A Windows laptop will need a wee bit of familiarity for it's maintenance and are the most targeted by hackers. A Linux laptop less so (try the Mint O/S), though it may have a problem for drivers for some external devices.
- Tablet
An Android tablet will fit the bill except for the virtual keyboard and the screen real-estate it takes up. Not all are comfortable with a virtual keyboard especially for those with reduced digital dexterity.
A Surface aka Windows tablet comes with the disadvantages of a WIN machine and the detachable keyboard is not as robust.
An iPad (no disrespect to those with a liking for Apple products) is less of a mainstream device and one will still need to use the virtual keyboard.
-Chrome Book
IMO, this is a best-in-case choice and if storage if more storage is required, a USB drive/SD card/External Drive can suffice.
Commonly used apps can be downloaded from the Google store, most are free and there are no licence fees (example, MS Office for a WIN O/S device)
My comment is provided in good faith and is based on the need for a senior with just email and web browsing as major usage.
Please do your own due diligence before purchase.
Thanks for the suggestions - tablets and otherwise.
Unfortunately for her she has some pretty strong side effects from her various cancer treatments, so tablets won't work (finger dexterity, nerve damage and so on). She needs to use a dedicated mouse and keyboard, and also likes a 14" screen or larger, so I might as well go with a laptop. I want to keep it at Windows for her because she is also averse to change! It is a bit overkill for her extremely limited type of use, but I would like to get her something that as closely matches what she currently has, to limit the learning curve.
If I didn't nag her, she would continue using her broken screen on her laptop.
Unfortunately for her she has some pretty strong side effects from her various cancer treatments, so tablets won't work (finger dexterity, nerve damage and so on). She needs to use a dedicated mouse and keyboard, and also likes a 14" screen or larger, so I might as well go with a laptop. I want to keep it at Windows for her because she is also averse to change! It is a bit overkill for her extremely limited type of use, but I would like to get her something that as closely matches what she currently has, to limit the learning curve.
If I didn't nag her, she would continue using her broken screen on her laptop.
Have you tried the dictation software built in to most OS? There’s also a facility to read back emails etc. They are reasonably advanced now and can be useful and it also means less keyboard time and less time trying to see small text etc. Depending on the operating system there’s likely voice operated commands too like “send an email to...”, etc.
Thanks - that's a great idea. I'll try to see if I can get her using that.
x2 a tablet instead. It's way less work in the end and you won't be back in 3 weeks fixing their browser that looks like this.
That said, I want to say I suggested tablet earlier in this thread as well and there was some reason that wasn't in the cards. I forget.
That said, I want to say I suggested tablet earlier in this thread as well and there was some reason that wasn't in the cards. I forget.
That picture is awesome.
I use a tablet for work and have one for travelling. The ladies in my life prefer the laptops.
This is what I ended up with a year or two ago. I wanted something that I could take on the bike and plan my routes.
It's over your budget from this site, but I got a better deal from the kids' community college store at the time.
The only flaw for me is that the 4GB memory is hardwired in, and can't be upgraded. I've dropped a TB SSD into it, and dropped it a few times. It keeps coming back for more. It can be used as a tablet (touchscreen), the ASUS pen also works with it, and it has a dedicated keyboard. Mousewise, you'd be best to get a usb hub as there's only a mini A and a C port.
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/produc...-64gb-emmc-4gb-ram-win-10-s-open-box/15003160
It's over your budget from this site, but I got a better deal from the kids' community college store at the time.
The only flaw for me is that the 4GB memory is hardwired in, and can't be upgraded. I've dropped a TB SSD into it, and dropped it a few times. It keeps coming back for more. It can be used as a tablet (touchscreen), the ASUS pen also works with it, and it has a dedicated keyboard. Mousewise, you'd be best to get a usb hub as there's only a mini A and a C port.
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/produc...-64gb-emmc-4gb-ram-win-10-s-open-box/15003160
I need to send a computer to an elderly friend who's old AIO Mac has died. They want another AIO but don't need another Mac. All they use it for is to Skype and do some online shopping/banking. Any recommendations? I was thinking this one would do:
What about an older gen iPad? Less hassle generally for simple stuff like web surfing and has built in cam for Skype etc plus decently long battery life.
Inlaws used to have an hp. House smelled bad one day and aio had turned black and was hot and smoky. I think my parents have an hp with no issues. So 50/50 chance hp burns your house down? I have no opinion on Dell but 16gb ram and ssd means is shpuld be good enough. Especially if you clean off the bloatware before you hand it over.
Mad Mike
Well-known member
I have one that I keep for visitors, a simple Lenovo Chromebook. $150 new, $20 for a 3 year extended warranty from Staples.
Works like a charm. Boots instantly, uses network file storage, Chrome, Gmail, Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook), Netflix, Prime video, Roger Ignite for TV.
Never see viruses, blue screens
Looks good to me. Do them a favour and make sure it upgrades to Windows 11 before sending it out - they won't have to learn how it works twice. Intel i5 8500 should support it.
Do yourself a favour and install Teamviewer on any device that you will have to fix/maintain. There is a free version that works for personal use only. Good enough to get in and trouble-shoot the computer without having to hop in the car or an airplane, or spend several frustrating hours over the phone doing IT support.
Also works for mobile devices as well. Can't recall how many times I've had to close hundreds of browser tabs for my mom because she complained her phone was running slow.
"I think I need a new phone"
"You don't need a new phone..."
Also works for mobile devices as well. Can't recall how many times I've had to close hundreds of browser tabs for my mom because she complained her phone was running slow.
"I think I need a new phone"
"You don't need a new phone..."
sburns
Well-known member
Get an ipad, switch them to facetime if possible.
We tried our mom on a computer etc didn't work well for her, but once she got an iPad it all made sense and it's a lot less trouble for "family tech support" to deal with.
DownUnder
Well-known member
Visitors?
Hi Jeff, thanks for coming around mate, here's a laptop, now **** off over there in the corner and leave me alone.
wonderings
Well-known member
If they are used to a Mac it is probably simplest to keep using a Mac rather then all the time you will need to explain how Windows works and why Windows does things the way they do. Less tech support required, unless they are a tech savvy elderly couple, why change what works for them?
Frig I didn’t even know that existed for home use. Thanks for that. Do you have a safe download link for the free version?
Thanks for all the other replies. A tablet is too small for their vision/dexterity. They squint to see the 22” screen as it is and definitely need a real keyboard and mouse.
Seeing if there’s any Prime deals on today (none so far for 10w50 synth oil btw).
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