My grandfather, who to my knowledge has never used a personal computer before, is interested in purchasing a computer. Has anybody bought a computer for their older parent or grandparent.
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Can anybody suggest a computer for my 90 year old grand father
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I usually recommend an iPad for old people.
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The answer to this question should be tempered by what he wants a computer for. If he wants to use the internet and email, as is the likely the case, I would strongly suggest an iPad over a computer. I can tell you from experience with my older relatives that any computer for someone who has never used one before can be somewhat frustrating to pickup.
On the other hand if he wants a computer for some other reason or application specific purpose I would suggest the low end iMac, but this would need a greater level of computer education than the iPad.
Hope some of this helps,
PC
On the other hand if he wants a computer for some other reason or application specific purpose I would suggest the low end iMac, but this would need a greater level of computer education than the iPad.
Hope some of this helps,
PC
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I can totally see why Groovechicken recommended an iPad, it's definitely easier to learn than a standard computer interface. However, if you really do need a real computer, I would go with a Mac over a PC. It requires less knowledge of file systems and everything seems to be presented to the user in a more friendly manner.
I just hope you realize that no matter what you decide to get for him, you are now going to be on call tech support.
Good luck!
I just hope you realize that no matter what you decide to get for him, you are now going to be on call tech support.
Good luck!
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If the iPad doesn't appeal and if he really wants a computer with a keyboard, then weigh the relative advantages of the accessibility controls that OS X and Windows offer. You can make the case for either, but only an Apple Store is going to give you some relief from on-going tech support.
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I don't suggest touchscreens for elderly, though an iPad may be a good idea because of the form factor. I don't have much experience with Mac software, but I've heard it's easier to learn from the ground up when compared to Windows. To me I have a follow up question of what do you want, a quality piece of hardware with great software, or something cheap that if you don't like you won't have wasted much money?
Some old people don't care about spending a few hundred or thousand dollars, others think anything over $100 is outrageous, so that could be extremely important. If money is the issue, getting a $400 HP craptop is probably a great idea. It will work, look nice, have up to date features and as long as he doesn't use it everyday it will last a few years. For people like us, these kinds of crapware devices will make you pull your hair out, but the idea of spending $500 and not getting a real computer (iPad) or spending $1200 (iMac) could be equally gut wrenching for someone who's never "needed" to use a computer before. Think about if he still complains that gas is $4 and longs for the "good ol days" of twenty-five cent per gallon gas.
If he's just jealous that everyone in your family has a laptop and uses it while watching tv when he is stuck watching commercials, go slow and start with the cheap options like the HP craptop or iPad. Tell him to drive slow (pun not intended, but totally intended) and don't throw it if it becomes frustrating to use.
Some old people don't care about spending a few hundred or thousand dollars, others think anything over $100 is outrageous, so that could be extremely important. If money is the issue, getting a $400 HP craptop is probably a great idea. It will work, look nice, have up to date features and as long as he doesn't use it everyday it will last a few years. For people like us, these kinds of crapware devices will make you pull your hair out, but the idea of spending $500 and not getting a real computer (iPad) or spending $1200 (iMac) could be equally gut wrenching for someone who's never "needed" to use a computer before. Think about if he still complains that gas is $4 and longs for the "good ol days" of twenty-five cent per gallon gas.
If he's just jealous that everyone in your family has a laptop and uses it while watching tv when he is stuck watching commercials, go slow and start with the cheap options like the HP craptop or iPad. Tell him to drive slow (pun not intended, but totally intended) and don't throw it if it becomes frustrating to use.
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I would NOT normally recommend an all-in-one pc to someone, in this case however it may be the best choice. He will likely want to have Windows 7, for the ability to run geneology applications & other specialized applications like that. TigerDirect has an all-in-one with a 20" screen for $299 today. Screaming deal & probably more than he will need to get started. It will come with a (if cheap) keyboard and mouse, so you just need some innerwebs to plug into & you're up and running. Once he is a l33t haxx0r, he can pick his own hardware.
Older people don't see as well as young folks, so the bigger the monitor the better. I have a refurb HANNspree 27" monitor to watch movies on, and it is awesome, it cost me under $150. If you head in this direction, for a huge monitor, then get a super-small (SFF) computer for him. There are many to choose from on NewEgg/TigerDirect/mWave/etc. These are usually around 200-300 for anything decent, but you might find a bargain.
iPad is easy, and small, unimposing, but lacking processing power (so he'll have to wait often) and that can get frustrating. Also lack of a keyboard is annoying to many. I do not recommend an android tablet, as they're finicky, slow & difficult for many to get used to. If you do go in the direction of a tablet, Apple is the best choice. Add a keyboard and mouse so he can use it easiest. Constantly touching where you are looking is a drawback, as fingerprints obscure your view. I am forever cleaning the screen on my droid phone, so I don't have to look through smudges.
The geriatric market is coming on strong, and I believe that their no-nonsense approach will serve the industry well, overall. Better interfaces, better applications, and better support will be the end results. If it is one thing that this group knows, it's how to be patient. Still, you will want to coach him about being patient, as some things take time.
Tell your dad to IM me sometime. 8)
Older people don't see as well as young folks, so the bigger the monitor the better. I have a refurb HANNspree 27" monitor to watch movies on, and it is awesome, it cost me under $150. If you head in this direction, for a huge monitor, then get a super-small (SFF) computer for him. There are many to choose from on NewEgg/TigerDirect/mWave/etc. These are usually around 200-300 for anything decent, but you might find a bargain.
iPad is easy, and small, unimposing, but lacking processing power (so he'll have to wait often) and that can get frustrating. Also lack of a keyboard is annoying to many. I do not recommend an android tablet, as they're finicky, slow & difficult for many to get used to. If you do go in the direction of a tablet, Apple is the best choice. Add a keyboard and mouse so he can use it easiest. Constantly touching where you are looking is a drawback, as fingerprints obscure your view. I am forever cleaning the screen on my droid phone, so I don't have to look through smudges.
The geriatric market is coming on strong, and I believe that their no-nonsense approach will serve the industry well, overall. Better interfaces, better applications, and better support will be the end results. If it is one thing that this group knows, it's how to be patient. Still, you will want to coach him about being patient, as some things take time.
Tell your dad to IM me sometime. 8)
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