| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
Those of you who know me already know that my Computer Literacy level is almost (but not quite) up to the Hooked On Phonics level. However, I have a friend who isn't even close to my level. She's never had a computer and is realizing that she wants one. SO I figure I'd ask here (where there are some very knowledgeable Computer folks) for specific recommendations on what she should get. So, what exact make & model computer would you recommend for a lady in her early 70s; preferably one that isn't too expensive? | ||
| Jaimec |
Chromebook. (Message edited by jaimec on August 06, 2018) | ||
| Macbuell |
Personally, I wouldn't but anything from Google. They don't seem to care much about your privacy. Does she need a computer? Why not get a tablet? | ||
| Hootowl |
"Does she need a computer? Why not get a tablet?" Great question. Ask her what she's going to do with it. If the answer is "surf the web", go with a tablet. | ||
| Gregtonn |
Though it tends to be a bit more pricey an Apple is going to be more intuitive, especially for a first time user. That being said I have never owned an Apple myself I have only used them at places I have worked. G | ||
| Shoggin |
I don't know if a lady in her early 70's really has that much to hide to worry about Big Google? Love them or hate them, I would highly recommend a big i-pad with a separate bluetooth keyboard case simply because they are so intuitive. I doubt she'll need 1/4 of the capabilities of anything new out there today, so K.I.S.S. | ||
| Macbuell |
I think the Ipad would be the way to go and I would search for the last generation and get it at a discount somewhere. | ||
| 86129squids |
I REALLY miss my Mac. I've learned to live with a PC, but the mac platform is SO intuitive and easy. For an elderly lady that would be my pick. If no Mac, Firefox was fun to work with once upon a time. Of course, Frogs will chime in sometime soon... | ||
| Greg_e |
Chromebook is fine. Win10 on a device with a touchscreen is fine as well. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
What do you imagine she would actually do with this computer? Perhaps a smartphone or an android tablet would be a better fit? | ||
| Airbozo |
Chromebook: Yet another Google data collection device (Some schools are starting to ban them due to privacy concerns and HIPPA violations). Some people like them. Not my cup of tea since they are not very powerful and don't support most commodity software. If you want to write documents, presentations or spreadsheets you have to use Google Docs (yet another of their data collections programs). For just web browsing they are OK. iPad (or any MAC): I've been working with computers for over 3 decades and never thought that Apple products were very intuitive, but for some they are ideal. The SO's grandmother was constantly on the phone with my B-I-L (daily) asking for help with her iPad. I always end up walking away frustrated before I can figure out how to get them to do what I want. I had an iphone at my last job and could barely do anything but make a phone call before getting pissed off. I never have that issue with my Samsung. Windows 10 based devices: For me more intuitive than MACOS. They are constantly updating the OS which can be quite annoying since lately it seems the updates break something that requires yet another update. Cheaper than Apple offerings and more options as well. Lots of software options. Whatever you get her, make sure someone is available to answer questions and explain how things work. As much as I dislike Apple, they have some pretty thorough training just for people like your friend. | ||
| Court |
iPad Got one for my Mother 6 years ago . . . . . all she does/wants is e-mail and pictures. Fabulous. | ||
| Strokizator |
I'd agree on the iPad. My wife can communicate with her daughters, check their Instagram posts, pay bills and watch Netflix. Somebody showed her how to order stuff online and now we're best friends with the UPS driver | ||
| Barraspalding |
My wifes work computer is an Ipad pro... bloody huge thing with a flip open keyboard. Its great for her work environment which is all cloud based on Citrix. Looks shmick as, and battery lasts for days. | ||
| Zac4mac |
I have a Chromebook and an iPad. The Android can run Buelltooth and the USB borescope. sort of.. intermittently. The iPad works like an iMac. or a bigger iPhone. very few complaints. I turned my pop onto an iMac over 15 years ago he's nuts about all the info he has access to now. He's 87 and the iPad is his phone now, iPhone's to little to see. Still runs an iMac in his office. my 2 cents Z | ||
| Barraspalding |
I tried to get my dad, 67, to connect a samsung phone to the wifi at his house. I did via the phone because he lives in the country. HOLE-E-FARK... that was the most frustrating 15 minutes with no end result i've experienced in a while. I think the idea of a Ipad for him is great, as we want to video chat with him more regularly so his grandson can see his face more often then once every 6 months. | ||
| Greg_e |
And you think Apple isn't harvesting data? That's proven in the past. It's one of the big reasons the GDPR was created. | ||
| Froggy |
Airbozo summed up my thoughts perfectly. Every platform has its major pros and cons. | ||
| Jaimec |
I recommended the Chromebook assuming that Crusty's friend's needs are similar to my mother's: 1) Get on the web 2) Exchange E-Mail with friends and relatives 3) Use Facebook to catch up with friends and relatives And that's about it. Chromebooks are CHEAP, require minimal setup, and are pretty idiot proof. Best of all, since they don't come from a single manufacturer (like Apple) you don't have to mortgage any internal organs to get one. Now, if I had to do it all over again, I'd buy a refurbished laptop, install Linux Mint, show her how to browse the web, set up an E-Mail account and just let her go to town. In 2020 when Microsoft cuts off support for Windows7 I might do just that. Just dipped my toe into Windows10 for the first time and that is an utter horror show. Whoever came up with that interface needs to be dragged into the woods and beaten. At least it isn't as bad as Windows8 but it's pretty awful. The Linux Mint Cinnamon interface will be familiar to anyone who's used Windows since 1995. | ||
| Greg_e |
A note for those thinking of going Linux full time... Chromebooks are Linux, and many of the new versions of hardware are no longer locked to the Google version. So you can (many times), buy a decently cheap Chromebook, flip a switch or software switch, and install most versions of regular Linux. | ||
| Barraspalding |
Re: Chromebooks - i've previously had a negative experience buying a tablet/mini laptop that ran Android software. Asus Transformer something a few year ago, late 2012 to be exact. Bought it to have a small laptop for my honeymoon over to the US. Within 24 months, after general updates to the operating system, it is just a brick now. It is so slow to operate and function doing the most basic of tasks. I've done multiple clean-sweeps of the unit and its just horrible. Planned Obsolescence was my guess. Are Chromebook's going to be the same fate? | ||
| Crusty |
I was talking to her today and I asked what she would be using it for. She's very interested in being able to use Skype to talk to people (and see them) plus a little web surfing. She wants a real keyboard, so a laptop is preferable to a tablet and, from the way it sounds, about a 12" screen. I told her that I'd asked about which to get here and I received numerous conflicting suggestions and that got a laugh from her. Her "Tech Support" is someone who prefers an HP to a Dell, so it looks to me that an HP with some version of Windows would fit the bill. However, as I stated at the outset, I can barely find my way to Badweb and post a Snippet or post a picture, so I could be way off. She's not quite ready to buy, either. She doesn't have Internet access at her house and won't be getting it for a month or two. So I'd think that this computer from HP might just be the right choice for her: https://www.neweggbusiness.com/product/product.asp x?item=9b-34-269-935 | ||
| Barraspalding |
Without knowing budget or financial situations... buying a laptop that is already (wild guess) 5 or so years old may be too frugal. I'm always hesitant to touch those refurbish sites. Maybe Craigslist (assume that's the good ebay alternative in US), grab a year or so old decent spec laptop that someone doesn't need anymore because they have upgraded. Older gaming laptops would be perfect for her situation - usually quite large screens, bulky but it probably wont be carted around alot, and from what i have seen many have backlit keyboards which are bloody fantastic at night time. | ||
| Jaimec |
I've only purchased refurbished ThinkPads. They're bomb-proof and have survived thousands of miles packed in my motorcycle luggage on trips over the years. Other laptops just seem so flimsy compared to them. | ||
| Hootowl |
Thinkpads are great. Businesses love them for a reason. | ||
| Pwnzor |
For traveling I've been using a 13 inch Samsung Pro tablet with a bluetooth keyboard. Battery lasts forever and it does what I need it to. | ||
| Greg_e |
That laptop is too old, it may work for a long time, but it may fail soon too. | ||
| Teeps |
I would suggest a HP all-in-one. Purchase from best buy and get the geek squad service contract. My cousin has been very happy with the GS support, when needed. | ||
| Tootal |
From what I'm reading I'm glad I'm still on Windows 7! Both my PC and Laptop are 7. I've had no problems ever. The bad part is 2020 is getting close! Where does the time go??? For computer issues I go to a friend who was in charge of internet security for three different New York banks. His last comments were that if you bought a machine with Windows 10 already installed it would work but not to do a Win 10 upgrade on my Win 7 computers. Since 2020 is getting close I'll keep learning from you guys! LINUX, wasn't he a character in the Peanuts cartoons?  | ||
| Oldfartnbuell |
Linux no, Linus yes. |
