Any suggestions for a "starter" computer for elderly parents?

[Deb in IA]

OK, my parents are in their late 70's, but still (thankfully) in relatively good physical and mental health.


They recently logged onto Yahoo and set up an e-mail account at the local library, basically so that Dad could order air tickets online (additional savings for online bookings).

So, thinking that Mom and Dad have now jumped onto the information superhighway, we (my sis and I) started e-mailing them, sending photos, etc.

But, Dad still has to go to the library to log on, and gets confused and frustrated everytime, and has finally given up.

I still think that if he had a computer at home, and could use it more regularly, he would "get it". So, any of you techies out there have any suggestions on what would be the best machine for basic Internet access??

Keep in mind that my parents only got a telephone answering machine 4 years ago, and a cell 2 years ago . . . they are not really into technology . . . they grew up using an abacus and slide rule . . .

Thanks!!!

 

[vacanut]

We bought a cheap Dell computer a few years ago, we just use it to go online. No bells and whistles and we haven't had any problems with it.

You may want to check dell.com to see what specials they are running. I know a few weeks back they had one for $299.

 

[Crankyshank]

My Grandparents have my parents' old Compaq, but a standard Dell or even an emachine would be perfectly adequate.

Gramps uses it to search for local sales, look at cars, and check the weather around the country.
I think Grams buys cigarettes online and I taught her about ebay

 

[Sandy V.]

I agree with the Dell suggestion. They often have entry level computers with basic functionality at a reasonable price, and you can add whatever programs you think they might need when you "build" it.

 

[Deb in IA]

My Grandparents have my parents' old Compaq, but a standard Dell or even an emachine would be perfectly adequate.

What's an emachine?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

BOTH MIL & MOM have learned the computer in the past few months. We got MIL an EMachine. Something cheap she only uses email too.

My mom however has passed me up in the picture dept, in a matter of 4 months.(it is her thing, scrapbooking). She loves her digital camera and computer now.

Definetly well worth it!

 

[oogieboogie]

Emachine is just another brand of budget computers. Best Buy sells them.

I would just get a Dell. They have some cheap, basic ones around $299.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

OH!

Forgot to say wait for the Christmas sales...you can get a GREAT deal! Keep your eye on the paper.

 

[experiment626mom]

I agree with the Dell. We bought mom a basic one and she took an internet class at the local Senior Citizen Center.

 

[malibuconlee]

Is Webtv still around? I know that's what my friend's retired parents started with.

 

[Blondie]

My mom uses Web TV and that is just enough for her.

 

[Deb in IA]

My mom uses Web TV and that is just enough for her.

Don't think we can do this, Blondie. My parents don't even have CABLE.

 

[crz4mm2]

My mom got a 499. Dell. Perfect for her.
I think they are great machines. Have a good warranty and are easy to use.

 

[MICKEY88]

What's an emachine?

emachine is now owned by gateway..

 

[caitycaity]

in my experience apples work best for seniors. my gpa actually just ditched his dell for a mac mini. he had problems with service pack 2 and spyware/popups on his dell - no problems with his mac mini.

 

[pumba]

My mom has had her computer for four years now......it was a DELL and she is now 91......She can send email and google alot.......this is great for older folks.......See if they can get into a program at the local senior center for learning how to do this.........It helped my mom at the beginning but now she doesn't remember what we told her two days ago........It has kept her going though.......I write down everything in a steno pad and she does read and comprehend that

 

[Galahad]

I'd stay away from Webtv. My mother uses it and it lacks a lot of functionality (for example, my nefew had a baseball game that was webcasted. Brother called Mom at the last minute and said "I know you can't be at the game but you can watch it online at www.xxxxxx.xxxx". But she couldn't because WebTv won't support that. You don't need cable for webtv, just a dialup. I'd lean heavily toward an "entry" laptop rather than a full desktop. I'd think they'd get frustrated with the bulk and wires, etc. etc. with an entry desktop. There are "emachine" type laptops available or better yet, go with Dell's version and get their support with it. I can't say enough good things about Dell support!

 

[Tinijocaro]

in my experience apples work best for seniors. my gpa actually just ditched his dell for a mac mini. he had problems with service pack 2 and spyware/popups on his dell - no problems with his mac mini.

Without a doubt get them a mac. I've had the same mac for 7 years, not one pop-up, virus, spware- nothing. I do lots of downloading of music and have never ever had a problem. The machines just run. They are easy to use, and will last a long time. The only problem I had was with my moitor about 5 years ago it went black- apple sent a shipping box, paid all postage there and back, fixed it, and this was all after the warantee was up.

Jackie

 

[LK03]

Without a doubt get them a mac. I've had the same mac for 7 years, not one pop-up, virus, spware- nothing. I do lots of downloading of music and have never ever had a problem. The machines just run. They are easy to use, and will last a long time. The only problem I had was with my moitor about 5 years ago it went black- apple sent a shipping box, paid all postage there and back, fixed it, and this was all after the warantee was up.

Jackie

I agree with this. We gave my grandmother an old 1997 Compaq laptop and boy does she have problems with it. It runs slow, she gets easily confused and all the spyware. I'm hoping to get her a "mini" this year. She keeps saying she hates that computer and needs something that just works and she won't have to worry about spyware since she has no idea how to barely use the thing!

 

[Forevryoung]

My grandparents are on their second or third computer. Right now they have a massive Dell setup (I think they have a 20 something inch flat panel monitor).

I thought about a Mac for them but the problem is that they call me with computer questions and they expect me to walk them through whatever over the phone. This is from printer issues to spyware to reinstalling Quicken... I dont use most of the programs that they use (like Quicken) but at least keeping them on the same platform as me (Windows XP) lets me trouble-shoot without having to see the screen.

Just something else to consider-