Laptop or desktop? (update:got a Laptop!)

[airhead]

I'm thinking of buying my parents a laptop. They have a desktop but don't use it much because its upstairs(hey,they're 80 yrs old!). My question to all that use the laptops,are they easy to use? A friend told me not to bother,they're more trouble than they're worth. Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[mickeysgal]

I have no idea why your friend would tell you that. All we've had are laptops here. Got rid of the old-fashioned desktop years ago. Get them a laptop - they will love the portability of it. Why chain yourself to a wall? Desktops are out. Laptops in.

 

[golfgal]

Get them a laptop-they are much easier to use and portable.

 

[MizTink]

I have no idea why your friend would tell you that. All we've had are laptops here. Got rid of the old-fashioned desktop years ago. Get them a laptop - they will love the portability of it. Why chain yourself to a wall? Desktops are out. Laptops in.

i have had a macbook for a few years and will NEVER have a pc or desktop again....

 

[airhead]

Laptop it is! Now,I just found a "refurbished" HP laptop,(HP - Factory-Refurbished Laptop / Intel® Pentium® Processor / 17.3" Display / 4GB Memory / 320GB Hard Drive - Black)
This is on sale at Bestbuy for $500.00 What do you all think?

 

[mickeysgal]

Laptop it is! Now,I just found a "refurbished" HP laptop,(HP - Factory-Refurbished Laptop / Intel® Pentium® Processor / 17.3" Display / 4GB Memory / 320GB Hard Drive - Black)
This is on sale at Bestbuy for $500.00 What do you all think?

Now that I can't help you with. Did they throw in a service plan since it's refurbished? I'm on the fence with refurbished things. If you have a Costco around you, check them...they have great pricing as well.

I have an HP myself and have had a few problems with it. I'm no expert about brands. All I know is that I love laptops.

DD just got a Mac. She LOVES it. It's making me rethink my next laptop purchase.

 

[dawson5]

I would get them a laptop, if only for the ease of being able to take it where they need it. If you do go this route, I would probably buy them a wireless mouse to help with navigation. Do they even need a laptop, what are they using it for? Would a netbook be more in line with what they are going to use it for? My mom just uses hers for schoolwork, email, shopping and a little facebook. Nothing that is graphics intense. If she didn't already have the laptop, a netbook would make more sense for what she uses it for.

 

[Nancy]

I second the idea of getting the mouse for it. I'm not in my 80's but I hate that finger mouse thing on my laptop. I need to use a "real" one. It is much easier for me.

 

[christiane]

You are very sweet to do this for your parents! A laptop with wireless setup is definitely the way to go. Very easy to use.

Do you know how your parents will use the laptop? Will they put it on a desk & only use it there or will they sit on the couch with it on their laps? Will they travel with it? The reason I ask is that a 17" inch laptop is bulky & heavy and best used in one place. The larger screen may be nice if they have vision issues but the awkwardness of this size & the weight may not be otherwise ideal for them.

I wouldn't buy a refurb if at all possible. For $500 or less, you should be able to buy a new laptop with similar specs, but I would look for a lightweight 14 or 15" screen. 320gb may not be necessary for your parents unless they have a very large amount of photos/movies/music they will be uploading.

 

[Noah]

Hi I would recommend a laptop over desktop. If you like user friendly, apple mac is popular for seniors because of ease of use. Also, there are fewer virus issues and anti virus ads on apple products.

You may want to visit an apple store and show them the ipad. It is lighter than a laptop but dumbed-down in features.But they probably need it for internet search and emailing anyway.

 

[MizTink]

if at all possible i would go with the mac book. super user friendly and fool-proof! and no worries about viruses and stuff that they wouldn't know what to do with!!

 

[airhead]

Thanks to all that helped me! My parents will be thrilled! I read a few reviews and decided theCompaq Presario CQ62-215DX would meet their needs perfectly!
Now,I have to do all the hooking up.....I'll be back for help! LOL