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Laptop for Parents - not tech minded!

  • 31-12-2012 8:57pm
    #1
    galwaynative
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66 ✭✭


    Hi


    looking for a laptop for my parents (in their 70s). It's use will be limited to
    • Skype - most important as current desktop can't handle webcam being attached at all!
    • storage of pictures (few thousand max)
    • e mail
    • playing solataire
    • surfing the net - newspapers etc.
    • something that does not take 10 mins to warm up!
    I can't imagine them ever multitasking so being able to Skype is probably the overriding consideration.

    If anyone can recommend a laptop from PC world/Argos I would really appreciate it. I was looking at the ASUS K55A and whilst I know the processor is not the best would that really matter for their needs? Or is there another PC in same price range that would be better?

    Many thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    dahamsta
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 16,659 ✭✭✭✭dahamsta


    Borrow a tablet from someone and give it to them for a week, see how they get on. It's very unlikely they need a keyboard given your list, and they might find the touch interface simpler.


  • #3
    cookie1977
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭cookie1977


    Any i3 processor with a 15inch screen laptop should be fine


  • #4
    galwaynative
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66 ✭✭galwaynative


    I was thinking of a tablet alright but Dad has arthritis so I was worried he would find it a bit fiddly. Are tablets good for skype (non Ipad as money won't stretch to that!)?


  • #5
    cookie1977
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭cookie1977


    galwaynative wrote: »
    I was thinking of a tablet alright but Dad has arthritis so I was worried he would find it a bit fiddly. Are tablets good for skype (non Ipad as money won't stretch to that!)?

    Personally speaking I dont think a tablet would be good for 70 plus year old parents. 7-10 inch screens are too small


  • #6
    dahamsta
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 16,659 ✭✭✭✭dahamsta


    My mum is 70+ and loves her 10" android tab. She still has a desktop but only because she was trained as a typist and likes to keep her hand in.


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  • #7
    cookie1977
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭cookie1977


    Fair enough. I'm sure there's exceptions.


  • #8
    galwaynative
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66 ✭✭galwaynative


    I am finding it hard to find an i3 processor for under 400 that is in stock - what would be an acceptable lesser processor choice for the requirements? Most of the Argos PCs seem to be out of stock in my local store.


  • #9
    cookie1977
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭cookie1977


    Would you buy from the web?
    http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Products/cat/Laptops/refine/46562~144411$46565~144435


  • #10
    cookie1977
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭cookie1977


    This is good value but windows 8 could be a learning curve
    http://www.dabs.ie/products/lenovo-b580-core-i3-2328-4gb-500gb-dvd-writer-15-6--widescreen-1366x768-windows-8-64-bit-8C47.html?refs=54580000&src=3


  • #11
    galwaynative
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66 ✭✭galwaynative


    Thanks Cookie1977, the dabs one looks good. I agree re windows 8. We have it on our new laptop and am struggling to see what the advantages of it are!


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  • #12
    cookie1977
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭cookie1977


    galwaynative wrote: »
    Thanks Cookie1977, the dabs one looks good. I agree re windows 8. We have it on our new laptop and am struggling to see what the advantages of it are!

    I have it and love it. Just learn off some keyboard shortcuts or install a start menu

    Since they're starting fresh they may be quicker at it then if they'd come from another device. The apps and icons on metro are nice and big


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