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Laptop for grandparent

  • 02-12-2020 11:09am
    #1
    dizzydoll
    Registered Users Posts: 81 ✭✭


    Hi all,

    The grandmother is looking for a basic laptop for occasional use. She is finding it hard to read the phone but loves to google. I doubt it will ever be used for games (unless the grandchildren get near it) but will probably install the rte player for her. Hoping to spend less than €300, is there anything basic available in this price range or do I need to spend more. Any recommendations would be great.

    She dislikes tablets because she doesn't want to have to hold it so they are not an option.

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    padjocollins
    Registered Users Posts: 462 ✭✭padjocollins


    Never used them but chromebooks look like something worth looking into


  • #3
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Chromebooks are limited apps-wise but if literally it's just going to be for browsing and running rte player through the browser a chromebook is ok then

    this one looks not the worst for the current price of 329 euros (on sale) in pc world so would act fast if you want to get it

    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/asus-c523-15-6-chromebook-intel-celeron-64-gb-emmc-silver-10209121-pdt.html

    here's a review

    https://uk.pcmag.com/netbooks/119570/asus-chromebook-c523


  • #4
    elperello
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,586 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    This might suit.

    https://www.komplett.ie/Lenovo-100e-81M8004GMH/80056873/product?channable=0095cb6964003830303536383733f0&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_term=&from=kelkoo&awc=8912_1606919130_8a0dd89d863439270076896c4546fb37


  • #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    another option if 14 inch screen is big enough compared to the 15 inch on the acer. marginally more powerful cpu

    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-14a-14-chromebook-intel-celeron-64-gb-emmc-white-10207665-pdt.html

    review

    https://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/hp-chromebook-14-1317787/review


  • #6
    dizzydoll
    Registered Users Posts: 81 ✭✭dizzydoll


    Thanks, I will check all of them. What do you think of this, recommended by a friend:

    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/acer-514-14-chromebook-intel-celeron-32-gb-emmc-silver-10189620-pdt.html


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  • #7
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    dizzydoll wrote: »
    Thanks, I will check all of them. What do you think of this, recommended by a friend:

    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/acer-514-14-chromebook-intel-celeron-32-gb-emmc-silver-10189620-pdt.html

    ....ok once nothing will be need to be stored on it as 32gb is very tight

    lower resolution screen

    is it in stock - does not look like it

    pc world leave out of stock listings on their site


  • #8
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    I'd recommend this one on amazon for £300 as it has a better spec cpu

    (the n4200 cpu is 50% more powerful than the other ones with the n4000 or n3350 cpu so worth it in terms of running smoother. the other ones are under-powered, even for chromebooks really)

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-Touchscreen-Chromebook-Processor-Display/dp/B07T7NP43B/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=chromebook&qid=1606923016&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMlMwMkM3SDRON08yJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjAyNTk2MVNYVENYS0cyMEhRUiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjM0MDQ3MzVHRFVZNllESTFSQyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

    it also has a touchscreen (may or may not be useful)


  • #9
    padjocollins
    Registered Users Posts: 462 ✭✭padjocollins


    tis 1000 or so euro but i'd be remiss if i didn' say it. new macbook air with m1 chip. fanless. long battery life. It'll still be a great laptop in 10 years. If you can stretch the budget , deffo go for it.


  • #10
    dizzydoll
    Registered Users Posts: 81 ✭✭dizzydoll


    Thanks glasso, that looks like a winner. Padjocollins, I wish the budget stretched that far but unfortunately not.


  • #11
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    dizzydoll wrote: »
    Hi all,

    Hoping to spend less than €300, is there anything basic available in this price range or do I need to spend more.

    Thanks
    padjocollins wrote: »
    tis 1000 or so euro but i'd be remiss if i didn' say it. new macbook air with m1 chip. fanless. long battery life. It'll still be a great laptop in 10 years. If you can stretch the budget , deffo go for it.

    Gotta love boards.


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  • #12
    padjocollins
    Registered Users Posts: 462 ✭✭padjocollins


    i was aware of it and i said it so don't be a dick . wanted to make sure he's aware. knew he said under 300 quid. you never know how much one really has to spend or sees that it's worth putting extra into it.


  • #13
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    padjocollins wrote: »
    i was aware of it and i said it so don't be a dick . wanted to make sure he's aware. knew he said under 300 quid. you never know how much one really has to spend or sees that it's worth putting extra into it.

    she's buying a basic laptop for her granny - did you read the original post?

    besides the 1100 euro cost for a macbook air - why would her granny need the new m1 chip macbook air?

    and do you know how much the budget was - that's why the OP said €300

    going near 4 times the budget is frankly ridiculous.


  • #14
    padjocollins
    Registered Users Posts: 462 ✭✭padjocollins


    u really are a dick.

    why would anyone need a fast laptop,with long battery life and never heats up, has no fans. Try and be a bit introspective youself, maybe then you'll be less of an asshole.

    2nd time now explaining i was trying to be helpful. Too often we pass more or less cheap trash to our kids and older generations because we think it would be wasted on them . geuss what, the better something is the more often you'll use it .

    I just said if he could stretch his budged. it's not 400k , it's 4time 300 euro which may or may have not been a lot for him. The m1 laptop is brand new and he may not have been aware of it. anyway i'm reporting this. i don't want any answer back from you that isn't generally seen as respectful (we all have our opinions and advice, that's what we're herer for) by others


  • #15
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    lol


  • #16
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    padjocollins wrote: »
    u really are a dick.

    why would anyone need a fast laptop,with long battery life and never heats up, has no fans. Try and be a bit introspective youself, maybe then you'll be less of an asshole.

    2nd time now explaining i was trying to be helpful. Too often we pass more or less cheap trash to our kids and older generations because we think it would be wasted on them . geuss what, the better something is the more often you'll use it .

    I just said if he could stretch his budged. it's not 400k , it's 4time 300 euro which may or may have not been a lot for him. The m1 laptop is brand new and he may not have been aware of it. anyway i'm reporting this. i don't want any answer back from you that isn't generally seen as respectful (we all have our opinions and advice, that's what we're herer for) by others

    There is no need to call someone a dick. People are free to criticise your recommendations if they like.


  • #17
    harr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,485 ✭✭✭harr


    My mother in law was in same situation and a laptop was to much . She initially didn’t like a tablet as she didn’t want to hold it. We got her a very basic iPad and an after market keyboard case.
    All she needed was google and the odd app and death notices.
    She loves it now and how she can pinch to zoom or make texts as large as she wants.
    She still doesn’t hold but sits at kitchen table using it and loves FaceTime with the grandkids especially over lockdowns .
    She has become a dab hand at using it for a lady in her 80,s


  • #18
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    AlmightyCushion wrote: »
    There is no need to call someone a dick. People are free to criticise your recommendations if they like.

    The is obviously a case of a very triggered person

    the OP's granny needs a laptop with clearly stated simple use cases for web-browsing and rte player - you couldn't get any simpler a requirement

    clearly stated budget of €300 euro

    someone though has macbook m1 chip air on the brain and just wants to tell the world about it as they are clearly in love.

    even though it's nearly 4 times the budget and absolute over-kill for the use cases also.

    then goes on to argue that maybe 4 times their budget might be perfectly fine!

    even though the budget was actually stated as "Hoping to spend less than €300"

    I don't think that I've seen a more stupid suggestion actually


  • #19
    padjocollins
    Registered Users Posts: 462 ✭✭padjocollins


    who is the stupid one here ? yes i think the m1 is great , why ?
    it's touted as a massive change in computing, who wouldn't like a 20 hr battery and fanless, speedy laptop.
    i have repeatedly and clearly stated why i suggested the m1 knowing that is it out of her initial suggested budget. you continue to ignore that and call me stupid. you are the idiot.
    such condesention is triggering. I've no problem with other opinions, i do with superior attitudes, closed mindedness, trolling and so on

    lol off .


  • #20
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    glasso wrote: »
    The is obviously a case of a very triggered person

    the OP's granny needs a laptop with clearly stated simple use cases for web-browsing and rte player - you couldn't get any simpler a requirement

    clearly stated budget of €300 euro

    someone though has macbook m1 chip air on the brain and just wants to tell the world about it as they are clearly in love.

    even though it's nearly 4 times the budget and absolute over-kill for the use cases also.

    then goes on to argue that maybe 4 times their budget might be perfectly fine!

    even though the budget was actually stated as "Hoping to spend less than €300"

    I don't think that I've seen a more stupid suggestion actually

    Yeah, you've already made your point. Stop trying to wind the guy up.


  • #21
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Lads, will the two of ye cut it out. We're talking about a laptop recommendation for someone's granny. No need to start getting at each other's throats over it.


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  • #22
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    padjocollins wrote: »
    who is the stupid one here ? yes i think the m1 is great , why ?
    it's touted as a massive change in computing, who wouldn't like a 20 hr battery and fanless, speedy laptop.
    i have repeatedly and clearly stated why i suggested the m1 knowing that is it out of her initial suggested budget. you continue to ignore that and call me stupid. you are the idiot.
    such condesention is triggering. I've no problem with other opinions, i do with superior attitudes, closed mindedness, trolling and so on

    lol off .

    sounds like it might take you well over 20 hours to calm down.


  • #23
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    glasso wrote: »
    sounds like it might take you well over 20 hours to calm down.

    I literally just told you to stop trying to wind the guy up. Cop on.


  • #24
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    AlmightyCushion wrote: »
    I literally just told you to stop trying to wind the guy up. Cop on.

    excuse me but this "person" started coming out with all sorts of name-calling / flaming

    any other forum and you'd be banned for that

    you can also clearly see that pointless recommendations (as well as flaming obviously) are against the charter of this forum as per charter link below

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=251579

    Pointless recommendations
    Post that suggest a laptop that is completely unsuitable for what a thread starter requested will result in the poster getting a first and final warning. Subsequent pointless posts will result in a ban.

    Flaming (Blagging)
    Bad mouthing other members is not allowed on this forum or Boards so dont do it.Also no use of bad language as we do have a lot of younger members here.


  • #25
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    glasso wrote: »
    excuse me but this "person" started coming out with all sorts of name-calling / flaming

    any other forum and you'd be banned for that

    you can also clearly see that pointless recommendations (as well as flaming obviously) are against the charter of this forum as per charter link below

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=251579

    I try to avoid bans. Ye are both as bad as each other. You give out about him flaming but you are doing the same thing. You're deliberately trying to wind him up. Even now you are still at it by calling him "person". Cop on, grow up and get back to the topic at hand. Anything that isn't a laptop suggestion or discussion about suggestions will get a ban. Any more childish crap, sniping or abuse will get a ban.


  • #26
    jc bamford
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 87 ✭✭jc bamford


    I know I am a bit late getting in here, but for an older person I think it is worth considering the merits of a small Chromebook. I am speaking from experience with a person who found a 15 in. Asus 550 laptop too cumbersome to use unless sitting at a table. We replaced this with an Acer R 11 Chromebook. The screen is about the size of an average tablet. It made a huge difference. They can pick it up and take it anywhere, usually use it sitting in an armchair and can leave it aside or hand it somebody almost like a book or newspaper. It is simple to use and they dont have to worry about it being plugged in once it is charged once a day


  • #27
    bennyc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,907 ✭✭✭bennyc


    I have just ordered this for an older person who will be using it for Internet and email and MS office, I think the spec is very decent for the price,

    15.6" screen which IMO suits an older person better than a 14"
    No need massive storage space so the 128 SSD is perfectly fine
    Ryzen 3 Processor is decent and benchmarks very well against an Intel i3
    1 year sub to Microsoft 365

    4GB RAM may be a bottleneck but depending on what they are using I don't see it being an issue, I can upgrade to another 4GB if required.

    The Windows 10s may need a license to 10 pro as you wont be able to run apps not on the Windows store, but HUKD had a license for around £6 the other day so activate that and you have a full version of Windows.

    I will report back when it arrives and I configure it.


  • #28
    Louche Lad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭Louche Lad


    People have suggested a Chromebook, but the RTÉ Player's faqs say "We currently do not support Chromebook" : https://www.rte.ie/player/en_IE/profile/faq

    They also say Linux is supported, so how about getting a redundant, but cheap, second hand Windows laptop and sticking Linux on it? NB: I do not know how feasible this is!


  • #29
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Louche Lad wrote: »
    People have suggested a Chromebook, but the RTÉ Player's faqs say "We currently do not support Chromebook" : https://www.rte.ie/player/en_IE/profile/faq

    They also say Linux is supported, so how about getting a redundant, but cheap, second hand Windows laptop and sticking Linux on it? NB: I do not know how feasible this is!

    RTE don't have a chrome OS app but you can access rte player through any web browser so can easily be accessed on a chromebook

    also many chromebooks today allow the installation of android apps so can use the android app in terms of dedicated apps


  • #30
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    bennyc wrote: »
    I have just ordered this for an older person who will be using it for Internet and email and MS office, I think the spec is very decent for the price,

    15.6" screen which IMO suits an older person better than a 14"
    No need massive storage space so the 128 SSD is perfectly fine
    Ryzen 3 Processor is decent and benchmarks very well against an Intel i3
    1 year sub to Microsoft 365

    4GB RAM may be a bottleneck but depending on what they are using I don't see it being an issue, I can upgrade to another 4GB if required.

    The Windows 10s may need a license to 10 pro as you wont be able to run apps not on the Windows store, but HUKD had a license for around £6 the other day so activate that and you have a full version of Windows.

    I will report back when it arrives and I configure it.

    cheap upgrade for 4gb ddr4 sodimm 2400Mhz on amazon - 15 euro or not much more.

    cheap so it's a no-brainer and worth it. helps with even basic tasks like web browsing

    windows 10s can be turned off to normal windows 10 in a 2 minute settings change.

    absolutely no need for buying windows 10 pro


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  • #31
    JoseJones
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 612 ✭✭✭JoseJones


    A chromebook is perfect for this. My parents have an Acer one for the exact same reason, it must be at least 5-6 years old and it's still flying.


  • #32
    bennyc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,907 ✭✭✭bennyc


    glasso wrote: »
    cheap upgrade for 4gb ddr4 sodimm 2400Mhz on amazon - 15 euro or not much more.

    cheap so it's a no-brainer and worth it. helps with even basic tasks like web browsing

    windows 10s can be turned off to normal windows 10 in a 2 minute settings change.

    absolutely no need for buying windows 10 pro

    I was assuming you need a valid Windows 10 Home license to get out of "S" mode, I will try to switch out first and see wht happens, if not then Pro for a 5er will do the job


  • #33
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    bennyc wrote: »
    I was assuming you need a valid Windows 10 Home license to get out of "S" mode, I will try to switch out first and see wht happens, if not then Pro for a 5er will do the job

    what happens is that you're out of s mode and can install apps from anywhere

    https://www.hellotech.com/blog/what-is-windows-10-s-mode-and-how-to-turn-it-off#:~:text=To%20turn%20off%20Windows%2010%20S%20Mode%2C%20click%20the%20Start,for%20the%20process%20to%20finish.
    Open the Windows Start Menu.
    Then select Settings.
    Next, click Update & Security.
    Then select Activation. You can find this in the left sidebar of the Settings window.
    Next, click Go to the Store. You’ll see this next to a shopping bag icon with the Windows logo. Clicking on it will open up a new window in the Microsoft Store that says Switch out of S Mode.
    Then click Get. This will be a blue button located just below the description.
    Finally, click Install and wait for the process to finish. Once finished, you’ll see a pop-up box that says, “You’re all set! You have switched out of S mode and can now install apps from outside the Store.”


  • #34
    bennyc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,907 ✭✭✭bennyc


    Cheers for the info Glasso, will see how it goes. Gonna pull the trigger on the RAM, that will make for a fairly capable laptop for €370 delivered.


  • #35
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    bennyc wrote: »
    Cheers for the info Glasso, will see how it goes. Gonna pull the trigger on the RAM, that will make for a fairly capable laptop for €370 delivered.

    yes it's a good deal all-in for sure

    I'd usually err on the side of windows over chromebook for flexibility reasons

    Spinning HDD drives were the main reason for windows laptops slowing down after a few years - SSD's solve this issue

    screen is a bit dim in terms of max brightness but will be fine for indoors use


  • #36
    bennyc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,907 ✭✭✭bennyc


    Laptop arrived after a couple of days, switched out of S mode without hassle as per Glasso's instructions. Installed everything that was required and its running fine, came with 1 year Office 365 license. I will go for more RAM as once Google Chrome was installed it took a chunk of the RAM and is running at 75%. Would have been fine without it but Chrome is a requirement. All in all happy with the purchase but only for light internet and email use and nothing too taxing.

    bennyc wrote: »
    I have just ordered this for an older person who will be using it for Internet and email and MS office, I think the spec is very decent for the price,

    15.6" screen which IMO suits an older person better than a 14"
    No need massive storage space so the 128 SSD is perfectly fine
    Ryzen 3 Processor is decent and benchmarks very well against an Intel i3
    1 year sub to Microsoft 365

    4GB RAM may be a bottleneck but depending on what they are using I don't see it being an issue, I can upgrade to another 4GB if required.

    The Windows 10s may need a license to 10 pro as you wont be able to run apps not on the Windows store, but HUKD had a license for around £6 the other day so activate that and you have a full version of Windows.

    I will report back when it arrives and I configure it.


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  • #37
    Badabing1
    Registered Users Posts: 86 ✭✭Badabing1


    Hi,

    I bought the same laptop and just setting up now. Should I switch from Windows S straight away, or what is the main difference between the two? Sorry haven't a notion about it, thanks for any help


  • #38
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    S just means that you can only install apps from the windows store.

    If you don't need to install outside that you can leave it.

    You can also change at any time.


  • #39
    Badabing1
    Registered Users Posts: 86 ✭✭Badabing1


    Ah right, thanks very much for that.


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