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I think a tablet would be too small for the elderly. The task of holding and typing might be a challenge. Often they have issues with their digits.. A Mac desktop would be ideal. Screen's are large and for basic functions which I think most would use - google/yahoo search's and e-mail. Mac is easier to use than a PC. Got my Mom a PC when she was 80 ... never used it. Confused her. Got her a MAC at 84. She e-mails all the time and uses Scype to chat it up with her grandkids.
Why would you put linux and mac in the same choice? They're far apart in terms of learning to use (and certainly further apart than mac and windows). Yes they're both based on unix but what matters in learning is the UI which is pretty different.
Anyway, I voted for tablet. I gave my dad (in his 70s and never used a computer before) a tablet about a year ago. He learned it pretty quickly and now uses it a lot. He uses it while sitting back in a lazy chair. He's never been a desk user and doesn't even have a proper set up for using a pc. Barring a tablet, I'd probably have given him a mac as viruses and malware are what usually trip up new users the most. But in terms of ease of use, I think windows and macs are pretty similar.
$1000 for that!?!?! My first computer I bought 10 years ago has a faster processor than that thing.
I voted for Mac desktop, I would have voted for the Mac Laptop but I don't know the level of dexterity for the person this is for. If they are still pretty mobile and what not then I would use a laptop because they can be taken anywhere. Also MacBook Pro laptops have a very long battery charge. I generally pull 5-6 hours out of mine before I put the cord back on.
My grandad uses a Windows desktop and Windows laptop but he has been using computers for as long as I can remember and I am 27.
$1000 for that!?!?! My first computer I bought 10 years ago has a faster processor than that thing.
I voted for Mac desktop, I would have voted for the Mac Laptop but I don't know the level of dexterity for the person this is for. If they are still pretty mobile and what not then I would use a laptop because they can be taken anywhere. Also MacBook Pro laptops have a very long battery charge. I generally pull 5-6 hours out of mine before I put the cord back on.
My grandad uses a Windows desktop and Windows laptop but he has been using computers for as long as I can remember and I am 27.
You have to remember, this is not the computer forum, this is the Consumer Electronics forum where specs and names don't matter.....
When the mods moved this out of the Computer Forum they forgot to reword the subject line.....
Problem is you're not old enough to remember getting late night phone calls like: The cup holder won't stay open, the foot pedal doesn't work right, where is the anykey, them trying to use copy and holding a picture in front of the screen, not understanding why the keyboard doesnt work after shooting Windex onto it to clean the dust off.etc....
Anyway, I voted for tablet. I gave my dad (in his 70s and never used a computer before) a tablet about a year ago. He learned it pretty quickly and now uses it a lot. He uses it while sitting back in a lazy chair.
I agree 100%.
Don't assume "old" means "Couldn't possibly figure out how to use a touch screen..."
It's actually LESS intimidating then a mouse and keyboard.
"Wow...A computer designed for you,not your grandchildren."
Designed for you abut 4 years ago and not upgraded since.
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So bad, I can't even laugh
