Tablet for elderly gentleman?

saxlady on 18/12/2013 - 15:12

I'm looking for a tablet for my nearly 79 year old Dad for Christmas and would appreciate some recommendations.

He's been using windows on his laptop - so I don't know if keeping with windows on a tablet would be helpful. As long as it's easy enough to use I don't suppose it matters, although I'd probably lean away from an iPad due to cost. We can set it all up for him, and fix up any issues when it goes wrong.

I'm assuming 10inch is better - bigger screen, bigger text etc
He needs it for browsing, maybe a game of chess here and there and email. Something that won't break the first time he drops it too….!!

I'm going to be too late for getting anything posted now, so it has to be from a shop.
I don't want to spend more than I have to for what he needs, but I'd like it to be decent quality and good enough to last him for at least a couple of years.

Thanks for any ideas

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • ranma on 18/12/2013 - 15:46
    -1

    <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sildenafil">Tablet for elderly gentleman</a>

    ranma on 18/12/2013 - 15:46 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • saxlady on 18/12/2013 - 15:49

      After I'd written the post, I looked at the title and thought - yep - I'm bound to get those comments too ;)

    • No ONE on 20/12/2013 - 16:16
      +1

      Looks like your html failed… lol

  • Davros on 18/12/2013 - 15:50
    +10

    Not only a cheap shot but cant even add a link properly.

  • retiredfeline on 18/12/2013 - 15:52

    Don't worry about compatibility with a desktop. Different style UI anyway. Get him one of those Swype type apps as typing on a screen keyboard is painful.

    If you are worried about dropping, get a case. Even the toughest tablet will not take kindly to landing with the glass face down.

    • saxlady on 18/12/2013 - 16:01

      Yeah, probably a good plan

  • Davros on 18/12/2013 - 15:53

    My advice is let him play with yours (tablet) for a bit first.
    My experience has been you buy them and they dont use them, depending on age of course.
    In my family it seems 65 is about the cutoff, family older than that cant get their head around computers

    • saxlady on 18/12/2013 - 16:01

      Thanks for the advice, but he used ours last time he visited and quite liked it. His laptop is pretty old and slow, so he's ready for something new. Pretty sure he'll be fine with it.
      I just need to know which ones are on sale/good value and suitable as I haven't been looking into them at all currently and was sure someone here would have been. I'll be getting him one - just don't know which one. His visit now is a last minute thing - otherwise I would have already researched and ordered something.

    • RockyRaccoon on 18/12/2013 - 16:18
      -1

      65 is about the cutoff, family older than that cant get their head around computers

      Oh dear another generational label….. Did you miss the bit that he has a Windows Laptop - so already he understands complexities and the confusions like going to the start menu to shut down ;)

      Many can they just need to see the need. A tablet is great for this "generation" to do things that they can find interesting, which is reading and communicating rather than playing games or graphics manipulation.

      A larger screen is a must and helping them understand how they can get access to books and other reading material.

      Make sure it can access library stuff from his local library like Zinio or Ebsco.

      As well having a display that is clear and easy to read. Will be worth it.

      Also frankly you would be wise to stick to something that you know how to use or can help with.

      • Davros on 20/12/2013 - 23:32

        Did you miss the bit where I said "In my family"

  • ethereal88 on 18/12/2013 - 16:27
    -3

    No tablets last that long. They are outdated within a year at best. I'd suggest something Windows based since Windows is what he knows, say an Asus Transformer - keyboard, 10.1". Alternatively, a Dell Venue Pro has a removable battery and an i3 ULV, so if you want it to last, that is likely the better option. Keyboard is optional though.

    • RockyRaccoon on 18/12/2013 - 17:44
      +1

      Are you for real??

      No tablets last that long

      Sometimes I cant fathom people making such strange statements.

      On what do you base this.

      I have an iPad1 (and this is NOT to advocate iPads) which is being used daily. Still works, it just depends on what you are using it for. As a book reader, surfing the net Mail, it still is great. I use if for all my OS travel, in case I drop or damage my other tablet, that way I wont be upset if I do.

      • ethereal88 on 19/12/2013 - 17:25
        -6

        The first Ipad is slow junk. Try browsing online if you still can. Outdated and obsolete. No updates and unsupported.

        • Geewhizz on 21/12/2013 - 07:25

          What a ridiculous comment. You clearly haven't used one. As for updating, it's easily enough jailbroken.

    • scrimshaw on 18/12/2013 - 18:15
      +1

      No tablets last that long. They are outdated within a year at best

      This is a ridiculous claim. I used a RK3066 tablet for 2 years and didn't feel the need to upgrade. Not until recently when the TGG ASUS FHD tablet deal with $100 voucher popped up anyway.

      My uncle is still using the Lenovo thinkpad tab (Tegra 2 Android) I got him. It's almost 2 years old now. And it still fits his needs.
      The only issue he has with it is the weight of the tablet, but few other tablets have a N-trig stylus with a built in SIM card slot. The stylus is good for taking notes.

      My mom? She uses my retired Cube U30GT tablet that's even older than the Thinkpad Tab, and it fits her needs.

      It doesn't have to be fancy — a tablet that is only used for simple apps, web browsing and Youtube doesn't need to be regularly upgraded to the latest version with the latest quad core CPU, retina display and all the other blip-blops.

      • ethereal88 on 19/12/2013 - 17:25
        -8

        Slow junk as above.

        • RockyRaccoon on 19/12/2013 - 19:03
          +2

          Oh dear an opinionated bit of rubbish….. (junk)

          The example I gave was 3 years old, because you made the stupid remark at tablets 6 months old dont last that long and are outdated in a year, which was a geek comment based on frankly bs.

          Every bit of technology can be declared outdated even weeks after being bought.

          The OP was asking about features not some smart arsed comment which adds nothing.

        • Whodis on 19/12/2013 - 23:44
          +2

          It's ok, in a few years you'll be slow junk too.

        • ethereal88 on 20/12/2013 - 17:47
          -4

          Old outdated junk just like you.

        • RockyRaccoon on 20/12/2013 - 20:35
          +3

          ^ Love you too, you little darling - have a great christmas…. dont eat too much chocolate, it will make you hyper and give you zits

      • OBone on 20/12/2013 - 23:28
        +1

        +1 for the ASUS MemoPad FHD 10

    • scotty on 19/12/2013 - 00:04
      +1

      I'm also still on my Acer Iconia A500 (Tegra 2) although running CM10.1 overclocked to 1.4GHz. However I agree that if Windows is something already familiar of, then maybe a Surface RT/Pro would be more suitable.

      I got my dad a Nexus 7, and he has to set the fonts to extra large… I think 10" would probably be better.

    • altomic on 19/12/2013 - 01:11

      No tablets last that long. They are outdated within a year

      only a year?!

      6 months at best.

      • Daabido on 20/12/2013 - 16:06
        +1

        Luxury. We all lived in a rolled up 6 month old tablet.

  • tigergal on 18/12/2013 - 16:27

    I found with my older Aunt that their finger tips weren't quite as good at being recognised by the screen on the ipad so I bought her a nice thick stylus and that really helped.
    As to which one is good well my husband likes his Asus Transformer as it can be a netbook/laptop and a tablet as the screen can come away from the keyboard section. Having said that you can buy similar keyboards for the ipads too these days.

  • sane on 18/12/2013 - 17:05
    +1

    Officeworks are doing the 10" Pendopad for $139.

    It's never going to set the world alight at that price, but within the scope of what you are talking about it's probably OK. Load it up with a book reader, some free books, some of his type of music, chess prog, and Skype (always a favourite of the grannies).

    http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Whats-New/INPE…

    • altomic on 19/12/2013 - 01:10

      not too shabby. basic but meets the criteria.

  • kt on 18/12/2013 - 17:38

    My 70 year old dad loved his new iPad for his birthday…. He's not great with IT but has had no problems with this so far. Great for FaceTime with extended family too…

  • saxlady on 19/12/2013 - 14:11

    Dad likes his cricket on Foxtel, so that pretty much decided it on a Galaxy Tab 3 10.1
    So now he'll be able to sit out on the deck, lie in bed or whatever and take his cricket with him.
    Price matched at officeworks for $325. Probably a bit more than I was hoping to spend but I think (hope) he'll be happy.

    • RockyRaccoon on 19/12/2013 - 15:25

      Without even attempting to change your decision, would like to point out Foxtel is also on the iPad

      http://www.foxtel.com.au/whats-on/foxtel-insider/watch-foxte…

      • ethereal88 on 19/12/2013 - 17:26
        -6

        Locked down restrictive hunk of junk that is completely crippled and tied to Itunes for life.

        • dannyeei on 20/12/2013 - 12:07
          +2

          Considering he's 79 and they're worried he won't be able to get his head around it I think it being locked down is the least of their problems.

        • Daabido on 20/12/2013 - 16:07
          +2

          Have you got the crabs today, or something?

      • saxlady on 19/12/2013 - 18:44
        +1

        Yeah I'm aware it runs on the iPad also, but I was hoping to avoid getting one if I could.

  • Scrooge McDuck on 20/12/2013 - 12:55
    +2

    Aspirin.

  • MementoMori on 20/12/2013 - 15:02
    +1

    I'd go an iPad 2. My Dad couldn't so much as turn on a computer, VERY low tech, but he loves his iPad. It's the tech made for non-tech people.

    • FrederickHandel on 20/12/2013 - 21:50
      +2

      iPad 2 is not worth $450 these days though. I'd try to find a runout 4th gen for about the same price.

      • wtfnodeal on 22/12/2013 - 00:45

        iPad 2 is still lighter though and his dad maybe doesn't need fast CPU or retina display but yeah I agree iPad 4 is better value than iPad 2

  • MasterNoob on 20/12/2013 - 22:52

    A book would suit him.

  • wicklow on 20/12/2013 - 23:58

    I know you said no iPad, but it's the only thing I've got to reference so…

    My 85yo grandma got an iPad about 12 months ago. She doesn't and hasn't ever used a computer. She seems to quite like it … Especially the bingo :) Family members set up her email and apps.

    I also think you can get 3 years out of an iPad. I'm not sure you'd get 3 years out of an iPad 2 at this point (mine is slowing with latest iOS), but an ipad4 on run out would be good….

    Also, not pretty, but otterbox defender cases do the job. Protect my iDevices from my two kids very well :)

  • b3n on 21/12/2013 - 12:22

    anyone else think this was about a different type of tablet at first ………

  • gimli on 21/12/2013 - 22:39

    nexus 7

  • Chongy288 on 22/12/2013 - 09:47
    -1

    A tablet with 10 commandments chiselled on it? But I heard you can only get it on top of a mountain..

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