Best Laptop for my Million Year Old Dad

CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 12:19

My dad's getting on in years and likes to use a computer for some pretty basic things (He just discovered Facebook, a mere 10+ years after its inception).

He has a desktop with Vista that he manages to mess up and fill with adware/change language settings on and otherwise bork to the point where it barely functions say once a month. I'm tired of spending hours at his place waiting for software to install/reinstall and clearing out the junk and basically unborking it all the time, so I'm thinking a laptop would semi-solve the problem. I can just whip 'round there, grab the whole unit and go fix it and multitask back at my place and just have him write a list of everything wrong with it once every 3-4 weeks. I use a bike and public transport to get around, making it totally impractical to just go get the desktop box and do what I'm proposing.

His budget is around $500-$750 and all he wants to do is email, browse the net and print things like the emails (pointlessly IMO, but whatever, he's old and curmudgeonly). I just want the machine to be as easy to use as possible for a senior citizen and fast, fast fast for the things he will do with it, ie quick bootup time, and swift for multitasking with chrome browsers, Outlook and MS Word.

I don't think he needs a 1060 gpu or anything, but I reckon a 128gb SSD with a decent CPU and a rock solid keyboard would be the go. It will only need to be portable when I'm taking it back to mine for servicing, so battery life isn't such an issue and neither is weight. I'm hoping his eyes can handle a 15.6" screen, but if that's a huge prob I'll plug it into regular desktop screen for use at his place. I have no idea how he'll handle Windows 10 and whether touch screen funtionality will be a hinderance or a help. Might take him into the local Office Works and see how he goes on the demo models.

TLDR; I need a laptop that will be fast for basic tasks and relatively easy for an older Australian to use. Budget $500-$750. What systems should I consider?

Computing

Comments

  • ChrisLevo on 16/06/2017 - 12:28
    +4

    I bought my wife a Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Laptop, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD Win10 for $359 delivered through an eBay deal here a couple of weeks ago.

    It arrived a couple of days ago, and she adores it - especially compared with her old HP 250.

    It's really fast, 1.2kg, great little display, and has an HDMO output for a larger screen.

    A bargain for a great little domestic laptop.

  • Grande Kintama on 16/06/2017 - 12:52
    +49

    Why not get him a tablet then. He can do his basic stuff like email, print, web, facebook etc. It will also be hard for him to fill it with adware etc compared to a pc.

    • scrimshaw on 16/06/2017 - 12:55
      +9

      Good idea actually. There are lots of tablets and 2-in-1's that fill this space… Samsung Chromebook for e.g

      going for a locked down environment is better for you (you don't have to provide tech support 24 hours a day :)

      • Scrooge McDuck on 17/06/2017 - 23:11
        +8

        How about a stone tablet and chisel?

    • John Kimble on 16/06/2017 - 13:07
      +10

      It will also be hard for him to fill it with adware etc compared to a pc.

      Million Year Old Dad: Challenge accepted!

    • casho on 18/06/2017 - 13:20
      +9

      I got my parents iPads. No issues with spyware, viruses, dodgy .exe files etc. Super easy for them to learn and you won't be called up every week for IT support :)

      • chartparker on 19/06/2017 - 16:02
        +3

        The best part of it is they can just take it to an Apple store and get a friendly geek to help them out instead of constantly calling you. I did this to both my aunt and mum. Win-win for everyone!

    • db87 on 19/06/2017 - 17:27
      +2

      Came here just to see if someone recommended the same.

      My old man isn't prehistoric, but he's computing skills are basic at best.

      Any tablet will do, mine carries it with him everywhere now and he loves it. As much as I despise apple, go an ipad if you want a closed-off/simplified environment.

      As someone also said, with the tablet option, you won't be there every couple of months trying to restore the thing and can even instruct him or the apple shop to restore it for them if something goes wrong at any stage.

      Setup cloud backup and away ya go, you won't look back, best thing I ever did.

      • Bludshed on 19/06/2017 - 17:51

        "..with the tablet option, you won't be there every couple of months trying to restore the thing and can even instruct him or the apple shop to restore it for them if something goes wrong.."

        This alone is reason enough to get him an iPad!

  • KitchenSink on 16/06/2017 - 12:55
    +6

    ^+ for tablet

    Or a chromebook

  • boomramada on 16/06/2017 - 13:08
    +3

    One that has full size key bored, at-least 8gb of ram, and SSD hd, Bigger screen.
    They are old, bad eye sight, but they don't want to wait for ages till PC load up, they have lack of patience.

    Most old ppl don't like tablets, when they want to type a email or something.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 17/06/2017 - 23:15

      I don't think OP should neglect the GPU. Just because he's old doesn't mean he doesn't need to open 100 tabs of… videos in 3 min. In fact, probably more so!

      • ankor on 19/06/2017 - 14:44

        Ah yes, youtube educational videos that have popups and adware get those old folks aaaaall the time..

        I think it'd be better to put netnanny on the laptop and put in place porn restrictions.

  • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 13:11
    +2

    I'm reticent to get a Chromebook or tablet for him as I want something that can potentially mirror what he's used to if need be. If he just couldn't figure out Windows 10 for example, I could install Win 7 on there, being that it's still supported by Microsoft and is very similar to Vista in general interface.

    Do the SSD-lite type things they put in those (the 32gb HDDs) work as speedily as real SSDs of 128gb+?

    I think a tablet would be fiddly for him to hold and type on and he really wants the usual oldschool keyboard, mouse and screen setup. Plus if the screen was too small there'd be no quick fix like plugging into a larger monitor… unless it's a 2-in-1. I also would like to be able to see him via webcam from wherever I happen to be in the world so I can make sure can keep an eye on his physical wellbeing while Skypeing.

    Again, a 2-in-1 with a screen size of 15.6" might be the go in that case, as long as he can make out what's on the screen. I'm sure I can adjust the default font/text size for ease of use there.

    I might look into remote access too as hypothetically I could get in there and fix things over the net as opposed to having to having to be there. I've never set that sort of thing up or done it, but I'm sure I could figure it out with Google and time.

    • Halo375 on 16/06/2017 - 13:19
      +8

      I was in the same boat and ending up getting my mum an iPad with a keyboard. Best decision ever. Easy to keep up to date, hard for them to break, very portable and user friendly. Should do everything you need and more.

      • Psychd on 16/06/2017 - 17:43
        +3

        My votes an iPad as well

    • boomramada on 16/06/2017 - 13:23
      +3

      Whatever you do, don't ever buy them a slower pc, you be the one end up fixing it.
      ie HP Stream 11, or something along the line, I bet some ppl would disagree with me but I would call them landfill.

      I haven't introduce Chromebook to old ppl yet, then again I hate Chromebook my self, too hard to copy text when sending or forwarding emails, that's just me.
      But Chromebook may have other benefits.

      Old ppl love win 10,it might take some time to get used to it, if they used to Win 7 but no complains after.

      • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 14:48

        I'll keep that in mind.

        Sounds promising re Win 10. Do you find old people like using the touchscreen interface or that they're just happy with mouse and keyboard only?

        Having not really used the Chromebook interface myself (outside of on the Officework demo models), I don't know if it'd be a good idea to introduce myself and dad to it at the same time.

        • boomramada on 16/06/2017 - 14:54
          +3

          Usually they don't like touch screen, We are talking about oldies who hasn't use a tablet before right? then stick to PC.
          All they want is to surf the net, watch bit of porn, and reply to their daily doze of Nigerian scam emails ;)
          If you haven't use Chromebook, then don't.

          Win10 with good virus scanner will do.

        • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 15:01
          +1

          @boomramada:

          I'm leaning towards a 15.6" Laptop (with or upgradable to an SSD drive) and a solid i5 type CPU, running Windows 10 with a view to later installing a more simplistic interface like that Ubuntu or Remix OS that scubacoles suggested below.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 17/06/2017 - 23:19
          +1

          @crankycarrot:

          Why don't you just set him up with a user account with all the rights that he doesn't need (ie installing software) locked down?

    • Agret on 16/06/2017 - 13:24
      +10

      For remote access TeamViewer is free for personal use and really simple to setup and use.

      • Mrbean007 on 17/06/2017 - 15:24

        Lol thats something i haven't used in a while :/

    • Tnetennba on 17/06/2017 - 21:38

      He should be able to work out win 10, use classic shell to make it look/feel much more like vista/7

    • Hahuh on 18/06/2017 - 21:17

      Dude you need to use smaller words. I'm still trying to figure out what curmudgeonly means

    • iSamurai on 19/06/2017 - 21:13

      Chrome remote desktop is really easy to setup and use. You can even access his desktop on your phone as long as there are stable internet connections on both ends.

  • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 13:17

    …I also kind of want to get this underway ASAP so might have to sacrifice the potential savings from an online order that takes weeks to arrive in favour of the immediacy afforded by a Bricks and Mortar store.

    His old machine won't even boot or run the recovery CD properly right now. I'm sure I could repair/swap out the hard drive and do a full system re-installation, but the machine itself was last upgraded about 3-4 years ago and it will all just spell more and more time and effort for me that offsets the benefits of a hundred or so bucks saved waiting for delivery from some online store or deal.

    He said not to worry about the expense, but I don't want to waste my family's money either. I really don't want to spend too much more than $500 on something that only needs to be fast at the most basic tasks.

  • Wheresmyspaceship on 16/06/2017 - 13:26
    +1

    Yep, Chromebook all the way.

  • Elppa8 on 16/06/2017 - 13:30

    I might look into remote access too as hypothetically I could get in there and fix things over the net as opposed to having to having to be there. I've never set that sort of thing up or done it, but I'm sure I could figure it out with Google and time

    Team Viewer free version for personal use. I've used it interstate and overseas no problem.

    • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 13:45

      Cool, thanks. I'll check it out.

      • Steve K on 19/06/2017 - 12:24

        or if he uses chrome for browsing, chrome remote desktop works brilliantly. I've used it to troubleshoot my dads stuff from my phone, my desktop, and from my surface pro. if i use touch screens at my end, it still works on his non touchscreen desktop. (he doesn't need to have his browser open for this to work, either.)

  • ozzbargainer on 16/06/2017 - 14:01

    128GB would be small and may need regular clean up.

    Lenovo ThinkPad laptops have good keyboard. Check E470 if 14" is ok. It's 15.6" version is E570

    • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 14:09

      I almost bought E470 for myself when it was for sale at $721 or so a couple of weeks back (anyone know how those'd go editing video in Premiere and Photoshopping). At that price it's awesome, but I really think I might be pushing it with a 14" screen for dad's struggling eyes. He's used to using one of those old square shaped flatscreens, which I believe are like 18 or 19 inches.

      Plugging any laptop into a screen will fix that problem, but then we'd lose the convenient functionality of other stuff like the mic and webcam, unless I start hooking up more peripherals (messy, more cost, more confusion for dad).

      Of course they make laptops that are as big as 18 inches, but they're not so easy to find or get a good deal on and I think are mostly for expensive 2-3k portable gaming rigs.

      I have it in my head that Chromebooks are all netbook sized (like 13" max), but if there's a larger size I'd definitely consider it (Googling now)

  • ESEMCE on 16/06/2017 - 14:18

    Wipe Vista and install Linux or Remix OS on his desktop.

    • DemocracyManifest on 17/06/2017 - 14:49

      Probably put an SSD into it as well to get some extra juice out of it

    • Zachary on 17/06/2017 - 16:11
      +1

      I did that. Dad says "This is even more confusing then windows!" Even showed him how to go about things, but still gets confused….yeah, no that won't work, linux and and those other operating systems are like for tech savvy people who understands their way around computers…

  • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 14:33
    +1

    Dad can't work a smartphone. I don't think he can handle Linux — it's really gotta be as close to what he's used to as possible, which is going to Vista, Windows 7 and maaaybe Windows 10 (which even I don't want to use. I like 7).

    • ESEMCE on 16/06/2017 - 14:47

      On the contrary, if anything you want it harder for him to muck up, so having it as different as possible is more likely to achieve this… It's easy to install and easy to use.

      Sounds like everything he does is in a Browser anyway, in which case, the underlying OS should make no difference.
      Set it up so the browser auto loads at startup.

      In the event there's something else he might need just lock that to the launcher.
      Go have a look at some Ubuntu screenshots..
      https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/ubunt…
      for example
      The launcher is down the left side of screen and pre-poulated by default.. Tell me that's difficult to use and I'll show you an idiot!

      ZorinOS Linux is designed to have a look similar to Windows if you really think keeping the look is important..

      • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 14:53

        Maybe you're right.

        He is determined to keep using Outlook though, despite me extolling the many benefits of gmail/web based email in general. AFAIK that can't be run through a browser window. Also he has pics and videos and various other docs accessed from the desktop and the occasional MS Word Doc.

        Your suggestions are getting me to consider different approaches though, which is good, thanks.

        Ideally I'll get a decent base system and have the option of trying him with dif OS's later, most likely starting with the Win 10 most of these machines come with these days. He's not stupid, he's just pushing 80.

        • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 14:58

          Just checked out that screenshot from Ubuntu and yes, it does look straight forward.

          I guess I wanted him on a system I was personally familiar with and it's been Windows, Windows, Windows for me my whole life (post DOS that is). I hated the touch screen focus of Win 8 and of course there was no 9. Since I know and like 7 I've been holding onto it the past 8 years or however long it's been.

          Since Win 10 seems to dominate the pc OS landscape now, and I hear they've made it a better blend of old and new than 8, I am planning to finally force myself to get familiar with it.

          Back on topic: it does seem like it might be a good idea to explore the more simple interface of something like Remix OS or Ubuntu. More time to research and learn though… This is why I'm likely to stick him with Win 10 for the moment, then migrate to something else that's harder to mess with unintentionally.

        • ESEMCE on 16/06/2017 - 15:01

          No Outlook or MS Office on Linux, but there's other email clients and Office options that may suffice.

          Looking back at Windows, I presume you already have him on a User account only?
          You'd still need to check in occasionally to run software updates in an Administrator account.

          I used to have this setup with my old man.

          Remix OS (Android desktop) has an Outlook client but it's different to the Windows one of course.

        • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 15:04

          @scubacoles:

          No! I think he has full admin privileges himself! Or he did until the whole system crashed irrevocably. I'm beginning to see the error of my ways. I always hated how Vista would ask you 6 times whenever you wanted to install something, but perhaps I could have rejigged it to just tell him no, "go get your admin guy" (ie me).

          One of things I'm paying attention to now while upgrading him in order to make things simpler to keep in order going forward.

    • ZzRice007 on 18/06/2017 - 12:39

      Samsung s8 + Dex..

  • inherentchoice on 16/06/2017 - 15:05

    Little surprised there's no mention in this thread of some of the Chinese laptops. Their prices seem very very attractive.

    For example this one is only $244 with Full HD Screen, Windows 10, quad core CPU, 10000mAh battery and slim design:

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/306560

    I'm actually in a similar position to OP as I am trying to find a good deal for my Dad.

    • boomramada on 16/06/2017 - 15:09

      Refer to my previous comment above, 4Gb ram, No
      64GB HD? No

      • inherentchoice on 16/06/2017 - 15:13

        Okay but there's plenty of other cheapo Chinese ones.

        Why is the 64GB HD so bad?

        I'm still using my 5 year old ZenBook with only 4GB of ram.

        • boomramada on 16/06/2017 - 15:17

          Are you using it with Win10, while few browser windows are open and watching youtube clip same time?
          Perhaps virus scanner running in the background?

          well if that works for you, good on you ;)

        • iridiumstem on 16/06/2017 - 15:20

          @boomramada: You should've seen what my mom used to do with her laptop. 20 tabs open, because she never closes her tabs. The laptop was on almost 24/7 as well.

          4GB is doable. It's not unusable, but I think it requires the user to be bit more vigilant about memory usage.

        • inherentchoice on 16/06/2017 - 15:28

          @boomramada: Yes. Is it not supposed to work? I do have an SSD though.

    • donnot on 16/06/2017 - 17:49

      I'd also highly recommend something like this. CPU isn't the greatest, but it isn't too bad in this combo with 4GB RAM (most devices pair it with 2, I own one), and 64GB should leave at least 40GB space after installing Office and base programs, e.g. Chrome. Can always buy a Micro SD card if more storage is needed.

  • havebeerbelywillsumo on 16/06/2017 - 15:08
    +3

    Several good laughs reading this thread & a good onya to the OP for being so caring.

    Now if only we could get a reply from "million year old dad" describing his son!

    • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 15:28
      +5

      He needs a working, unborkable computer before he can even think about doing that!

      And I'd need to spend a good 30-40 minutes describing in layman's terms what an internet chat forum is, and why people would use them instead of just talking to each other on the bus and train about their technical problems like apparently they used to back in 1958.

      …then he would tell you his son "talks back too much."

      • JoseEduardoRP on 18/06/2017 - 12:53

        "you are a little cranky carrot aren't you boy?"

  • shaybisc on 16/06/2017 - 17:02

    Chromebox + a big monitor.

    You will have to buy the Chromebox from Amazon.

    This one.

    https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Chromebox-CXI2-4GKM-Desktop-Keyb…

  • pj228 on 16/06/2017 - 17:21
    +1

    Hands down Chromebook

  • epicttiimm on 16/06/2017 - 20:29
    +7

    iPad Pro 12.9 refurb. Over budget but has all MS office (Word, Outlook, etc) and everything you need. NVMe based SSD.
    Given Apple's track record, support for at least 4-5 years iOS, reboot it once a month, and instant power up from sleep.

    iOS is literally one of the most basic OSes. No problems explaining it to those not so tech savvy.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/06/2017 - 15:27
      +4

      +1 for iPad.. and I'm not an Apple fanboy… but iPad is most simple and hardest to muck up hands down

    • Shutterfish on 18/06/2017 - 04:20
      +2

      This is what I bought for my half million year old dad. Used to have a windows xp laptop that I have to regularly fix. Never had a problem since then.

  • Mattam on 16/06/2017 - 21:17

    I really like the Asus Transformers, I've had the T100 since it got released and it's still going strong!

    • CrankyCarrot on 16/06/2017 - 22:03

      I think mum's got the T100 - need to replace that after I sort dad out.

  • Master Bates on 16/06/2017 - 22:30
    +9

    If you decide to roll with a Windows set up, I would:
    * Partition the HDD so you have 3 partitions, an O/S partition, a data storage partition and a recovery partition
    * Set up 2 users on the laptop, 1 for you with Administration rights 1 for him without
    * Remove every app shortcut he will never use from the desktop, start menu and taskbar
    * Throw on Chrome with adblockers and any other helpful extensions
    * Add a solid Antivirus with realtime monitoring
    * As a couple of people above have mentioned download Teamviewer, you will then be able to do most fixes from anywhere

    I have taken this approach with my parents machines and there is rarely a hiccup that I can't solve for them from the other side of the world.

    • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 11:03

      Hey thanks for the detailed advice. I will almost definitely do something like this.

      • moar bargains on 17/06/2017 - 15:15

        I'll third the recommendation for TeamViewer. I've set this up for use with my parents and brother. You can set it to run at startup, so all you would have to do is tell him to turn the computer on and you can log in from home.

        I would also suggest considering Windows 10 (if you're going to rule out Ubuntu). If you/he doesn't like the look/new start menu, you can change that, but the big advantage of W10 is the Reset My PC function. A couple of clicks, wait a while, and you get a new PC.

        Also look into Ninite. Pick the apps you want installed, and download the installer. Then any time you reinstall his PC (or update those apps - you can schedule it), you just run that and it installs everything you selected (silently, no having to click Next, Next, Next). You will still need to do things like Office manually, but this should take care of a lot of the rest.

        You could also consider creating a system image when you're happy with the installation and before he starts using it. This is like a snapshot that you can restore from if everything goes south, and you can have Windows and all the software installed, and all files in the right place etc. Won't work if transferring to a new PC, but could be a useful option? See here for a walk through.

        Hope that helps!

    • Hahuh on 18/06/2017 - 21:20

      Don't need team viewer for windows 10. Pretty much redundant

  • cheapoballerina on 17/06/2017 - 00:08
    +1

    why has no one suggested a refurbished or second hand surface pro 3 or 4?
    it's running on win10, touchscreen with a keyboard and if need be, can hook it up to a second monitor.

    • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 15:23

      Too expensive and the screen's too small, I think.

      • cheapoballerina on 17/06/2017 - 16:57

        i think you can buy a second hand surface pro 4 with keyboard and pen for less than $700 on gumtree. don't think your dad would use the pen but the keyboard and touchscreen is great. it runs on win10 so it will be familiar to him. it is easily hooked up to a second monitor if the screen is too small. it is portable enough for you or him to carry it around if he wants to.

        i have a similar problem with my mum but it is not the computer that gives her problem it is her email or her phone or her printer or something else. sigh.

  • Aussie Smurfette on 17/06/2017 - 09:53
    +1

    Spending time with your dad when he won't be around forever is the best idea.

    • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 11:02
      +4

      Ah, you don't know MY dad.

  • kale chips suck on 17/06/2017 - 11:46
    +4

    I had the problem you're facing, but with the added incentive of (a) said parent being really deaf and (b) them living 3,500 K's away with dial up internet.

    I wouldn't replace the system - they're used to it. They know how it works.

    Instead, format and install from scratch everything, then optimise the thing as far as you can. Install dropbox or similar and set up automatic backups of folders that need backing up.

    Set up all the apps for the user. Everything.

    Then defrag.

    Then image the "perfect" instal, keep a copy yourself and leave a copy with your dad. In my case I added another drive to the system and physically disconnected it when I wasn't there - it was the ultimate "hidden partition".

    I also gave Dad a boot DVD of the image and showed him how to get the system to boot from the DVD drive when he needed it to.

    Then, whenever he stuffed up, he could fix it. Whenever I was there, I'd restore the image, apply all the new updates, re-add new s/w the he'd added since my last image (which became less and less with the move to everything being web based) and update my copy, create a new bootable DVD and temporarily reconnect the internal, hidden, drive to back up there as well.

    Reinstall from image takes <10 minutes. Support needs plummeted - mostly because he'd always hated asking for help anyway as he felt looked stupid and that, somehow, he should "just know" this stuff. With his "magical" (his words) DVD he could and apparently frequently did get himself out of a bind.

    Then, he got overconfident and went off on his own and got a Dell running Vista. But that's a whole other saga ….

    • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 14:58
      +3

      Epic.

      Good advice though. Totally rings true with my experience. I just took him to OfficeWorks to make sure he could even read the text on a 15.6" laptop screen after using his 19" square thing all these years. He could, but he kept drifting over to the all-in-one PCs that are like screens with the cpu etc built in, mostly because the screens were nice and big. Bigger than his current desktop one. I told him those wouldn't fit in my backpack for easy transport and were not what we there to look at.

      Got him back to the laptops and had him try and use the keyboard to write a practice email to me, but the keys weren't in the exact same place as his current keyboard and he got all confused trying to make capital letters and basically gave up, just standing there in a daze.

      It's funny and heart-breaking all at the same time, but what it tells me quite clearly is that I need something that almost exactly replicates what he's already used to. That means he plugs his existing mouse and keyboard (which is filthy - I'll have to source the exact same one and replace it later) into either a smaller CPU/case that I can carry in a backpack more easily (or a laptop) running the OS he knows, Vista, or maybe Win 7 or 10 or one of those simplistic Ubuntu things if I can get the desktop to look close enough.

      I love that "hidden partition" in the form of an unplugged HDD in the case. Sounds like you went through everything I am going through and opted for the desktop tower modification.

      I think it might be worth trying him on a laptop with his old keyboard and mouse plugged in, at least as a stopgap measure so he can finally get on Outlook and tell all his surviving friends that he's not dead. Apparently that's his big concern and there's no workaround, like oh I don't know, maybe calling them. Anyway…

      No matter how much work I have to put in now, learning remote access stuff and creating partitions, I think it'll be a stitch in time saves 9 type situation. If nothing else it's a good exercise in lateral thinking/contingency planning.

      • moar bargains on 17/06/2017 - 15:32

        Remote access with TeamViewer is really easy. The biggest problem is internet speed, so won't be ideal if he's on dial-up. I've even controlled my parents PC from my Android phone on my lunch break at work.

        You can set it up to run on startup, or put an icon on the desktop. Or just ring him and say click the start button and type "Team", and then press enter. You can also set it up so that it doesn't need permission from him to allow you to log in and control.

        You will need to drum a few things into him, like "Click this icon Dad", but would save you having to pick up the PC all the time.

      • kale chips suck on 17/06/2017 - 17:07
        +1

        The crucial thing in my Dad's case was to show him that he could boot from the recovery DVD, click a few clicks, and be back and fast again with his system fresh and fast and whatever problem was irritating him would be fixed.

        Inexperienced oldies, in my experience, aren't usually fussed about having a new/fast machine. When Dad got the Dell - bloody hell. I nearly paid for another system for him, just to stop the support calls from the obstreperous git*. Change isn't good. Keep it simple.

        Having said that, I worked with a vision impaired dude for a while who had issues with his screen - I got him a small projector and we painted his wall white. Worked OK and he could blow it up as big as he wanted.

        Jump onto youtube and search for Acronis - watch a few howto's. Once you get it set up I can't see why you'd need to take his 'pute anywhere.

        Also, someone mentioned ninite; that's a good tip. Glary utilities is OK too, but not Dad-ready, as it were. You could use it for updates when you're doing them.

        • Said with fondness. Mostly. :-)
        • moar bargains on 17/06/2017 - 21:12

          Haha yes, they're usually more worried about the system/UI being familiar rather than responsive.

          That was me who mentioned Ninite. Possibly not a good option for OPs dad to do himself, but OP could remote in once a week/month whatever and update as necessary.

          Haha old people with computers are funny. I was helping a guy once who was ~85, and he was paranoid about the CIA hacking him (because his granddaughter had been using his computer to chat online with someone in the US). Then he goes and gives me the password for his ISP! This was the first day I met the bloke… :O

      • Hahuh on 18/06/2017 - 21:24

        So what are the specs for this mythical 19" laptop?

  • BobbyJ on 17/06/2017 - 13:34

    Maybe this is the wrong approach, but hear me out. Instead of buying a laptop, changing his computing environment, and introducing a new learning curve, why don't you set up permissions? Make him a standard user and don't give him authorisation to install applications. Since you can meet him every month, just get him to write a list of applications that he "needs," and install the appropriate ones.

    • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 14:59
      +1

      That's the plan no matter whether I hook him up with a new laptop or fix his old machine.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/06/2017 - 14:11
    +2

    Make sure you get the old boy a large external HDD for his 'personal files'
    You could even put some new files on there for him as a lovely gesture

    • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 15:03
      +1

      I feel weird with that stuff. I used to leave the room if any "adult scenes" came on the telly when my parents were watching the 8.30pm movie when I was growing up.

      I don't want to know what's in his browser history. He thinks he's being sneaky using the 'incognito mode' in Chrome. His assumption (despite what the browser itself flat out tells you every time you use that function) is that it works like a VPN. He has much to learn, but I feel like if I took the time explain it I'd be his age now before I got the info to penetrate his senior citizen skull.

      Don't misunderstand me, I'm only going to all this effort - and it is a lot of freakin' effort - because I care about my dad very much and want him to enjoy what technology can offer as much as possible for as long as possible.

  • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 15:42

    I think I'm going to get him a cheapish, sub $500 15.6" laptop and see how he goes with Windows 10. I'm around for a few more weeks at least and can see how he goes with the slightly smaller screen size and old peripherals that he knows hooked up. He wants something today and has a really hard time understanding the actual logistics going on in making the "right" purchase.

    I can always change up the OS and try out that remote access Teamviewer thing everyone's raving about later.

    He has a hard wired ADSL 2+ connection, not dialup, fortunately. So that's something. He keeps asking if we need to tell "the people who take money," out of his account every month about the change in setup (ie his ISP). I compared it to calling Energy Australia to let them know you'd bought a new tv before plugging it in. Maybe I just need to wear a t-shirt that says Yes and No on it when I visit him and just point in order to save my breath repeating everything adnauseum.

  • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 15:49

    From my little test run at OWorks I do know he hates glossy, shiny screens, so no 2 in 1 and Matte Screen only for a laptop. Also didn't like the silver bezel on one unit (the black border doesn't call attention to itself) and there's no way he can go smaller than 15.6"

    Keyboard won't matter much since he's definitely going to want keep using the same one he's used to.

    More USB ports is better in this case since there's 2 already gone to Keyboard and mouse.

    His old screen is probably not HDMI, so I'll need one of the old fashioned male/female ports just in case we wind up plugging in the old screen.

    Ideally the hard drives in the cheaper laptops can be changed out with SSDs later. IIRC all current HDDs are connected with the same L shaped SATA cable these days.

    • srnoz on 17/06/2017 - 16:22
      +1

      Hats-off mate, You are a great son. He has brought you up really well!

      I don't have better advise. I'm experiencing the same, but using teamviewer to help my mum 1000's kms away.

      Laptop with his existing screen & keyboard seems to be the best option. Find a docking station, so that you don't need to move the cables every time.

    • cheapoballerina on 17/06/2017 - 17:15

      has he chosen one that he like at officeworks?
      most of the sub $500 are much for muchness

      • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 17:40

        The only one with a Matte screen (I'd prefer him to use that instead of his webcamless 19" square old one) was over 1k.

        Might check another OW. At JB now and it's just glossy and overpriced, alleged "EOFY bargains."

        • scrimshaw on 17/06/2017 - 17:56

          Look for computer stores that stock HP Probook and Thinkpad series

          Business oriented computers usually have matte displays, as they are often sought after by business type users.

        • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 18:29

          @scrimshaw:

          Ok, cool.

  • gimli on 17/06/2017 - 16:59

    Why not a mini desktop?
    You could still take it your place to fix when needed

    • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 17:01

      Where do I get those little cases in Sydney? If doing that I'd probably transport the guts from his old larger case to one of those.

      • gimli on 17/06/2017 - 17:30

        I was thinking a NUC kit. Which seem to pop for abt $200-400. I think generally you need to pay for OS and storage. So it may be an extra $100.

        Depending on your motherboard you can always get small cases from any computer store. But generally you will need a "mini" motherboard.

        My dad sounds similar to yours haha. I would make sure he has a external monitor/keyboard/mouse I think it is more comfortable to use. Of course you can connect a laptop to these external peripherals.

        ANyways good luck. Hopefully that helps. Great to see that you care!

      • scrimshaw on 17/06/2017 - 17:50

        Cranky there is a computer showroom in Lidcombe called Mwave

        On Mwave website you can custom order small form factor PC's but from what I've seen they're not exactly bargain level

        You can also buy NUC's from shopping express but they also sell on eBay meaning you can use eBay coupons to get their stuff cheaper (and earn Cashrewards). Just make sure you compare prices before buying because eBay prices are usually inflated by 10%.

        the 3rd best place is MSY. They do only a limited number of custom builds.

        • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 18:24

          Thanks

          I'm very familiar with MSY.

          Haven't used MWave before. Checking their site out now.

          Anyone know a decent 15.6" laptop with a VGA output and a matte screen?

          Everything at OW seems to be glossy.

        • gimli on 17/06/2017 - 20:51

          @crankycarrot:
          alot of mainstream laptops are glossy unfortunately. You may have more options looking at specific computer stores (e.g. msy, umart, mln)

          I'm not sure if laptops still come with VGA. My laptop which is 15'' was midrange ASUS i bought about 6 years ago only came with HDMI, DVI.

          Do you need VGA for an old monitor. If so you can probably get an adaptor.

        • CrankyCarrot on 19/06/2017 - 10:50

          @Gimli:

          Yeah, like 90% of the laptops for sale at HN, OW, JB etc all have glossy screens. Are these cheaper to make? Surely nobody likes those reflections, or do people think they look better or something? Is there such a thing as a 2-in1 touchscreen laptop with a matte screen?

          When I'm done sorting dad out, I'll be out for a new laptop for myself.

  • eneloop on 17/06/2017 - 18:21
    -1

    Why don't you be a man and buy it for your dad for father's Day. You say he's old, he pretty much cleaned up your shit till you left home and now it's time to give back

    • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 18:26

      Who pays for it makes no difference. I need something that will suit him. Figuring out what that is and sourcing it is the hurdle.

    • gimli on 17/06/2017 - 20:54
      +2

      mate you don't know anything about OP's or dad's circumstances.

      IMO This fathers day/mothers day and all these holidays are just tool for retail shops to make a few extra sales and we are just falling for this materialism. The whole idea of fathers day is show your appreciation. Please stop spreading this message that you have to "buy" something for people on these special days.

      The time OP spends helping his dad fix his computer problems is way more valuable then the actual computer itself.

      • eneloop on 17/06/2017 - 22:46
        -3

        Maybe he should stop looking at pr0n

  • Geekomatic on 17/06/2017 - 18:40

    We have a local PC refurbisher (MS certified) & that place is fantastic! They have good quality computers- mainly from businesses/gov't so better than home-user-quality of most B&M's. They come with the Pro version of the OS + MS Office for $150 or less for the whole shebang.

    Maybe there's something like that near you?

    Good luck!

    PS: show your dad how to pull the power cable from the router, wait a few minutes, & plug it back. It'll help you later, long-distance- lol.

    Here's a free remote software. I've used it & works well: https://www.aeroadmin.com/en/index.html

    I think you can run it as a service so you can get quick access to his PC when you need to.

    • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 18:43

      I was wondering about those ex gov't PCs. I'm in the Sydney CBD. Will Google.

  • CrankyCarrot on 17/06/2017 - 18:41

    As a stopgap measure, if I just take his old HDD (SATA) and plug it into my desktop and do a clean install of everything, then whack it back in his machine, would the difference in mobo/ram etc make a catastrophic difference?

    That way he can get back in action while I try out TeamViewer and come up with a longer term solution.

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