Laptop for (Tech-Competent) Elderly Parents with Mixed Needs - Budget $1000

bloomer on 17/04/2025 - 22:10
Last edited 18/04/2025 - 10:24 by 1 other user

Hi peeps. My tech-competent elderly parents need a new laptop, around 14-15" screen, Windows 11.

While most activity is emails and in-browser streaming, there is often some editing/post-processing of non-professional DSLR photos, and creating graphics (for other projects), currently using GIMP and Paintshop Pro. I'm aware of the refurbished market (e.g. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/896255) but I suspect my parents' preference would be for a new laptop.

The budget is definitely below $1000. The main user mostly uses laptops in his lap. Also has quite chubby fingers, in case that makes a difference for some keyboards/trackpads! LOL.

All suggestions appreciated.

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • MS Paint on 17/04/2025 - 22:17
    +3

    Paintshop Pro

    What is this blasphemy?

    • bloomer on 17/04/2025 - 22:47
      +3

      I bear no responsibility! 😂

  • holdenmg on 18/04/2025 - 00:07
    +2

    https://assets.target.com.au/transform/90a517f3-fd5d-4eb7-96… good to see non-Qwerty offerings for chubby fingered people. lol

  • neoleo on 18/04/2025 - 07:38

    https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/p/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpade/le…
    Lenovo Thinkpad E14 Gen 6 at $999 (14" AMD)

    https://www.notebookcheck.net/Highly-upgradeable-and-afforda…
    The review of Lenovo Thinkpad E14 gen 6 (but a bit different GPU and battery).

    https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/p/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpade/le…
    Lenovo Thinkpad E16 Gen 2 at $999 (16" AMD). It's not 14-15", but same price as above.

    https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-ThinkPad-E16-Gen-2-AMD-…
    The review of Lenovo Thinkpad E16 Gen 2 (but different memory size and battery)

    The main user mostly uses laptops in his lap.

    I am not sure it's a good idea to put it on his lap. Does he travel most of the time and like to use laptop in the car or public transport? If so, 14" then not 16" above. Otherwise put it on a table.

    • bloomer on 18/04/2025 - 09:11
      +1

      I have a snowflake's chance in hell of retraining an 80yo in their laptop habits ;)

      Thanks for those device suggestions.

      • deeevan on 18/04/2025 - 11:56

        Did you inherit your bargain hunting skills from them? Are you their trusted advisor for IT needs/bargains?

        Is there someone with a refurb laptop who can play the "Guess how much I paid for this?" game with them? The one you linked is a great price, but I'd focus on business grade (Thinkpad T or X series, Dell Latitude etc), A-grade condition if you want to sway them from new.

      • neoleo on 18/04/2025 - 14:05

        Hopefully he sits down with straight body position, otherwise not good body posture. I have seen some elderly with bad posture. The reason why it's better to use laptop on a table, but the table should be high enough.

  • hawthornandrew on 18/04/2025 - 08:37

    Have you thought about using a Chromebook? A lot cheaper and better price performance ratio. Not as many applications are available for Chrome but this is not a problemin your case.

    These editing functions are possible if not using GIMP or Paintshop using another app.

    The part that worries me is as the use is in the lap, an external keyboard or mouse is not an option for Windows or Chromebook.

    • bloomer on 18/04/2025 - 09:13

      External mouse is not an option? He's already using a mouse with the dying laptop-in-lap on various available adjacent surfaces:P

      Chromebook would be a great idea for someone less tech-competent, I agree, but for someone who's used to technical tinkering a Chromebook would be like being imprisoned.

      • hawthornandrew on 18/04/2025 - 11:16

        If they are currently using an external mouse on another surface then a larger laptop that is placed on the lap is a good idea. the larger laptop will have an adequate keyboard.

        As for a Chromebook for limited functions it will be adequate in my opinion. A slight learning curve and there will probably be an app that will work. Look at the functions and the apps that are available and I think you will be surprised.

  • bargaino on 18/04/2025 - 10:05

    Why a laptop? Beware projecting your needs onto them.

    Elderly means less focal range, and it is easier to work with a bigger screen and mini-desktop PC. Also a mouse.

    • Nillionaire on 18/04/2025 - 12:39

      Why a desktop? Beware projecting your generations products onto them.

      Elderly means simpler user interface, and it is easier to work with a 13" iPad and an attachable keyboard. Also an Apple Pencil.

      • bargaino on 18/04/2025 - 12:47

        Yes, iPads are definitely easier than a laptop, and often recommended for less tech-competant people.

        But if you bother to read the post, that is not compatible with the requirements.

        • bloomer on 18/04/2025 - 15:42

          Yes, exactly, thanks @bargaino . The point is that the parents know what they are used to and are not at a point where they are open to new learning curves. And iPads and Chromebooks are not going to be adequate for the use case, as much as I appreciate people's suggestions. This is about their preferred needs (with technical advice from me where it will help their choices), and not external imposition.

  • frondono on 18/04/2025 - 17:58

    notebookcheck is a good website for comparing.

    https://www.notebookcheck.net/

  • jakeyo on 18/04/2025 - 20:44

    For their price range this is good https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/dell-inspiron-3000-156-inches…

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