Posted on 11/17/2011 10:12:10 AM PST by Don@VB
Trying to find a good tablet for email and simple internet tasks for Mom age 83. A tablet that goes from boot up to listing new email messages in the least number of steps a priority; It doesn't need to be a power machine (no gaming etc) but quick and easy to use for simple tasks. Thanks in Advance!!
I vote iPad for a couple of reasons:
1. Instant-on - no waiting for boot-up
2. Click on 1 button to launch email. Very intuitive.
3. iKindle app syncs with an existing kindle account if you have one.
4. iKindle app has the ability to use reverse resolution (black background with white type) which is very helpful to readers with low-vision. This is not currently available on actual Kindles. I think you can even make the font larger in the iKindle app than you can in the Kindle itself.
5. With the advent of iCloud, you no longer need to sync with an actual computer to back it up. It just needs to be attached to wifi and plugged in.
6. Can store photos of kids/grandkids to show to off how cute they are.
7. Free classes offered at the Apple Stores to learn how to use them.
There’s more, but that’s just off the top of my head. I recently talked my sister-in-law in her 70s to get one, and she LOVES it and has begun using it for even more than I thought she would.
There are a lot of lil' ol' ladies playing very nasty games of Farmville. My mom-in-law is a nice gal but vicious when playing an Zynga game.
Mike
The Fire website was not a lot of help.
You mean access files on other computers in your home network? There doesn’t seem to be an obvious way to do that with the file manager on my (Android) tablet, but maybe I’m just missing something — it should be possible, but maybe the minimalist design of the table interface just doesn’t include that feature. If you need it, you might be better off with a small laptop/netbook.
My wife and I certainly qualify as elderly and we both grew up in a distinctly nontechnical atmosphere. Mining camp and rice paddy certainly not an introduction to modernity.
iPad gets both our votes. If you can read a book, you can adapt to the iPad. Plus, if you travel, the iPad is easy and useful in keeping in touch plus cheaper than cell phone.
Yeah, there is a “singleclick” hack that will make the Kindle an Android device. This means that for $200 you have a pretty respectable Android tablet - and then can load your tablet with Kindle software, as well as Nook software; plus everything else that Android has.
The Nook apparently locked the bootloader - which is a big no-no to many people (like me). And, the RUMOR (I haven’t ocnfirmed this) is that the new Color Nook won’t let you boot off the SD card either.
Whereas, the less hardware boosted Kindle Fire seems wide open to throwing Android at it.
“You mean access files on other computers in your home network?”
####
Exactly.
Home or office actually.
I agree it SHOULD be possible, in that the devices are logging into the WiFi connection.
Thinking about it still further, I don’t see how that CAN’T be a feature, if the manufacturers want to capitalize on utility in the business environment, or in my case, a medical office.
I just picked up one of the D/Ced HP tablets and my wife has an IPAD. I thought I would ask before I started wasting time on something that may not even be possible.
The Depends tablet?
kalemsoft on the touchpad will allow you to access media files, tho I’m not sure about other files.
http://www.pogo.com/games/luau?pageSection=ag_list1_pl_freebingo&stMinverPageSection=category
You can play for free as a guest, or sign up, also for free. The site is ad-supported (there are 30 second ads between games).
If you win a bingo game, you get a “jackpot spin”, a longshot chance to win money or prizes. The spin gives players a goal to shoot for.
I've search many sites for bingo for my older relatives, and this is the best one I've found.
I have an iPad and a Transormer (android tablet)
As as checking email or getting on the internet, it’s pretty much a wash.
Android is going to be cheaper.
If you wanted to video call, facebook would be pretty easy if you want an iDevice yourself.
I personally find using the Android tab easier to use over all but that is very subjective.
If I were buying a device for an 83 year old, I would also look at notebooks, as eyes get older, the larger screen makes a huge difference.
I have an iPad and a Transormer (android tablet)
As as checking email or getting on the internet, it’s pretty much a wash.
Android is going to be cheaper.
If you wanted to video call, facebook would be pretty easy if you want an iDevice yourself.
I personally find using the Android tab easier to use over all but that is very subjective.
If I were buying a device for an 83 year old, I would also look at notebooks, as eyes get older, the larger screen makes a huge difference.
Tried my daughters Ipad today; one click from desktop screen and new email lists appear. If Android or Fire does that too, it may be a close call.
Fellow FReepers, thank you all for your input!!
Yes, there is a file management app that will see files across the network for Android, it’s something like sm file explorer, I’m not using it but I think that is what it’s called.
Thanks for the info.
It sounds like it IS possible, so I will research it a bit more.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.