Computer For Grandparents: How To Choose

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Computer for grandparents: what is important to consider when choosing

Now more and more people buy computers with webcams for their elderly relatives in order to be constantly in touch and communicate even from different cities, without spending huge sums on long-distance phone calls. But which computer is better for grandparents to buy? After all, the requirements for a PC and its performance for older relatives are not at all the same as for an ordinary user.

How to choose a computer for grandparents

The key point when choosing a PC is to decide for what purposes it will be used. In the future, we will start from the fact that the main occupation of elderly relatives at the computer will be communication: Skype and social networks. Most likely, grandparents will also be happy to play light browser puzzle games, watch videos on YouTube and browse educational pages on the Internet.

Which is better - a desktop, laptop or tablet?

First, let's define the type of device. Most people agree that it is better for grandparents to buy a laptop. First, it usually already has a built-in webcam, which does not have to be purchased, connected and configured separately. Secondly, it is not always convenient for an elderly person to sit at a table for a long time, and a laptop frees from this need - you can move it to an armchair, to the kitchen or even to bed. Third, laptops are now on average cheaper than a computer with all the components. On the other hand, a laptop is much easier to knock over and break. Therefore, if it is difficult for your relative to hold such a massive object firmly in his hands, then it is better to give up a laptop in favor of a stationary computer.

A laptop is the best choice for most grandparents

A desktop PC is versatile, but not the most budget option. Among the advantages of this type are easy repairs in case of breakdowns, simple and cheap replacement of components. Breaking a hospital is harder than a laptop. Among the minuses - it requires a lot of space, is relatively expensive and cannot be carried from place to place.

It is better to refuse the temptation to save money and buy a simple tablet. His screen, unlike, for example, "readers", has a very negative effect on vision. The tablet is usually held closer to the face than a laptop monitor. Regular reading from it can weaken an older person's already poor eyesight.

Screen

The display of the device is a key consideration when buying a PC for an elderly relative. It should be:

• great. For older people, a diagonal of 16 inches or more is recommended;
• with anti-reflective coating;
• with a resolution from 1366x768 to 1400x900. You should not take a higher resolution - the interface and layout of the sites will be too small.

Keyboard

Here we follow these principles:

• the larger the keys, the better;
• there must be a distance between the keys;
• better backlit than not;
• Russian letters on the keys should be legible even in low light;
• it is better to give up black keyboards right away.

A similar keyboard with large buttons and letters is well suited for an elderly person

Mouse

Even if you are buying a laptop with a touchpad, it is better to purchase a separate USB mouse. Opt for corded models - wireless requires the hassle of charging batteries. And the chance that your elderly relative will fray the cord from constant load is extremely small.

It is better to choose a mouse together with your grandparents. Let him or her independently evaluate the convenience, ergonomics, how well the mouse fits in the hand. For older people, it is better to choose a large mouse with a rubberized body. Models with additional keys should be discarded - a standard set is enough.

This classic model is perfect for an elderly person.

Other

A few more details worth paying attention to:

• Webcam. It is best to choose cameras with a resolution of 2 megapixels or more. They are not too expensive, but they allow you to see a relative well and clearly during video calls;
• sound. Its quality usually plays a secondary role, but the volume range should be chosen relatively large - at least up to 6 W;
• RAM. In fact, RAM is not critical for most older users who need a browser and a file manager. 4 GB will be more than enough.

Additional Tips

We have also selected some useful tips for you to help your relative master the computer:

• disable the Caps Lock key. This can be done using the KeyTweak program;
• install TeamViewer for your relative and yourself. It is free and can be downloaded from the official website. With its help, you can connect to a relative's computer and quickly fix a possible problem;
• if on the keyboard Russian and English letters are indicated in the same color, and this confuses your relative, buy special stickers for the keyboard - they are inexpensive and are sold in any electronics store;
• pre-install a media player with support for popular codecs. You can choose the program VLC or KMP-Player;

• increase the font size. This can be done in Windows 10 under Settings> Accessibility> Display.

  

  Increase until Grandma or Grandpa is comfortable reading icon names

Choosing a computer for an elderly relative is a responsible business. If your grandparents can master technology, you can communicate more often and for longer. But nothing pleases the heart of an elderly person more than children and grandchildren who are interested in his affairs.