Visiting Angels Offers Computer Training Courses for Seniors ... and now manufacturers are making Senior Friendly Computers!!
Computers Designed Specifically for Seniors
Posted: 09/10/2013 12:36 pm
Dear Savvy Senior,
What
computers can you recommend for seniors with very limited computer skills? I am
interested in getting one, but at 76, I need one that's designed simplistically
for me.
--Inexperienced
Senior
Dear Inexperienced,
There are actually several companies who make and sell computers designed
specifically for seniors who have little or no computer experience. Here are
some top options to check out.
Desktops
If you're primarily interested in a home desktop computer, the Telikin, which has been on
the market for over two years now, is an excellent option.
Ready to
go right out of the box, this all-in-one touch-screen computer provides a big
button menu that displays all your favorite functions on the screen at all
times. By simply touching the menu option of your choice with your finger, you
can get instant access to the Web, email, games, video chat, photo sharing,
news, weather and more.
Available
in two sizes -- the 18-inch LCD touch-screen with a 320-gigabyte hard drive
that costs $699, and the 20-inch LCD touch-screen with 500-gigabytes for $999
-- all Telikin computers come with built-in speakers, a Web camera, microphone,
wired keyboard and mouse. They even offer "tech buddy" software that
your loved ones can download on their computers, so they can access your
Telikin remotely to help you when need be.
Running
on Linux software instead of the standard Windows or Mac OS, the Telikin is
also virus-resistant, comes with a 60-day trial period, a one-year warranty and
free tech support.
It's also
worth noting that Telikin has a partnership with firstSTREET -- a senior
product direct marketing company -- that is also selling the 20-inch Telikin
for $999, but have rebranded it as the "WOW! Computer for Seniors."
Another option to consider is the MyGait Elite Computer, which costs $899 plus a $20 monthly
service fee. This mouse-operated PC has a 20-inch high-resolution monitor, a
large-letter color-coded keyboard, one-click functionality for all pages, a
simple zoom feature that lets you magnify your email or Web page up to 200
percent, and an ergonomic trackball mouse that's easy on the hand and wrist.
It also
comes with a built in Web camera, DVD/CD player, unlimited storage space,
dozens of games and a unique customer service package that guarantees
protection against viruses and spam, provides ongoing computer updates, and
offers a help line if you ever get stuck or need assistance.
Tablets
If you're interested in something mobile, there are several new senior-specific
tablets on the market you should look into like the Claris Companion, which combines a computer, digital picture
frame, mobile phone and passive monitoring device into one package.
It has a
10-inch touch-screen with huge text and buttons, amplified sound and comes in a
thick bamboo frame that's easy to hold on to, plus a stand that props it up.
It also
provides simplified access to email, text messaging, the Web, video chat and
photos. Along with exercise videos, medication and other reminders, and gives
family members the ability to easily monitor you if you need an extra hand. It
even let's you or our loved ones personalize the tablet to handle your specific
needs and abilities.
The
Claris Companion offers a variety of pricing packages that starts at $100 with
a two-year contract, plus a $59 monthly subscription fee.
Another option to consider is the In-Touch Senior Tablet, which is also a 10-inch
tablet that provides simple one-touch, big-button access to the Web, email,
text messaging, your calendar, video chat, medication reminders and more. The
Senior Tablet cost $400.
If you know of someone who would enjoy connecting with loved one's through email, surfing the web for recipes, join in on social media sites or just to play online games; we can help. We offer one-on-one computer instruction to Seniors. Check us out - Silver Surfers!
