eReader for Grandma - Page 2

JSWolf · 08-18-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ankh

I agree, it is better. What I don't agree with is assumption that that fact can eliminate outright 5"/6" class of the devices.

First "eyesight trouble" comes in many "flavours", and secondly, the ultimate decision (what is more important, mobility or larger screen area) is still a choice that is best left to the end user. She will quickly figure out what font size does the trick for her, and will be able to tell if the screen size is an issue.

Eyesight trouble would (IMHO) definitely eliminate the 5" models. They are just too small. The 6" maybe. But the 9.7" screen is definitely better.

HarryT · 08-18-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Eyesight trouble would (IMHO) definitely eliminate the 5" models. They are just too small. The 6" maybe. But the 9.7" screen is defiantly better.

Defiantly better? What is it defying?

JSWolf · 08-18-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Defiantly better? What is it defying?

A larger screen is better for someone with eyesight trouble who needs to have the text made larger. Could you see someone with trouble seeing using an iPhone screen to read? Even a 5" screen is too small (IMHO). A 6" screen maybe. But it depends on how much larger the text needs to go.

khalleron · 08-18-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

A larger screen is better for someone with eyesight trouble who needs to have the text made larger. Could you see someone with trouble seeing using an iPhone screen to read? Even a 5" screen is too small (IMHO). A 6" screen maybe. But it depends on how much larger the text needs to go.

Wolf, he's pointing out that you said 'defiantly' when you meant 'definitely'.

HarryT · 08-18-2011, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

A larger screen is better for someone with eyesight trouble who needs to have the text made larger. Could you see someone with trouble seeing using an iPhone screen to read? Even a 5" screen is too small (IMHO). A 6" screen maybe. But it depends on how much larger the text needs to go.

I entirely agree with you about that. That wasn't what I was asking

.

ring0_event · 08-18-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I think for someone with eyesight trouble, a larger screen is better. Which is why I suggested the Pocketbook Pro 903.

I love the specs, but it does seem pricey:
http://www.pocketbook-shop.de/index....emid=6&lang=en

Are there second hand ones anywhere??

frozennorth · 08-21-2011, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Defiantly better? What is it defying?

I know you like to proofread but I don't think it's nice as a moderator to point out spelling mistakes, since we all make them occassionally. And I'm quite sure we all knew what he meant. Not all of us have english as the mother tongue. Getting off my horse now.

In regards to the iphone, I noticed that I can read on it with a significantly smaller font than on my boox thanks to the crisp display. But no, I wouldn't recomment the iphone to Grandma.

Ankh · 08-21-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frozennorth

I know you like to proofread but I don't think it's nice as a moderator to point out spelling mistakes, since we all make them occassionally.

Uhm, I make them not occasionally, but regularly. It is my firm belief that every native English speaker can see at the glance that I am not born into the language and culture. Forget moderators, there was not a single MR member who targeted my lack of language skills ever, and I've gotten into some very heated discussions on this board.

There is a bit of history, Jon, kahm, fits nicely "no-nonsense talk" stereotype and has demonstrated that can give as good as he gets. Cut Harry some slack, despite the obligations of his moderators mantle, he is entitled to the private jokes granted to any other MR member... When his message are not couloured green, of course.

speakingtohe · 08-21-2011, 01:41 PM

I bought my mother a kindle 3 for her 85th birthday. I put some books on it that I knew she would enjoy and mailed it to her (she lives on the opposite coast)

She was a bit worried that I had wasted my money, but she gave it a try and was very happy.

When she came to visit me she had the text at the second highest font size available (not sure why as she can still read the newspaper with her glasses on).

I adjusted it down a couple of sizes and she said that it (the font) was still too big. Go figure.

Unless a person is very visually impaired any of the newer pearl screen readers should be ok.

My mother did have some difficulty with the page turn buttons due to arthritus but she is still very happy with it.

Helen

nose-in-a-book · 08-24-2011, 11:29 PM

our experience: Kobo Touch has dark, large fonts and is quite lightweight. easy for the over 80 year old relative with vision and arthritic hand issues! Use boils down to visualizing 3 vertical columns. Touch the left column, go back a page, touch the right one, go forward a page. touch the mid one, options pop up (contents. change fonts and layouts. etc) there is a brief 'welcome to kobo' item that walked her through it. first couple days, she revisited the walkthrough with me to get her confidence up. now its easy. a few days and she's finished a few books and going strong.

since vision makes the home page - 5 most recent covers - a bit difficult, we advise utilizing the library>shortlist for the current books your relative will use. this entails choosing which of the many loaded books she wants to read by placing finger on the heart to its left. (when touching, will see a dark highlight, so know it will slowly -- relative to computer -- act on the touch. any books with filled in hearts will appear on the shortlist. so instead of frustration viewing homepage pics, put finger on top left - library> shortlist. can sort shortlist view by author, title, or most recent, and most importantly, it isn't cover art, but title/author in font of relatives choosing.
forgot to mention: initial setup using computer will upgrade firmware and fonts and sizes will increase from original release. in case you are reading reviews telling you there are few fonts -- not any more
good luck with whatever you choose!

osnova · 08-25-2011, 02:00 AM

Several months ago, I offered an old lady from Alabama a private lesson over the phone on how to use her Kindle and my publications (they are more complicated than just any other book). I was surprised to hear how excited (that's the word) she was to have a Kindle. Computers scared her but the Kindle didn't. She was already doing pretty well with the basics (changing font sizes, buying/opening books, etc.). She said that it was easier for her to take the Kindle with her to church instead of her large-font Bible. Or yes, she also has to wheel an oxygen tank. She made my day. She sounded more upbeat than I do most days.

crich70 · 08-25-2011, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osnova

Several months ago, I offered an old lady from Alabama a private lesson over the phone on how to use her Kindle and my publications (they are more complicated than just any other book). I was surprised to hear how excited (that's the word) she was to have a Kindle. Computers scared her but the Kindle didn't. She was already doing pretty well with the basics (changing font sizes, buying/opening books, etc.). She said that it was easier for her to take the Kindle with her to church instead of her large-font Bible. Or yes, she also has to wheel an oxygen tank. She made my day. She sounded more upbeat than I do most days.

While I'm not anywhere near 85 (45 yrs to go) I agree that a Kindle Bible is very useful. I also use such a Bible in church. I just got a new one through Amazon that I just have to type the 1st 3 letters followed by chapter and verse #'s to get to any point in it. (i.e. Psa23.1 for Psalms 23 verse 1 for example). Much easier than having to flip back and forth in the actual paper book to find verses during church services. I agree with the others who recommend the Kindle 3 too. It's not too heavy and is easy to use.

ilovegadgets · 08-27-2011, 05:36 PM

Count me as another person who recommends the Kindle 3G for your grandmother. I let my 70+ years mom use my Kindle when she went on a trip recently.(I had been wanting to give her one, but she kept telling me that she didn't think she would really use one so I wanted to let her use mine so that she could see if she would enjoy having one of her own.) One day while she was riding in the car on her trip, she called me very upset because she couldn't find the book that she had been reading on the Kindle. After talking to her a little bit, I decided that she must have deleted it I went to my "manage your Kindle" page on Amazon and sent the book to the Kindle again. Then I told her to turn on the 3G. The sounds of excitement that I heard from my mother as she saw the book instantly appear on the Kindle were priceless to me. When she arrived back home after her trip we decided that she needed Kindle of her own. While most of the time your grandmother may not need the 3G that the Kindle 3G provides, I know it came in handy for my mother and can see how it would be good for your grandmother also.

boswd · 08-30-2011, 10:50 AM

I wouldn't be so quick to jump on the kindle bandwagon for elderly people simply because it's the best known.

I would think someone who is elderly might appreciate a touchscreen as opposed to pushing small buttons. The nook simple touch's UI is very intuitive and fun to use and the large icons to touch would make it easy for someone who is older. I would throw in the nook simple touch and the kobo touch as well. both are very light and smaller. the nook STR is also great to hold.

I also would take a look at some LCD ereaders as well. I have a nook color and my father and my father in law (both are in the mid to late 60's) both prefer that over eink and actually over regular books because of the sharpness and the crisp text. It has a much better overall contrast ratio which makes it easier to see.

osnova · 09-01-2011, 02:54 PM

I disagree with boswd on two points:

1. Touchscreens. I am in my thirties and even I have unintended touchscreen activation all the time just by trying to hold it (the new touchscreens are two sensitive). When you have old arthritic fingers (as my grandparents did), touchscreen would be a nightmare.
2. LCD readers are worse on the eyes (even I can't read for long stretches off an LCD screen) and much worse battery life. Contrast of the Kindle 3 is great and you can read it in sunlight or any other ambient light. LCD readers are heavier.

08-24-2011, 11:29 PM	#25
nose-in-a-book Member Posts: 11 Karma: 11432 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, USA Device: kobo touch	our experience: Kobo Touch has dark, large fonts and is quite lightweight. easy for the over 80 year old relative with vision and arthritic hand issues! Use boils down to visualizing 3 vertical columns. Touch the left column, go back a page, touch the right one, go forward a page. touch the mid one, options pop up (contents. change fonts and layouts. etc) there is a brief 'welcome to kobo' item that walked her through it. first couple days, she revisited the walkthrough with me to get her confidence up. now its easy. a few days and she's finished a few books and going strong. since vision makes the home page - 5 most recent covers - a bit difficult, we advise utilizing the library>shortlist for the current books your relative will use. this entails choosing which of the many loaded books she wants to read by placing finger on the heart to its left. (when touching, will see a dark highlight, so know it will slowly -- relative to computer -- act on the touch. any books with filled in hearts will appear on the shortlist. so instead of frustration viewing homepage pics, put finger on top left - library> shortlist. can sort shortlist view by author, title, or most recent, and most importantly, it isn't cover art, but title/author in font of relatives choosing. forgot to mention: initial setup using computer will upgrade firmware and fonts and sizes will increase from original release. in case you are reading reviews telling you there are few fonts -- not any more good luck with whatever you choose! Last edited by nose-in-a-book; 08-24-2011 at 11:32 PM. Reason: forgot to mention

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08-21-2011, 01:41 PM	#24
speakingtohe Wizard Posts: 4,812 Karma: 26912940 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: sony PRS-T1 and T3, Kobo Mini and Aura HD, Tablet	I bought my mother a kindle 3 for her 85th birthday. I put some books on it that I knew she would enjoy and mailed it to her (she lives on the opposite coast) She was a bit worried that I had wasted my money, but she gave it a try and was very happy. When she came to visit me she had the text at the second highest font size available (not sure why as she can still read the newspaper with her glasses on). I adjusted it down a couple of sizes and she said that it (the font) was still too big. Go figure. Unless a person is very visually impaired any of the newer pearl screen readers should be ok. My mother did have some difficulty with the page turn buttons due to arthritus but she is still very happy with it. Helen

08-25-2011, 02:00 AM	#26
osnova Kindler of the Flame Posts: 582 Karma: 646016 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: US of A Device: K DX,3,KT,KP,KF, KFHD; Nook C, PRS600, iPad, Xoom, N900, N810, Zaurus	Several months ago, I offered an old lady from Alabama a private lesson over the phone on how to use her Kindle and my publications (they are more complicated than just any other book). I was surprised to hear how excited (that's the word) she was to have a Kindle. Computers scared her but the Kindle didn't. She was already doing pretty well with the basics (changing font sizes, buying/opening books, etc.). She said that it was easier for her to take the Kindle with her to church instead of her large-font Bible. Or yes, she also has to wheel an oxygen tank. She made my day. She sounded more upbeat than I do most days.

08-27-2011, 05:36 PM	#28
ilovegadgets Connoisseur Posts: 72 Karma: 18798 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Kindles, iPad,Note 8, Note 3, iPhone 5,Sony 350& T1, Entourage PE & EE	Count me as another person who recommends the Kindle 3G for your grandmother. I let my 70+ years mom use my Kindle when she went on a trip recently.(I had been wanting to give her one, but she kept telling me that she didn't think she would really use one so I wanted to let her use mine so that she could see if she would enjoy having one of her own.) One day while she was riding in the car on her trip, she called me very upset because she couldn't find the book that she had been reading on the Kindle. After talking to her a little bit, I decided that she must have deleted it I went to my "manage your Kindle" page on Amazon and sent the book to the Kindle again. Then I told her to turn on the 3G. The sounds of excitement that I heard from my mother as she saw the book instantly appear on the Kindle were priceless to me. When she arrived back home after her trip we decided that she needed Kindle of her own. While most of the time your grandmother may not need the 3G that the Kindle 3G provides, I know it came in handy for my mother and can see how it would be good for your grandmother also.

08-30-2011, 10:50 AM	#29
boswd Banned Posts: 2,391 Karma: 1001781 Join Date: May 2010 Device: The Nook, Nook color and Droid X	I wouldn't be so quick to jump on the kindle bandwagon for elderly people simply because it's the best known. I would think someone who is elderly might appreciate a touchscreen as opposed to pushing small buttons. The nook simple touch's UI is very intuitive and fun to use and the large icons to touch would make it easy for someone who is older. I would throw in the nook simple touch and the kobo touch as well. both are very light and smaller. the nook STR is also great to hold. I also would take a look at some LCD ereaders as well. I have a nook color and my father and my father in law (both are in the mid to late 60's) both prefer that over eink and actually over regular books because of the sharpness and the crisp text. It has a much better overall contrast ratio which makes it easier to see.

09-01-2011, 02:54 PM	#30
osnova Kindler of the Flame Posts: 582 Karma: 646016 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: US of A Device: K DX,3,KT,KP,KF, KFHD; Nook C, PRS600, iPad, Xoom, N900, N810, Zaurus	I disagree with boswd on two points: 1. Touchscreens. I am in my thirties and even I have unintended touchscreen activation all the time just by trying to hold it (the new touchscreens are two sensitive). When you have old arthritic fingers (as my grandparents did), touchscreen would be a nightmare. 2. LCD readers are worse on the eyes (even I can't read for long stretches off an LCD screen) and much worse battery life. Contrast of the Kindle 3 is great and you can read it in sunlight or any other ambient light. LCD readers are heavier.