Portable Internet Device for the Elderly - Page 2

fredlave · 06-05-2012, 01:16 PM

I'm well into my "golden years" and, while a netbook might suffice, I've found an 8GB Nook Tablet running Team-B's version of Cyanomod7 from an 8GB Sandisk micro SD card fills the bill for secure surfing, email and streaming video. Once setup with CM7 and apps it should run reliably and with minimal maintenance. Also, a stylus is a great help for those of us with arthritic fingers (and a slight tremor) and can be purchased on eBay in groups of four for 50¢ each.

ProfCrash · 06-05-2012, 04:20 PM

I think the key is getting the right device for the person. There are very tech savy seniors, see fredlave, and then there is my Mother. She does fine with a computer and her DXG but has never bothered to learn how to use collections or remove books from the device. I take care of removing books for her when I visit. It makes everyones life easier. My Dad tries to understand and gets frustrated that he does not.

And then there is me. I use tech but I am not tech savy. I have never hacked anything, nor do I want to try. When my computer crashed, I let the hubby deal with it. But I can use an IPad and a Kindle just fine and figure out a few tricks here or there.

covfam · 06-08-2012, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizla

Would the Kindle Fire offer a similarly 'easy user experience'?

i have my kindle fire and enjoy it as an e-reader and way to watch videos, its pretty easy to use like an ipad but even more restricted than the ipad.

the downsides i feel with the kindle are, 1 the keyboard is much less accurate then on any mobile device ive had, the wifi receiver strength is pretty week it has about 1/3rd of the range that all our other android and ios devices have.

is it a good $200 tablet yes. but doesnt even hold a candle to my wifes Transformer t300f that cost her $360 on sale. if you plan on her JUST reading ebooks and watching amazon videos then go for it. but if you want her to access anything else have her go to Ipad.

also one thing my wife and i have both notices is that when i upgraded my tiny cellphone to a Samsung G S 2 with 4.52 inch screen i stopped reading on my kindle fire. and my wife is upgrading her phone to the Samsung Galaxy s 3 with its 4.8 inch screen. she doesnt use her transformer (with dock) as a media consumption device. it has replaced her laptop completly for her CME buisness trips

HarryT · 06-08-2012, 09:20 AM

Isn't it just a little insulting to assume that someone who's 80 is an idiot who needs to be treated like a 5-year-old child? My next door neighbour is 94 years old, a life-long radio amateur, and builds his own PCs from components. I go to him for help with my PC problems

.

covfam · 06-09-2012, 09:54 AM

i wasnt trying to be insulting and it wasnt based on age. the simple fact that regardless of age the I devices ARE less complex and easier to use. yes it greatly restricts your options and android and windows moble os are both much more flexible and have the abilty to have alot more features but these are a bit more complex to use.

Id recomend an i device every day of the week for a beginers device regardless of age.

Mujokan · 06-13-2012, 02:26 PM

It would be insulting to say no elderly people are capable of using modern technology, but it's not insulting at all to ask for a simple device for an elderly person. My neighbor would turn off his desktop by pulling the power plug out of the wall.

This might be out of left field, but for a really cheap option you could get a netbook (even second hand), wipe it and put Ubuntu Precise Pangolin on it. It is essentially virus and malware free, and the interface is very simple (kind of smartphone-ish). With the money saved, you could also get an e-ink reader, which are great for older folks. Some have built-in browsers (without rooting) too.

You can install Pangolin on a pendrive easily if you want to see what it is like.

bobcdy · 06-13-2012, 06:23 PM

As an elderly geezer, I certainly wouldn't like to try reading an epub on a 4.8" screen! On the other hand, an Ipad is too large, not very portable, hard for many elderly to handle easily, too expensive, and laced with so many Apple Inc mandated restrictions that I certainly wouldn't use it for reading ebooks. Both the unrooted Kindle and Nook Simple Touch also are too restricted to book format for general use.

I'd suggest a 5-6" lesser-known ereader brand that handles both epubs and prc/mobi, except that you need wifi. If you can do rooting, I'd recommend the 6" Nook SLT, except that there are problem with non-USA use (but see MR posts about getting around this handicap).

Another alternative is a 7" color tablet with ereader apps for both epub and prc/mobi. Less battery life than an e-ink reader, but more options for internet, etc.

HarryT · 06-14-2012, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcdy

As an elderly geezer, I certainly wouldn't like to try reading an epub on a 4.8" screen! On the other hand, an Ipad is too large, not very portable, hard for many elderly to handle easily, too expensive, and laced with so many Apple Inc mandated restrictions that I certainly wouldn't use it for reading ebooks.

I must respectfully disagree. The iPad makes an excellent bookreader and has the considerable benefit that the 3G model can be used standalone, without the need for a PC. What "restrictions" on reading books are you referring to?

ProfCrash · 06-14-2012, 08:13 AM

I can see people with arthritis or who are physically weakening finding an IPad or DX too heavy to use comfortably. I suspect that the fact that you cannot buy ebooks from the app on the IPad and have to move to the browser could be problematic for folks who are not tech savvy.

HarryT · 06-14-2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

I can see people with arthritis or who are physically weakening finding an IPad or DX too heavy to use comfortably. I suspect that the fact that you cannot buy ebooks from the app on the IPad and have to move to the browser could be problematic for folks who are not tech savvy.

Very good points, certainly. Personally, I read with the iPad propped up on my lap, as I'd read a hardback book. As far as the browser goes, remember that you can add any web page to the iPad's desktop, so what I do is to have an icon labelled "Amazon Bookstore" right alongside the Kindle app in my "Reading" folder on the iPad. I tap it, and it takes me directly to the Kindle Store. If someone were to set that up for a novice user, I'm sure they'd manage fine.

ProfCrash · 06-14-2012, 10:39 AM

Someone with arthritis or joint issues might not be able to prop it up the way you and I do. Not being a pain here, but when you start talking about mobility issues and joints and the like, things can get painful and tricky fast. It might be too challenging for someone to have to lift up a pillow to prop a larger device up while holding a light weight e-reader is not as much of a problem.

My Mom loves her DX and would not want a smaller Kindle. She prefers the larger screen and is able to handle the larger size. Some of her friends would not be able to. It really is a very personal decision. Also, it is a lot asier to carry a 6 inch e-reader in your purse to appointments and the like than an IPad. The weight does add up over time.

HarryT · 06-14-2012, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

Also, it is a lot asier to carry a 6 inch e-reader in your purse to appointments and the like than an IPad. The weight does add up over time.

I agree entirely. I do most of my reading on my Kindle Touch. I was thinking more of a person who'd want a bigger screen with larger fonts, and may wish to buy books without having to use a PC and transfer books manually. That was my reason for suggesting the iPad, but certainly there are pros and cons to every suggestion; if there were a "perfect device" which we all agreed on, we wouldn't be having all these discussions

.

ProfCrash · 06-14-2012, 12:20 PM

Yes we would. We are a disagreeable bunch and enjoy reading what we type no matter what. (winks)

covfam · 06-15-2012, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

Yes we would. We are a disagreeable bunch and enjoy reading what we type no matter what. (winks)

Honestly i think apple would make a killing if they made a 7 inch ipad. its been consistantly the most opopular e-reading size and personaly i love the size of my kindle fire and my wifes nool color ... we just wish there was a better quality 7 incher ... currently you can pay $700 at verizon with 2 year contract for the samsung galaxy 7.7 wich is a fabulous device but i hate the price AND contract.

HarryT · 06-15-2012, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by covfam

Honestly i think apple would make a killing if they made a 7 inch ipad. its been consistantly the most opopular e-reading size and personaly i love the size of my kindle fire and my wifes nool color ... we just wish there was a better quality 7 incher ... currently you can pay $700 at verizon with 2 year contract for the samsung galaxy 7.7 wich is a fabulous device but i hate the price AND contract.

Why don't you buy one without a contract? It costs $250, I believe.

06-09-2012, 09:54 AM	#20
covfam Addict Posts: 304 Karma: 1139862 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: Ipod Touch,Ipad3,Kindle fire, Samsung Galaxy tab, Samsung Galaxy S3	i wasnt trying to be insulting and it wasnt based on age. the simple fact that regardless of age the I devices ARE less complex and easier to use. yes it greatly restricts your options and android and windows moble os are both much more flexible and have the abilty to have alot more features but these are a bit more complex to use. Id recomend an i device every day of the week for a beginers device regardless of age. Last edited by covfam; 06-09-2012 at 10:00 AM.

06-13-2012, 06:23 PM	#22
bobcdy Fanatic Posts: 527 Karma: 1048576 Join Date: May 2009 Device: bebook; prs-950; nook simple touch; HTC Jetstream tablet	As an elderly geezer, I certainly wouldn't like to try reading an epub on a 4.8" screen! On the other hand, an Ipad is too large, not very portable, hard for many elderly to handle easily, too expensive, and laced with so many Apple Inc mandated restrictions that I certainly wouldn't use it for reading ebooks. Both the unrooted Kindle and Nook Simple Touch also are too restricted to book format for general use. I'd suggest a 5-6" lesser-known ereader brand that handles both epubs and prc/mobi, except that you need wifi. If you can do rooting, I'd recommend the 6" Nook SLT, except that there are problem with non-USA use (but see MR posts about getting around this handicap). Another alternative is a 7" color tablet with ereader apps for both epub and prc/mobi. Less battery life than an e-ink reader, but more options for internet, etc. Last edited by bobcdy; 06-13-2012 at 06:40 PM.

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06-05-2012, 01:16 PM	#16
fredlave Connoisseur Posts: 66 Karma: 510748 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	I'm well into my "golden years" and, while a netbook might suffice, I've found an 8GB Nook Tablet running Team-B's version of Cyanomod7 from an 8GB Sandisk micro SD card fills the bill for secure surfing, email and streaming video. Once setup with CM7 and apps it should run reliably and with minimal maintenance. Also, a stylus is a great help for those of us with arthritic fingers (and a slight tremor) and can be purchased on eBay in groups of four for 50¢ each.

06-05-2012, 04:20 PM	#17
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	I think the key is getting the right device for the person. There are very tech savy seniors, see fredlave, and then there is my Mother. She does fine with a computer and her DXG but has never bothered to learn how to use collections or remove books from the device. I take care of removing books for her when I visit. It makes everyones life easier. My Dad tries to understand and gets frustrated that he does not. And then there is me. I use tech but I am not tech savy. I have never hacked anything, nor do I want to try. When my computer crashed, I let the hubby deal with it. But I can use an IPad and a Kindle just fine and figure out a few tricks here or there.

06-08-2012, 09:20 AM	#19
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Isn't it just a little insulting to assume that someone who's 80 is an idiot who needs to be treated like a 5-year-old child? My next door neighbour is 94 years old, a life-long radio amateur, and builds his own PCs from components. I go to him for help with my PC problems .

06-13-2012, 02:26 PM	#21
Mujokan Connoisseur Posts: 77 Karma: 271776 Join Date: Jun 2012 Device: Nook Simple Touch	It would be insulting to say no elderly people are capable of using modern technology, but it's not insulting at all to ask for a simple device for an elderly person. My neighbor would turn off his desktop by pulling the power plug out of the wall. This might be out of left field, but for a really cheap option you could get a netbook (even second hand), wipe it and put Ubuntu Precise Pangolin on it. It is essentially virus and malware free, and the interface is very simple (kind of smartphone-ish). With the money saved, you could also get an e-ink reader, which are great for older folks. Some have built-in browsers (without rooting) too. You can install Pangolin on a pendrive easily if you want to see what it is like.

06-14-2012, 08:13 AM	#24
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	I can see people with arthritis or who are physically weakening finding an IPad or DX too heavy to use comfortably. I suspect that the fact that you cannot buy ebooks from the app on the IPad and have to move to the browser could be problematic for folks who are not tech savvy.

06-14-2012, 10:39 AM	#26
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	Someone with arthritis or joint issues might not be able to prop it up the way you and I do. Not being a pain here, but when you start talking about mobility issues and joints and the like, things can get painful and tricky fast. It might be too challenging for someone to have to lift up a pillow to prop a larger device up while holding a light weight e-reader is not as much of a problem. My Mom loves her DX and would not want a smaller Kindle. She prefers the larger screen and is able to handle the larger size. Some of her friends would not be able to. It really is a very personal decision. Also, it is a lot asier to carry a 6 inch e-reader in your purse to appointments and the like than an IPad. The weight does add up over time.

06-14-2012, 12:20 PM	#28
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	Yes we would. We are a disagreeable bunch and enjoy reading what we type no matter what. (winks)