PC for my 80 yr old Mum...

• 

  Sage on 26/02/2017 - 18:51

  BSOD isn't a permanent error. does it do that every time?
  Plus the screen wouldn't be broken.
  What type of computer was it, was it an all in one?

  • 

    Tuba on 26/02/2017 - 23:39

    Ancient, I think its running XP. My older brother set it up for her and has remote access when it starts etc but hes in England for a number of more years yet. Pretty sure the monitor is old and 4:3 so was looking to bring it somewhat into the present. Although, Im concerned she wont be able to use it as its hard to learn new stuff but Im not sure how realistic it is keep it that old.

    Laptop is an option, but Im concerned re: screen sizes as she gets older. She is unlikely to update.

    • 

      Cheap Charlie on 08/04/2017 - 12:25

      What did you end up going with "pinhead"?

• 

  mskeggs on 26/02/2017 - 18:52

  +1

  Good on your Mum.
  Mine is in her 70s and surprised the hell out of me with an email a couple of years ago!
  I support the parent's PCs in person when I visit, but I have considered installing VNC or LogMeIn or similar, and probably would in your situation, so you can remotely control their screen.

  For her needs, literally any new PC will do all she wants, so price is a fine differentiator. If it were me, I would also consider a laptop, as she presumably has a monitor/keyboard from the last machine to plug it into, and she might start watching Netflix in bed or something if she has that available to her! In extreme circumstances, she could also stick it in a courier box for $30 and send it to you if it needs hands on support.

  My biggest issue is my Dad occasionally gets into bother and calls up Microsoft or iiNet support (despite being told not to) and their default is to wipe the PC for unexplained software issues, when what is usually the problem is that he has turned off the power and the PC keeps going to CHKDSK on the next startup freaking him out. He spends half a day reinstalling Windows, and it is all good again, but he loses the last lot of un-backed up photos or similar.

  • 

    Tuba on 26/02/2017 - 23:54

    I guess Im mostly checking Im not paying $100 too much, or more bang for same bucks, or buying something known to be unreliable. Mum is cautious enough not to play about, she calls my brother, but hes not around so it fell to me. I can solve most of my own issues, but Im not equipped to help her over the phone. Being so old, I thought probably a good time to bring up to the present a little.

    The old man would divorce her if she started watching TV in bed.

    Ill have to ask my brother what he uses to log in, and install and set it up. Then he can finish off whatever settings need sorting and get back to looking after it.

  • 

    ozbjunkie on 27/02/2017 - 13:41

    My grandpa is equally frustrating - I recall him deleting a large part of his movie and music collection to "clean up the hard drive"

    "Was it full?", I ask

    "No but it can't be doing the computer any favours with all that stuff on it"

    SMFH

• 

  [Deactivated] on 26/02/2017 - 19:19

  +7

  What about an ipad etc instead

  • 

    foxmulder on 26/02/2017 - 20:09

    +1

    This one will be much easier and power efficient.

    • 

      Tuba on 26/02/2017 - 23:45

      Only trouble is being sure she can handle the learning curve.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 27/02/2017 - 04:22

        ipad are very easy to pick up and use - most baby boomers I know - who have one prefer iOS to windows because they are easier to use and more responsive - although i would suggest a rugged case and glass screen protector for your grandmother

      • 

        Banana on 27/02/2017 - 20:53

        +2

        @Austechguy:
        My grandpa is 87 this year and learned how to use ipad and google chrome. Now he won't stop watching "If you are the one!".

      • 

        AlienC on 08/04/2017 - 21:43

        Believe it or not a tablet is easier than a computer.. all my grandparents have made the switch for Facebook and other communication from mobile phones. But unless she needs to type up essays or maybe some documents for some social group she is a part of (e.g. head of the knitting club) or something she should be good.

• 

  Randxyz123 on 26/02/2017 - 20:17

  I would HIGHLY suggest buying it here, setting it up then sending it over.

  It would cost a bit more but worth it for remote visits.

  Teamviewer is excellent. It's free and works perfectly for parental support.

  • 

    Tuba on 26/02/2017 - 23:44

    This might be what my brother installed for her. He uses Linux as he is a purist, Im not sure if that changes things.
    Its probably an opportunity to go down and surprise them anyway.

• 

  stevednj48 on 26/02/2017 - 20:29

  +1

  how about something like this all in one we got the in laws set up with them they are basic users and Facebook gamers works fine for their needs

  http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computers/d…

  • 

    Tuba on 26/02/2017 - 23:47

    +1

    Thanks, I think thats the one I tried to link too. Not sure what I did… how long have they had it?

    • 

      stevednj48 on 27/02/2017 - 09:17

      Has been about 6 months now still going fine.

• 

  Black Brown Blue on 26/02/2017 - 23:57

  An ipad/tablet would be a good choice here. Less bulky, very user friendly and really easy to use.
  Since you are interested in PC, a windows tablet would be a good option too.
  Make sure you set it up and put a good cover/case (I drop my tablet way too many times).

• 

  [Deactivated] on 27/02/2017 - 09:07

  I would say an iPad or a chrome book (not sure if webcam would have driver, but it is Linux so probably). Your mum could go to the Apple store and they will show her how to use ipad, and you can get an external keyboard for it too.

• 

  ruther11 on 27/02/2017 - 09:30

  My mother is 94yrs old next month and she uses an ipad. Msinly for fb, emails and puzzles.

• 

  dp1 on 27/02/2017 - 10:14

  My dad picked up most things easily on the ipad at 73, having been terrified of desktop PCs most of his life.
  Except how to close tabs on safari.

• 

  WT on 27/02/2017 - 10:55

  android tablet or tab with keyboard. They are more pc like

  or something like this https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/292425

• 

  HeWhoKnows on 27/02/2017 - 12:33

  She will need just the cheapest most basic PC you can buy. Suggest buying one used maybe 3 or 4 years old for $80-$100. Absolutely no need to buy a new one.

• 

  ozbjunkie on 27/02/2017 - 13:46

  If she wants to have a crack as saving money, you could guide her through a fresh windows installation and take over remotely using TeamViewer as soon as the OS
  is installed.

  Of course, she must be willing to upgrade to at least win 7…

• 

  simmos on 27/02/2017 - 13:53

  Good on your mum for keeping herself "out there".

  If you wack a monitor and keyboard onto the end of an Intel compute stick http://www.intel.com.au/content/www/au/en/compute-stick/inte… you can't go wrong. Its compact and has the latest Windows 10 onboard. If you need to help here, as other posters say, use Teamviewer and all she needs needs is in one compact tiny piece of hardware. Ultra reliable and silent too. All the best to her.