Recommend a Computer for My Parents

fd9 on 14/09/2020 - 08:01
Last edited 14/09/2020 - 12:36

Hey all!

Could you recommend me a computer for my parents (70+)? I just checked out the probably made in 2000 HP Elitebook (one of the swivel screen ones) they have been using all this time - and EVERYTHING with it is wrong - clicks don't register, it automatically scrolls up and won't stop in any menu, keyboard buttons don't register - I had no idea it was this bad until I tried it this morning and they have been using this the whole time and didn't tell me.

Happy to buy something used or new it doesn't matter. The cheaper the better. They will only be using it for web surfing / youtube.

Preferably not a tablet as they aren't that used to touch interfaces (so probably not Surface Pros, Ipads or Gos).
I would prefer something free standing i.e. traditional clamshell so they don't have to deal with finding a comfortable angle for their neck using a device with a hinge. Preferably Windows.

Unfortunately they aren't the best at taking care of technology - so I don't want to buy something too expensive.

There's stuff like this around but I wouldn't know which to pick https://www.australiancomputertraders.com.au/Refurbished-Lap…

Note: I am eligible for student discount offers

For anyone interested - this is their old laptop lol https://www.google.com/search?q=EliteBook+2760p&source=lnms&…
Thanks!

Computing

Comments

  • AustriaBargain on 14/09/2020 - 08:58
    +8

    iPad is good for old people. You'll need to teach them some basics, but even babies can use it. I've never seen a baby use a Windows 10 PC.

    • fd9 on 14/09/2020 - 09:09

      Its more just the touch interface they aren't good with and prefer physical buttons. They have a windows laptop at the moment and its quite hard getting them to change.

      • AustriaBargain on 14/09/2020 - 09:11

        You can get them a bluetooth keyboard for the iPad. Maybe they'd be okay with touch for navigation and are just worried about typing. I think iPad supports mouse as well now and you get this circle that represents your finger. In a few days Apple might expand that capability even more with iPad OS 14.

        • thatonethere on 14/09/2020 - 09:45
          +4

          Converted my dad from macbook to iPad with keyboard. Lost a bit of functionality but near 0 support calls (and you can fob them off to Apple stores for free help)

          • AustriaBargain on 14/09/2020 - 09:48
            +3

            @thatonethere: I noticed the same when my parents switched from Windows laptops to MacBooks. Other than a few calls to learn the basics, my total time spent doing tech support for them dropped to almost zero. No more late night phone calls that go for hours to trouble shoot something, no need to even remote into the computer anymore. I'm sure there's a lot about MacOS they don't understand but for what they do they use it no problem.

          • chartparker on 14/09/2020 - 10:21
            +1

            @thatonethere: This is why i recommend iPads to "old" people who only really want to browse the web, buy a couple of things off eBay and watch some of the YouTubes. Thank god the days of me being constantly harassed for IT support are over

    • magic8ballgag on 15/09/2020 - 08:22

      Are you calling OP's parents babies?

  • DannyC on 14/09/2020 - 09:41

    There's stuff like this around but I wouldn't know which to pick https://www.australiancomputertraders.com.au/Refurbished-Lap…

    My recommendation is to avoid very very old refurbished laptops with very old processors. If the main aim of replacing that super old HP Elite book because it was a crummy experience for them then get them something that is ok to use for a number of years and performs ok.

    more importantly what is the budget?

    You can get some decent stuff from Lenovo, Asus and Acer that'll keep Ur parents satisfied depending on the budget? Something like the Acer swift 3 SF314-41, Asus Vivobook, Dell Inspiron 15 or the Lenovo Ideapad.

    • fd9 on 14/09/2020 - 12:26

      Thanks for the reply. Preferably $500. Mainly because I don't want to buy something too expensive and have to worry about them not taking good care of it. It's not like they will drop it lol. Dad just likes reading the morning news on the computer whilst having breakfast and he gets bread crumbs all over the keyboard haha.
      Up to $1000 I would go if necessary. Out of the above mentioned models do you rank them in any particular order - in terms of longevity they should bring? Thanks!

      • saltypete on 15/09/2020 - 08:27

        $500 to $1000, buy one pretty basic iPad, and be prepared to buy a second if they are squabbling over it. A small bit of support to get them going and they will probably be fine.

  • frondono on 14/09/2020 - 09:47

    Might just be able to reinstall windows for it to be running sweet again, and upgrade to ssd and more ram if you can do it cheaply. use a key board and mouse with it.

    Older hardware runs linux well. and if it just for basic functions linux works well.

    • fd9 on 14/09/2020 - 12:42

      Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try that. I was worried it was a hardware issue but i shouldn't assume that without even trying a rreinstall.

  • JIMB0 on 14/09/2020 - 09:53

    Talking Computron

    • fd9 on 14/09/2020 - 12:40

      lol alright jimb0

  • ddhar on 14/09/2020 - 10:10

    Something with similar dimensions (screen size, keyboard/mouse, etc) and software (Windows version, apps) will work. I'm not sure what their old laptop is like; is a Lenovo Yoga a similar replacement?

    Seriously though, I think a tablet will be the perfect replacement for your parents. My dad is in his 70s too, uses both PC & tablet and is a lot more comfortable with tablets. There's also less likelihood of him deleting/uninstalling something in the more controlled environment of ios/Android.

  • barbarella on 14/09/2020 - 10:13
    +1

    I am a young oldie like your parents :) . I love my Acer Laptop connected to a good monitor…..
    https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/acer-aspire-156-inches-laptop…
    Cashrewards available too at Good Guys :)

    • fd9 on 14/09/2020 - 12:34

      That looks great! Thanks

  • trustnoone on 14/09/2020 - 10:43
    +1

    To be honest I'm going to guess this:

    EVERYTHING with it is wrong - clicks don't register, it automatically scrolls up and won't stop in any menu, keyboard buttons don't register

    is related to:

    Unfortunately they aren't the best at taking care of technology

    Which is why you have:

    they have been using this the whole time and didn't tell me

    I'd actually echo someone above me, my dad had a stroke so he wasn't great with touch screens and he has trouble knowing how to turn the TV on properly. But somehow he understands the Ipad even more then I do haha.

    Still though the above tells me you'll probably want something fairly sturdy. I guess I like the Ipad idea because if something is spilt onto the physical keyboard part you can remove it and just buy another one of that.

    Laptop wise I'm not too sure though, might be worth checking out for "refurbished from manufacturer" places like these with HP:

    https://h20386.www2.hp.com/AustraliaStore/Merch/Offer.aspx?p…

    Quite a few clam shell 360 degree turning screens.

  • Drakesy on 14/09/2020 - 12:44

    Second hand or refurbished IBM thinkpads, these are business grade and built to last longer than consumer grade laptops.
    I personally have a lenovo carbon and it's incredible.
    These can be had for $300-500 depending on model. The T series is a bit more durable if weight isn't an issue, and the keyboards are sensational.

    The ones on the website look fairly reasonably priced, could try gumtree or facebook marketplace as well?

    • fd9 on 14/09/2020 - 12:54

      I actually just went to the store to inspect them and the condition of those ones are really bad - keyboard doesn't have letters left on them on the 240 and on the 250 the screen has scratches on them. Glad I didn't blind by.

  • trex on 14/09/2020 - 19:08

    Probably too late as the sale ends today, Lenovo Flex 5 2-in-1 laptop on sale at JB Hifi for $899. It is a touchscreen laptop where the screen can flip all the way to become a tablet. Comes also with touchpad with the keyboard and webcam.

  • OzHunterNSW on 15/09/2020 - 12:00
    +1

    They are going to struggle no matter what.

    Just something cheap… and simple

  • b0rnwithabeard on 15/09/2020 - 13:11
    +3

    honestly, just get them an ipad with a keyboard attachment. There’s a few brands that have a keyboard built into the ipad cover and they’re the perfect solution for my parents. It may take them a day or so to get used to the functionality but it’s a much easier and less problems than any laptop will give them

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