Laptop or Netbook for inlaws??

[cambsno]

The in laws want to get a computer. At around 70, and about as technology orientated as a piece of wood, i am not sure what to recommend.

One option is a laptop an Uncle had before he died which I have been asked to sell. Its about a year old, cost £599 at the time, but it comes 'as is'. It has been reset by a family member to the original state, but not tested that myself yet. Was probably going to ask £150 for that but worry is they will be thrown in at the deepend with just a raw laptop - is there any advantge to buy a cheap netbook or laptop from Tesco and get everything they need included?

Thought a netbook would be a good bet, as they will only be using it for email, internet, looking at pics on, and possibly the odd word or excel document, but have no experience of these.

Any ideas?

 

[neil_g]

to be completely ageist, hows their eyesight? a netbook is a pretty small screen

 

[arad85]

Netbooks as a form factor are dying. They are slow, underspec'd PCs. What about an iPad or similar tablet?

(yes, you did just read that right, I'm suggesting an Apple product )

 

[LongLensPhotography]

I was also thinking an iPad would do if they just want a nice small thing for checking the net

MS Surface RT could be interesting too

 

[cambsno]

I think cost would rule out an ipad, and although I should know, dont you really need a computer too?

Eyesight is ok, not bad, typical 70yo I guess.

Never looked at a netbook before, just a bit concerned about them starting with a laptop and no instructions etc...

 

[joxby]

What "instructions" do you think they might need ?

 

[jd.smith]

Ok so an Ipad is out what about alternative tablets? from sub £200 that could be an option as regard dropped in at the deep end its how most of us started my mum is 74 and wouldnt be without her pc yes she has problems sometimes, she talks to the bloody thing like it understand (normally threatening if it isnt doing what she wants) but she overcomes or she calls for help (I admit batteries being flat in a wireless keyboard got me till i visited).

Once you explain other than throwing it against the wall you cant break it they never look back.