Parents need tablet

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#806928 28-Apr-2013 21:31

I think he was joking

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Technofreak

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#806936 28-Apr-2013 21:51

kiwijunglist:

I strongly think buying android tablets for parents are a bad idea.

Why?

My 80 plus year old parents have an Android tablet which they use no problem at all. While they're not technophobes they're certainly not technologically adept either.

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#806941 28-Apr-2013 21:57

because they are the more difficult tablets to use in comparison to an iPad or a windows laptop (assuming they have a windows desktop). That statement comes across a lot stronger, than what I intended.

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Technofreak

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#806944 28-Apr-2013 22:03

kiwijunglist: because they are the more difficult tablets to use in comparison to an iPad or a windows laptop (assuming they have a windows desktop).

I don't own and have never owned either an iPad or Android tablet (nor any iOS or Android devices so far) but have used both and cannot say I found one easier or more difficult to use than the other. I would suggest it might come down to what OS you are most used to

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tdgeek

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#806952 28-Apr-2013 22:26

Technofreak: I would suggest it might come down to what OS you are most used to

Agree fully.

While the general consensus that is often said online is that iOS is easier, I'd tend to recommend an iPad for the OP, for the sole reason that if he managed the sync/backup process with iTunes, then left the parents to use the tablet, it will be very easy to restore it, if they jiggered it. "All going well?" "Yes". "Ill update the sync/backup, then" [Leaves}

jtbthatsme

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#806983 29-Apr-2013 00:01

Umm well I wasn't going to comment here but after the last page or so I think I will. I can't see why anyone can just come out (justifiably) and say use a iOS based tablet / phone as they're easier.

What's so hard about Android??? At least if I pick a Android device I know exactly where to go to get on the internet (If not on the main screen then hit apps then select internet wow so hard (and yes that's sarcasm) and also the play store is functional and easy to use and find what you're looking for. I would also like to think that the OP when they make their decision / recommendation / purchase with or for their parents is actually going to help them get started with how to use it.

The biggest issue is not so much the device itself when it comes to setting them on whatever path they decide on it's just figuring out which apps are best for you.

It is as stated above if someone is used to a particular OS then try to stick with something that provides them that with specs to suit their needs and then spend a little time showing them how to do stuff on it.

I would never treat my assistance as something (to use this as a example) where we've chosen which tablet suits them best and then go right you can buy the Nexus here or the Ipad here and leave them to it. No you help them out by finding their needs, getting them the product (where it's actually a viable proposition as in I live in Wellington I would not be the best help to parents living in Auckland for example) and then showing them the basics and help set up the device. edit (Google can sync just like a Apple product can I've not had to download photo's or contacts on any new Android device I've bought as Google can do it for me (if I like)).

So yeah to the OP if your parents are used to a Apple background stick to that if they're used to MS then IMO I would say either a Android based tablet or a Windows based one would be best.

jarledb

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#807008 29-Apr-2013 02:25

Just wanted to chime in. I would define myself as a geek and don't have a problem with Android or iOS and can usually figure things out (and think Windows 8 is an evil UX-experience). Even though I have transitioned computers and other gadgets to the Apple universe, I don't see Android devices as something I would never touch.

I see my dad being more or less lost with his Samsung Galaxy SII Android phone. He has not done anything but use it as a regular phone. He is not a complete novice, but a Windows PC user that have used it office applications.

My mother is a complete technophobe. She has avoided getting on the net until a couple of years ago when I got her an iPad. So she was not on a computer and she didn't want anything to do with the net, and now use the iPad every day to keep updated on whats happening with the family via her iPad.

So to me it seems like iOS has a much lower level of entry for none-geek people than Android has. It also seems to me that the same people that swear to Android is the people that seem to use more time configuring and setting up their computers than actually using them. I have been there, upgrading and tuning etc. But it got to a point where it was taking away time from things I wanted to do, and the frustration of small things not working got in the way too.

So yeah, my vote would be to give novices something that has a low level of entry and let them use it for what most of us want to use our gear for: Getting things done and surfing the net for cat videos ;)

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#807023 29-Apr-2013 07:25

jtbthatsme, I dont think the issue was that Android is hard, iOS is generally seen as a bit easier. Not really much in it once whoever is familiar. My point was that it can offer an easier restore if things went awol with the newbie user

mandrazhoid

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#811075 4-May-2013 05:58

Nexus 7 could be a good choise.

Android for parents should be no probem at all. In most cases they will use only limited number of easy to use apps - e.g. brower, music, video, mail, facebook, skype + 5-15 more depending on iterestests

NonprayingMantis

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#811082 4-May-2013 07:39

I think it is easier to screw up an android. There are more settings and options, which is awesome for techy people, but just means more to go wrong for non techs if they find themselves in the wrong menu and just start hitting buttons randomly. Ipad is much more idiot proof.

So, as somebody else mentioned, buying something for your relatives you need to weigh up how much time you want to spend acting as tech support. :)

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#811302 4-May-2013 19:23

I'm in the same boat as the OP. My mum now wants a tablet after seeing mine but has had nothing but trouble trying to use her Android phone and this even includes answering it when she gets a call. She also thinks that 7" is too small and would prefer a larger one which I can understand but I have warned her that there is a considerable price difference. Anyway I'm taking her out to the movies next week for Mother's Day so I've told her that I'll take her shopping as well and she can see what she wants. After reading this thread I may in fact steer her in the direction of an iPad.

jeffnz

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#811304 4-May-2013 19:30

Hobchild: I'm in the same boat as the OP. My mum now wants a tablet after seeing mine but has had nothing but trouble trying to use her Android phone and this even includes answering it when she gets a call. She also thinks that 7" is too small and would prefer a larger one which I can understand but I have warned her that there is a considerable price difference. Anyway I'm taking her out to the movies next week for Mother's Day so I've told her that I'll take her shopping as well and she can see what she wants. After reading this thread I may in fact steer her in the direction of an iPad.

well if she can't figure how to answer phone even if android then she may have difficulty with even IOS.

I agree with others Android isn't as hard as some would like to make out its just that IOS has less choice in how you modify therefore less confusing to some.

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richms

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#811320 4-May-2013 20:08

Answering a phone is almost as hard as only pressing the submit button once ;)

My family have no problem on their samsung tablets and phones with android.

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tukapa1

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#811540 5-May-2013 12:56

I've just ordered one of these with a 32GB card, expedited shipping and insurance for NZ$260 landed.

Can't see how you can go wrong for the price.

Hobchild

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#812013 6-May-2013 13:24

A nice little Sammy here for a pretty good price. http://www.1-day.co.nz/onsale/extra/p/

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