Android for old people?

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Zeon

3916 posts

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#73677 19-Dec-2010 14:42

Hey guys,
My great Auntie is wanting to get a new phone as her current one is broken. She wants to get navigation and google maps (she travels to Europe regularly), the ability to track her phone if she loses it via GPS, a decent camera (more interested in sharpness rather than heaps of megapixels) and most importantly it has to be VERY EASY TO READ as she has chronic long sightedness.

We had a look yesterday and it seemed that the LG p500 at 2degrees would be the best. However the size of the text on the screen is still too small for her and the sales assistant said he didn't think it could be made larger. She also would prefer not to have a touchscreen although I think this is just because she needs to get used to one.

Any ideas?

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oxnsox

1923 posts

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#419077 19-Dec-2010 14:50

GPS to track her phone if she loses it will cost her money to run.
Best way to find your fone if you lose it is to ring it.
If it's been nicked, the best thing is to cancel the sim and get another phone. And I wouldn't think it makes a lot of difference where you are in the world, most Police folk don't spend much time chasing stolen mobiles.

If she doesn't want 'touch' and wants to Navigate, maybe she should look at a Nokia E63. Sounds like it'll do everything she wants, and probably more.

jjnz1

1358 posts

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#419107 19-Dec-2010 16:12

I really love android, but I would recommend that old people and wife's

use iOS4, ie iphone/ipad.

Its nice and easy and very hard for non geeky people to break. I bought my grandmother an iPad and she uses it daily!

I think the iPhone 3GS is going cheap now that the iPhone 4 is out, so that might be an idea.

itxtme

2102 posts

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#419118 19-Dec-2010 16:42

jjnz1: I really love android, but I would recommend that old people and wife's use iOS4, ie iphone/ipad.

Its nice and easy and very hard for non geeky people to break. I bought my grandmother an iPad and she uses it daily!

I think the iPhone 3GS is going cheap now that the iPhone 4 is out, so that might be an idea.

Agreed, the Iphone is fantastic for its simplicity, value for money it will never reach that of an android like the optimus one you are talking about.

Now you said she doesnt want touch screen, is that because she wants a hard keyboard option? If thats the case then there a multiple Androids out there that have sliders. If she just doesnt want a touch phone period, then an Android or Iphone is not for her - they are based on the fact the screen is "touch".

The Optimus one has the benefit of the built in GPS maps which are great for use without data (roaming charges = $$$).

wanghou168

453 posts

Ultimate Geek

#419130 19-Dec-2010 17:36

would definitely recommend nokia E series if she prefers keypad, ovi map is an idea to save $$$
but to be honest, i still think optimus one is the better option

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kiwijunglist

2981 posts

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#419137 19-Dec-2010 18:03

Dell Streak because it's 5" screen is easier to read.
http://www.gsmarena.com/dell_streak-3353.php
http://en.community.dell.com/dell-blogs/direct2dell/b/direct2dell/archive/2010/05/25/dell-streak-the...
http://www.mobicity.co.nz/dell-streak-mini5.html

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

VinLew

210 posts

Master Geek

#419165 19-Dec-2010 19:37

oxnsox: GPS to track her phone if she loses it will cost her money to run.

There are free GPS tracking apps (ie. Lookout) but they will use data, which will cost.

allstarnz

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#419330 20-Dec-2010 10:09

there are apps like Where's My Droid, if you misplace your phone. Info here http://lifehacker.com/5551969/wheres-my-droid-helps-locate-your-android-phone-near-and-far

in regards to maps, if you want offline turn by turn, the app store does sell CoPilot live. It seems OK, but isn't quite as polished as the TomTom or Garmin stuff. Neither of which you can get on Android as an app. You can however buy the Garmin-Asus A10 on Telecom XT