Definitely get a laptop, less fiddly for your Dad to use than a netbook. There probably isn't a single laptop on the market that won't perform the basics you require. I don't think it would do you any harm to pop into somewhere like John Lewis that has a broad range of makes and sizes. Tell them your requirements, they don't usually do the hard sell, and once you see something you like you can always try and get it cheaper online elsewhere if you're not happy with their price.