Come on dear Geeks... I need your advice...

[charliecharlie]

My elderly parents live far away and I need to get them on line (they have zero computer skills) so that they can do online shopping (think that's all they may ever want to do)

I've looked on line and spotted this... launched 11th Nov 2009 so brand new...I am Mac based so a bit out of my depth with Linux...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8352606.stm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/6544222/Valerie-Singleton-launches-six-button-computer-to-get-elderly-online.html

they need something basic and as simple as possible

any thoughts, advice, help!!!

ps sorry about the rather scary pic of dear Val!!

[intexasatthe moment]

oooh - looks good,particularly visibilty .

But what do the experts think?

[HAL9000]

It looks as though it might do the job. It seems a bit over priced to me. The fact that it runs on Linux shouldn't make any difference to the user. Have you taken the tour at the distributor's website? Simplicity Computers

[charliecharlie]

thanks Hal, not sure who makes it... quality of back up/service and that... will try to sniff around for more reviews

[SteveT]

they need something basic and as simple as possible

I'm sure they would be happy to use a Skype phone to see and talk to you CC but having a computer foisted upon them is a big ask to learn and use it from zero.

It is a huge learning curve and they may not be interested in absorbing all the crap that you go through when using a computer.

I have been using Mac's and pc's for fifteen years and I am rubbish at all but the most basic stuff. I also have to call Jaybee or some other expert to sort it out which they will have to account for.

Have a chat with them and let them have a go on a laptop and see if they have the where with all, and the desire and determination, or you will waste your money and embarass them into the bargain.

[charliecharlie]

I quite agree SteveT

I am not the one pushing for it, it is my parents that keep asking for it.... I am worried that it may be too late for them to take it all in, which is why I am sniffing around to see if there is a simpler option for them

thus asking folks for views on the new SimpliCity computer...

ps Is this you Steve?

http://www.dragonitsupport.co.uk/computer-mess.jpg

[womanofdulwich]

oh i sympathise. my dad lives in norfolk and there is a free silver surfers club at the library where they will show him what to do and he can go there for free for an hour a week. will he go there? will he hell.I am mentally prepared to phone him up, ask him what he wants and do a tesco on line delivered to him.

is there a silver surfers club near to them that they can use? they might just go there instead and be supervised- maybe that is not so secure though? what do others think?

[charliecharlie]

oh, womanofdulwich I know how you feel, my mum tried the Library thing (once) a few years ago, but gave up... have also thought of doing the shop online for them but Mum wants to be able to see what's on offer... she tried to get Dad to agree to move back up to London 10yrs ago... but would he... hell!! with them being so far away I really feel my hands are tied and I can't help them properly... it all feels a bit desperate....

[charliecharlie]

http://www.amstrad.com/products/emailers/e3.html

or what about this!!!??? seen anything similar around anyone????

http://www.geeksaresexy.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/emailer.jpg

[intexasatthe moment]

It does look good ,but I can't quite see what you get.

Wonder what the surf the web page is like ?

[SteveT]

ps Is this you Steve?

"Yes" CC and I'm only trying to switch the kettle on!

[womanofdulwich]

oh charlie charlie so true- whats on offer is sooo important- i thought he would outgrow it!! i am sure there is a market out there for tesco et al to exploit. a pc that will only work for their store etc with easy to work instructions-not able to be used by any other store.

[womanofdulwich]

are these small mobiles that have internet access on a pay as you go basis any help for elderly? orange are advertising them - i was hoping that you could use them to e mail photos etc? save all those stamps and letters. any one know anythign about them?