Laptops are no longer a reserve for the working class. Even senior citizens have increasingly been using laptops to stay connected to society. Therefore, what are the best laptops for seniors who want to stay in touch with the world?
Most of them hardly leave their homes since they are no longer in the job market. The other challenge is that technology has gone through rapid transformations in recent years.
So, what laptop would be the best computer for seniors, considering that most of them have lost most of their strength with age? Let’s answer that question in a moment.
Contents
Factors to Look out for When Choosing a Laptop
As noted, most seniors spend their days at home, and even though they would like to get to places, their physical strength fails them. All the same, with a user-friendly laptop, these citizens can connect with the outside world, have some fun and learn some new skills.
Therefore, the question isn’t whether you need to get a computer for elderly parents, but what you should look for in an ideal laptop.
So, here are some basic features to look for when looking for the best laptop for elderly parents.
Display size
One of the main parts to consider when looking for the best laptops for older adults is the size and quality of their display.
Remember, most of these seniors have an issue with their sight. Therefore, the best laptop for them should at least have screen sizes of 13” to 17” Full HD resolution. This will ensure that the view is clear, and the elderly don’t have to strain.
Also, a matte display would be better than a glossy display since they have fewer glares.
Investing in a device that has a high-quality display and large screen sizes will significantly reduce strain on your eyes and make the whole experience enjoyable.
Battery life
One thing that would discourage seniors from using a laptop is if a gadget runs out of power a few minutes after they have just started.
Therefore, any of the best laptops for senior citizens should hold on for at least 8 hours. Consequently, the battery depends on offer factors such as the installed processor.
All in all, a good battery is an invaluable component when it comes to choosing the best laptop for elderly folks.
Weight
Without a doubt, strength is no longer something that the seniors can boast about after all these years of laborious life.
Therefore, when choosing the best computer for seniors, remember to check its weight. At times, these parents may want to move around. A laptop that is too heavy will be a challenge since it won’t be easy to use the laptop away from the work or study desk.
Even though you want a cheap laptop for parents, ensure it is light in weight. Definitely, this will encourage the seniors to carry the device along for use even when they want to spend some time busking.
Performance
Mostly, seniors will use their laptops for basic tasks like emailing and making video calls to stay in touch with the outside world. Even though they won’t be performing heavy tasks with the devices, they need some decent CPU and an adequate amount of ram to ensure that the laptop is fast enough.
Consequently, make sure that the operating system is user-friendly. Although some of these parents have computer skills, most of them are not conversant with the recent OS versions.
Unfortunately, some of these operating systems, like Windows XP, are no longer on the market. All the same, it is most advisable to get a device that won’t overwhelm the users.
Also, ensure the gadget has at least 4GB RAM for fast data processing. All the same, 8GB would give a better experience.
Additional Features
Finally, there are other features you should never overlook when considering buying the best laptop for seniors. First, you need to appreciate that those older adults don’t have the speed and coordination that millennials wield.
Therefore, get them a device with a decent keyboard. Besides, consider getting a laptop that has a simple user interface. If possible, go for a laptop that has improved functionalities such as a touch interface. This will save them the trouble of dragging the touchpads and mice.
Also, since they will be using the device for video calling, ensure it has decent speakers and a high-end webcam, and a high-quality integrated microphone.
Best Laptops for the Elderly Reviews
The best laptop for the elderly has special features like large screens and big buttons to help those with poor eyesight to see what they are doing and to help those with arthritis or other joint problems to type easily.
All the laptops on this list have a great battery life so they can be used for hours without needing to be recharged.
ASUS Chromebook C202 Laptop
For a reliable laptop that can perform high-end tasks, you should consider going for this Asus Chromebook. Let’s look at its features and verify why it’s equal to the task.
Click Here to View Current Price on Amazon.com
Features
The dark blue-sliver device comes in a rugged construction that has rubber reinforcement. It also has grips that are easy to hold, and its keyboard is spill-resistant. These features will ensure that the device is safe at all times.
As we had noted earlier, the lighter the laptop, the better it is for our elderly. The Chromebook only weighs 2.65 pounds, which is light enough to enable the seniors to carry it around without much of a hassle.
Its 11.6” HD anti-glare display has a 180-degree hinge that makes viewing the screen quite easily. This makes it one of the best laptop computers for seniors.
On the other hand, you should expect a fast, almost snappy performance from this device. It features an Intel Core Celeron N3060 processor, which has a clocking speed of up to 2.48 GHz. In addition, the device comes fitted with 4GB RAM, allowing the machine to process data in record times.
The device runs on Google OS which takes care of current communication needs. It boots fast and has an in-built anti-virus. Also, with the help of Google Apps, you can create and save Microsoft Office files with a lot of ease.
Pros
- A fully charged battery lasts for 10 hours
- Has fast processing speed
- Light in weight
- The device is easy to use
- User-friendly laptop
Cons
- The screen is a bit too small
Acer Aspire E 15, 15.6” Full HD, 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8130U Laptops
For a more advanced but user-friendly laptop for the elderly, then the Acer Aspire E 15 will never fail you. It has features that a granny who is a tech enthusiast would definitely love. Let’s zoom in a bit.
Click Here to View Current Price on Amazon.com
Features
This simple laptop comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i3 processor, which is power efficient. Actually, the battery can last up to over 13 hours from a single full charge.
The CPU has a clocking speed of 2.2 GHz, but it can reach a high of 3.2GHz. Also, it has 6GB RAM which makes the device to be super-fast for the light activities that most elderly would engage in.
The gadget also has a wide Full HD widescreen (15.6”), which makes this device the ideal laptop for senior citizens. The computer runs on Windows 10, which is one of the most user-friendly operating systems of this age.
For storage, the device comes with a 1000GB HDD, and it also features an 8x DVD-RW. Again, the laptop has four USB ports which you can use for connecting with other devices.
For quality video calling, the device features an HD camera, quality speakers, and an integrated microphone. So, if you need a laptop to gift your elderly parents with, this one might be the most ideal of them all.
Pros
- It has a wide FHD display
- Up to 13.5 hours of battery life
- Has fast processing speed
- It has a friendly interface
- Good for heavy and basic tasks.
Cons
- The device is a bit heavy at 5.27lbs.
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage, 1.6GHz Intel Core i5)
Changing an older person’s preferences can be one of the hardest things when it comes to getting the best laptop for them. Did you hear them say it’s, is either a Mac or none? Don’t worry, with this MacBook; you will get things sorted out.
Click Here to View Current Price on Amazon.com
Features
The device features an average-sized screen with a Full HD resolution. As a result, you can enjoy the best color tones. At 13.3”, the display is neither too big nor too small.
Its processing speed is also something to commend this brand for. First, it employs SSD storage (256GB) technology, which helps in fast storing and retrieving of data. The 8th generation core i5 processor coupled with 8GB of RAM makes the device incredibly fast (3.6GHz)
The MacOS 10.13 is one of the latest operating systems from Apple, yet it is so user-friendly. Also, it features two Thunderbolt 3 ports that are used to connect to other devices and charge.
In addition, the best laptop for old people has one of the most ergonomic keyboards that seniors would find quite friendly. Did we mention that the laptop only weighs 2.75 pounds? Yes, it weighs that little.
Pros
- The device has a high-resolution display.
- Up to 12 hours of battery on a single charge
- The laptop is super-fast
- Light in weight
Cons
- The best laptop for older adults is a bit expensive
- Only has USB ports
FAQ
What is the easiest laptop for seniors?
The easiest laptop for the elderly is the ASUS Chromebook C202 Laptop, which features a rugged and spill-resistant design.
A senior citizen doesn’t want anything too tech-heavy, but they want something that will help them keep in touch with their friends and family, without having to jump through hoops to use it.
Are Chromebooks good for senior citizens?
Yes, Chromebooks are good for the elderly thanks to their simple interface. They may have a simple interface but they have all the basic features a senior citizen would need in a laptop
Final Word
Getting the best laptop for seniors can at times be a challenge. Therefore, even before you hit the store looking for an ideal computer for elderly parents, it would be best to get their opinion.
Otherwise, you might end up buying a device that they may never use.
Most importantly, you need to understand how the seniors would use the device. Most likely, they wouldn’t require a machine that is as strong as the one for graphic designers.
Instead, they need a device that is fast and easy to use as they keep in touch with family and friends. Also, the machine should hold power for the longest time possible. Since these elderly folks aren’t strong enough to carry heavy gadgets around, please get them a light device.