All iPads iPad and iPhone for Someone who's Computer-Illiterate

[teh_hunterer]

That’s so vague it’s impossible to respond to.

You don't need to respond to it. You're not being singled out. I'm just making a general point.

 

[Ctrlos]

To cut a long thread short you should definitely buy her an iPad. The $300 9th Gen model will be brilliant for her needs (and at that price point its a lot better than the equivalent Windows and Chrome devices) and will last her years.

An iPhone is a solid companion. I would get her the 2022 SE simply because they both (as in this and the iPad) have the lovely home button. The original purpose of that button was a safety net so that it didn't matter how deep or lost you go in iOS you were only ever one click away from the homescreen and safety. It was literally built with the computer illiterate in mind.

The SE and iPad9 both also charge from Lightning meaning you can use the same plug for both and the iPad comes with one meaning you save $30 not having to buy a charger. I would buy a USB-C car charger for her and then she can charge them in the car as well.

For added peace of mind you could add her to your iCloud family group too so she will always have enough space for photos. Show her how when she takes a picture with her phone it appears on her iPad like magic and she will be blown away! This also makes sending them easier as she can iMessage from the iPad, even if it lacks 4G. Her eyesight might not be great so using the larger iPad display is helpful.

 

[darngooddesign]

Much to the chagrin of power users, iPads excel when it comes to people with very little computer knowledge. I think the home button is easier to use/understand; consider a used second-gen 12.9” iPad Pro if her eyesight isn’t great.

 

[KaliYoni]

To cut a long thread short...

Personally, if I could start the elder-tech phone + tablet purchase, teaching, and ongoing support thing over again, I would first consider how close I lived to the elder. Answering questions or troubleshooting over the phone and email is really difficult, especially when there isn't a shared vocabulary of tech terms. Then in my case I would have gone with a flip phone–flip phones will be familiar in both form and function to the traditional telephones elders already feel comfortable using–and a Chromebook.

 

[Rainbow Apple]

I would have gone with a flip phone–flip phones will be familiar in both form and function to the traditional telephones elders already feel comfortable using

A tempting option. But I don't think that will work. An old-school phone won't be able to use the Lift (a taxi compney) app, and thease days in the US, you can't call a cab from a relable taxi compney without a taxi app. She needs to be able to call a relable taxi compney!

She despreatley needs a cell phone, and I think it needs be a smartphone. Not just for taxis, but also for medical apps and the like. But she'll also need somthing bigger than just an iPhone, with her eyesight. I think the only way to go here is both an iPhone and an iPad.

In short: She's going to need the apps, so there's not much point in a dumbphone and a Chromebook. Better to get her an iPad with a keybord, and an iPhone.

Plus, she;s had an Android tablet before, so she won't be tottaly lost in an iPad. My dad and I will set up her iPad, iPhone, and Apple account for her.

 

[Ctrlos]

Personally, if I could start the elder-tech phone + tablet purchase, teaching, and ongoing support thing over again, I would first consider how close I lived to the elder. Answering questions or troubleshooting over the phone and email is really difficult, especially when there isn't a shared vocabulary of tech terms. Then in my case I would have gone with a flip phone–flip phones will be familiar in both form and function to the traditional telephones elders already feel comfortable using–and a Chromebook.

That’s kind of like saying that you wish you could give them a lightbulb but instead want them to use a candle.

 

[KaliYoni]

That’s kind of like saying that you wish you could give them a lightbulb but instead want them to use a candle.

"What, you want that I sit in the dark?"

To continue the analogy, a lightbulb doesn't do much good if the lamp has a three pronged plug and the house only has two prong outlets. In other words, the best solution is the one that will be used and make the grandmother's life easier, not harder.

In any case, it sounds like the OP has made up their mind.

 

[Ctrlos]

OP, you made the right choice!

 

[Rainbow Apple]

"What, you want that I sit in the dark?"

To continue the analogy, a lightbulb doesn't do much good if the lamp has a three pronged plug and the house only has two prong outlets. In other words, the best solution is the one that will be used and make the grandmother's life easier, not harder.

That's what I was going to say, except I couden't find the right words.

 

[Rainbow Apple]

Good news: My step-grandmother's iPhone arrived, and I'm setting it up. I think it's a 14 Plus. It will need to be easy for her to use, and it will need to be secure because a thief has been targeting her. Any tips?

 

[KaliYoni]

it will need to be secure because a thief has been targeting her. Any tips?

See:

Personal Safety User Guide

Learn how to protect your personal safety and privacy when using Apple devices.

support.apple.com

 

[teh_hunterer]

Good news: My step-grandmother's iPhone arrived, and I'm setting it up. I think it's a 14 Plus. It will need to be easy for her to use, and it will need to be secure because a thief has been targeting her. Any tips?

You don't need to elaborate on this, but I think the rest of us need you to.

 

[Seanm87]

Good news: My step-grandmother's iPhone arrived, and I'm setting it up. I think it's a 14 Plus. It will need to be easy for her to use, and it will need to be secure because a thief has been targeting her. Any tips?

Tell her not to open any links in emails or text messages