At last week’s computer users group meeting, I was handed an advertisement with the following headline:
Finally…A Computer That’s Designed for YOU, Not Your Grandchildren!
Since I work with many retired aged computer users, I know the frustrations that some of them have regarding technology. When I hear about technologies that make computing easier for anyone, I research and learn about the technology to see how I think it would function for people that I help with their computers.
On the surface, this computer, dubbed the Go Computer, sounds pretty good:
- Large type, easy to read screen
- Simplified menus
- Large, high contrast keyboard lettering
- Trackball instead of a mouse
- No need for computer classes or instructional DVDs
- No maintenance needed by the user
No where in full page ad is a price mentioned. When I looked at the web site, the price is displayed prominently throughout; $799 PLUS $19.95 per month for unlimited support. So for the first year, the cost is almost $1100. After reading much of the site and the PDF files available for the press, I couldn’t determine what operating system was being used or the hardware specs of the computer. The monitor is a 19″ flat panel. In my mind, I thought it sounds like a Zonbu model of selling computers, but decided to investigate further.
I wrote to the company and received an email back a few hours later. The Go Computer has Windows XP, an Intel Atom 1.6ghz processor, 1 GB of RAM, and an 80GB hard drive. One of the other questions I asked in the email was whether a high speed connection was required. The gentleman who replied stated that a broad band connection is required…so tack on a minimum of another $30 per month.
To summarize this computer:
- It has the same hardware, actually less hard drive space, that netbooks contain (the mini laptops).
- It’s running Windows XP
- It requires the monthly $20 maintenance/support fee
- The up front cost is $800 for hardware that can easily be had for less than 1/2 that price
- Maintenance (security and Windows updates) are performed remotely
- It does sport a simplified customized interface and a nice keyboard and track ball.
I think the Go Computer, or something similar, might be a great deal IF the company subsidized the price of the computer via the contract subscription. As it is, the Go Computer folks are making a tidy profit on the computer system AND have the maintenance contract on top of that. A $100-200 computer with a 2 year monthly agreement might make this a more attractive offer financially. And since I haven’t seen the interface in use, I can’t comment on the usability of the system itself.
Is anyone reading this using a Go Computer? Do you know someone who is?
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HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
I’m definitely one of those seniors. At 85, I’m legally blind, and a large screen (if that’s what they offer) sounds good, but I’m with you. These people are offering nothing but a good solid RIPOFF directed, as usual, to the “old folks”, those most likely to fall for that kind of advertising, then regret their decision when they learn the truth..
After having worked with computers since 1960, and having owned my own since 1986, my advice to seniors looking to buy the best thing for them, is GO SEE RICK, or learn all you can about your needs, then, find an honest dealer in a computer store. and ask him. And, don’t buy in a hurry!
As a senior I would definitely shy away from a trackball. I have tried to use one several times over the last 15 years that they have been out and just cannot get the hang of it. There is no resistance to push against.
You have good hand strength and coordination and no tremor. The trackball is a godsend for new computer users who happen to have some of these ailments because they can perform the action in two steps: position the cursor, then click the target. Coordinating the two is an extremely daunting experience for the new user.
Great advice Maury! I like the “don’t buy in a hurry” especially. and a 19″ monitor is hardly “large” by today’s standards.
dear all,
just to mention that there is a European project called ELDY (http://eldy.eu) that provides a easy to use software designed to be very and truly accessible.
Eldy is provided for free, with no cost at all, from good old (and social) Europe!
Eldy is free from ads and from any form of unsolicited content, provided by European Community
go have a look http://eldy.eu
best regards!
EN
Looks like a great project…I’m going to check that out tonight.
Hi Rick,
I’m wondering if you’ve done any further research on this topic (computers for seniors)? I’m looking for one for my parents – both in their 80’s, and completely new to computing. Large screen, large keyboard, easy-to-use mouse, and highly intuitive interface are a must for them. The only thing I’ve been able to find is the Go Computer that started this thread. Are there other competitors and objective reviews out there, that you know of?
Thanks.
Hello Tom…no, the Go Computer is the only thing I’ve seen as well. In my opinion, your parents will probably use the machine primarily for email, a little Internet surfing, some word processing, and maybe a card game or two. For those needs, I would highly suggest buying a cheap computer ($400 or less) with a nice sized monitor, then installing and customizing Ubuntu for them. It will be trouble free for you and them.
Thanks for your recommendation. I’m unfamiliar with Ubuntu, but will check it out. Are there compatibility issues using other systems? E.g., I’ll be sending email and photos to my folks from either a Mac or a Windows-based system. Any issues?
Not at all for the items I mentioned… I would suggest signing them for a Gmail account and teach them how to retrieve mail via the web interface versus a program so they can access their email anywhere, consistently.
I highly disagree with others about the trackball mouse. I have been using computers since 1988 and I am legally blind. I have no other physical problems to speak of. I would have nothing except a trackball. If I had to use a regular mouse I would, beyond a doubt, stop using a computer altogether. I am the moderator of an Oldies music forum at wanderers2.com. I am on the computer about 6 to 10 hours a day. I am almost 70 years old. JB2wheeler
Perfect illustration of where a trackball comes in handy…thanks for sharing!
I LOVE my logitech trackball! I don’t like it when I go in to use the laptop with a mouse! They’re much easier on the hand and wrist and faster, practice,,,etc…..
Good info here, Rick, keep up the good wrk.
Thanks. Trackballs work great in lots of instances, glad you like yours.
Not all gramma’s primarily use their computers for just E-mail, a little surfing or a card game or two.
Strega Nona!! Welcome…you are my favorite (and kids favorite story book character). And you are correct…many, many grandmas (and grandpas) use their computers for amazing functions. In fact, many of my senior computer users blow away younger generations with their computing skills and usage.
I am 75 and have arthritis in both my hands. My big problem is macular degeneration which is slowly getting worse. I am currently using a computer my husband bought three years before he died in 2006. I also have a hand tremor. What do you suggest for me Everything has to be bigger and easy to read. Thanks for your help
Hello Carol. Read my article here about the Torian Screen Magnifier. It works quite a bit better than the built-in tools from Microsoft. Good luck.