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Computer designed for seniors

seniorgopcAt 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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39 thoughts on “Computer designed for seniors”

  1. Maury Hansen

    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!

    1. Dave Violette

      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.

      1. Rick

        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.

    3. Rick

      Great advice Maury! I like the “don’t buy in a hurry” especially. and a 19″ monitor is hardly “large” by today’s standards.

  3. ENRICO NERI

    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

      1. Tom Hardy

        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.

        1. Rick

          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.

      3. Tom Hardy

        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?

        1. Rick

          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.

  5. Jackie Bell

    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

  7. Viva K.

    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.

  9. Strega Nona

    Not all gramma’s primarily use their computers for just E-mail, a little surfing or a card game or two.

    1. Rick

      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.

    2. Bruce Emmerling

      While conducting research for my master’s thesis, I found reports that older adult users were seeking out relationships, casual sex partners, viewing pornography, interacting in online games, and even stalking others online. This shouldn’t be that surprising as people are still human at any age.

  11. Carol Baum

    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

  13. Phil Ackley

    Hi, My name is Phil Ackley. I came across this post while researching senior friendly computers for my blog, The Damn Remote (gadget reviews and news with an eye towards accessibility for seniors). Although i was disappointed to find that the Go Computer is ripoff, I am definitely excited to find an active community full of seniors and others talking about their usability experiences!!

    I’m signing up for the podcast now and adding a link to helpmerick on the blog. Thanks for the great resource!

    1. Rick

      Thanks for the link, Phil. I just visited your site as well and like what you are doing there. I returned the favor with a link to your blog in my Links section as well. Good luck with the blog and feel free to stop by often!

  15. JOAN

    I am helping a friend to use her “Go computer”. If you know anything about computers you have to toss all that out. It may be good for total beginners but I found it difficult to work with and counter-intuitive.

    There are a number of programming errors which I have called to MYGAIT’s attention and some have been addressed. When one of those errors is encountered the user may think they are at fault.

    The $20.00/month fee is forever. If you stop paying you lose everything but the operating system. This becomes a very expensive computer after a year or two because most will give up within weeks or not need any support after two or three months.

    I think it was a mistake for my friends family to buy it for her but I am helping her work with it because she is determined and very smart. It would have been a lot easier, for me and I believe for her, and cheaper to get a large screen desktop and train her on that.

    Given her disabilites, severe arthritis of the hands a touch screen would have made more sense.

    BTW I am a computer professional.

    1. Rick

      Thanks for the comment Joan. I understand completely…the whole concept seemed admirable, but horribly flawed and expensive.

  17. Joan

    You should check out Eldy. It is software designed for seniors. It is free and there is no monthly fee. Well designed and could be on any computer, even a shared one, since it is just another program.

    I have checked out Pointerware, BigScreenLive, and now Eldy and it is hands down, imho, the best, and it is free.

    http://www.eldy.eu/

      1. Deborah Melko

        Looking for an all-in-one computer for my 81 year old mom. She has never used a computer so I am also looking for software geared toward seniors. Have you checked the differences between Pointerware, BigScreenLive, and Eldy? Which program would you recommend? My mom is 81 and new to computers. Any suggestion on an all-in-one would be great.

          2. Rick

            Hello Deborah…the mentioned solutions are indeed simple…but are they “too” simple? Depends on user I suppose, but they might feel it is too juvenile looking possibly. I like setting older folks up with an Ubuntu or Linux Mint setup that can be customized with large type and icons, but still offers full functionality of a computer versus an “overlay” on Windows.

    3. Anne

      Have a cupla questions having to do with pdf.
      I use the foxit reader for online use. I use a very old adobe acrobat program to actually USE the pdf files I’ve created.

      2 Questions:

      When I open a pdf file with pages (which I’ve created with my old program) the pages are viewed in reverse order in foxit reader. (they’re fine in adobe program viewer) – WHY?

      I have Foxit reader 3.
      To upgrade to 4, do I UNinstall 3 first?

      Thank you,

      1. Rick

        Good question, but unfortunately, I don’t have an answer. FoxIt doesn’t have an option for displaying reverse order that I can see. And no, you don’t have to uninstall 3 to upgrade to 4…it will do it for you. Good luck.

    5. Debbie

      Thanks for all the great information! I am researching about the Gocomputer for my 80 something step-mother. She is inexperienced with computers and would like to start using to stay in touch more. Your posts have been very helpful, as I thought the Gocomputer seemed like a major ripoff.

    8. Bruce Emmerling

      Very interesting article. There is definitely a growing market for accessible computers for older adults with physical and mental impairments. One could also build their own computer using off the shelf components probably for much less. However, I can see where not everyone can do this and might need a service or a volunteer to put together a system for them.

      1. Rick

        Thanks Bruce! I appreciate your comments. One of the biggest things changing the landscape for everyone (regardless of age) is the advent of mobile technology like the iPad. Since most of us are primarily information consumers and computer communicators, the complexity and risk (and expense) associated with computers make them less necessary to get the things done we really want and need to do.

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