User profile for user: Annieoneo
Annieoneo Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

How can I choose the right iPad for Seniors?

I've had my iMac for 13 years now and I no longer get updates and support from Safari. A lot of the sites I use including some financial ones, no longer work on Safari so I have to use another browser which I don't really feel secure on. So time for a new device and back to Safari. Although I would love a new Mac, I'm in my 80's and "will I be around in 10 years" to still be using the Mac, so don't want to spend that much money on a new one.

I do have an iPad mini which is now 6 years old and in good working order but find it difficult to type on with my arthritic fingers, so I'm wondering if a full size iPad would be the answer to my problems? I could still use my old mac for my spreadsheets etc., but for everything else would this be the answer? And if so which one should I go for? I don't want one that's heavy like my neighbours 12 year old one, I'm a touch typist so like a keyboard I can use properly.

I'd like to be able to print from it and is it possible to attach my old mac cordless key board to one?

Hope I haven't been too boring and someone can give me some advice. As I said I'm in my 80's and not very tech minded but do like my simple gadgets.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]



iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jan 6, 2025 4:53 AM

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User profile for user: Carol B.
Carol B.
User level: Level 6
18,387 points

Posted on Jan 7, 2025 6:17 AM

As a fellow "Senior" with arthritis in the fingers (and elsewhere lol), here is my recommendation. Buy the latest iPad, NOT the Pro or Air, but this one:

iPad 10.9-inch (10th generation) - Apple


Then, for a keyboard, I recommend this one, the Folio. The keyboard is the size of a laptop keyboard which I find comfortable.

Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th generation) - US English - Apple


I know this keyboard is expensive but it is light, it acts as a cover, it holds the iPad up at comfortable viewing angles and it has a microphone key that I consider to be magic! Tap to place the cursor where you want to type ... press the microphone key ... then dictate rather than type. My fingers appreciate that.



You can check it out at your local Apple Store. Maybe sign up for a couple classes to see if you like it? Good luck.


P.s. Personally, I got the Pro version because of the functionality I need. If you want a bigger screen, or want to play with Apple Intelligence (it's fun!), then get the iPad Air version. It comes in 11" or 13". The iPad I recommended is 10.9". Compare the models here:

https://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/?modelList=ipad-pro-13-m4,ipad-air-13-m2,ipad-9th-gen


Additional note: you should be able to print from either version iPad. And I do not recommend using your old keyboard, even if it works. The Folio keyboard is light, functional and offers the microphone key. If you are going to be moving from room to room, or taking the iPad on trips, why would you want to carry an additional item? With the iPad and Folio keyboard, it's all-in-one.

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User profile for user: Carol B.
Carol B.
User level: Level 6
18,387 points

Jan 7, 2025 6:17 AM in response to Annieoneo

As a fellow "Senior" with arthritis in the fingers (and elsewhere lol), here is my recommendation. Buy the latest iPad, NOT the Pro or Air, but this one:

iPad 10.9-inch (10th generation) - Apple


Then, for a keyboard, I recommend this one, the Folio. The keyboard is the size of a laptop keyboard which I find comfortable.

Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th generation) - US English - Apple


I know this keyboard is expensive but it is light, it acts as a cover, it holds the iPad up at comfortable viewing angles and it has a microphone key that I consider to be magic! Tap to place the cursor where you want to type ... press the microphone key ... then dictate rather than type. My fingers appreciate that.



You can check it out at your local Apple Store. Maybe sign up for a couple classes to see if you like it? Good luck.


P.s. Personally, I got the Pro version because of the functionality I need. If you want a bigger screen, or want to play with Apple Intelligence (it's fun!), then get the iPad Air version. It comes in 11" or 13". The iPad I recommended is 10.9". Compare the models here:

https://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/?modelList=ipad-pro-13-m4,ipad-air-13-m2,ipad-9th-gen


Additional note: you should be able to print from either version iPad. And I do not recommend using your old keyboard, even if it works. The Folio keyboard is light, functional and offers the microphone key. If you are going to be moving from room to room, or taking the iPad on trips, why would you want to carry an additional item? With the iPad and Folio keyboard, it's all-in-one.

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User profile for user: IdrisSeabright
IdrisSeabright
Community+ 2026
User level: Level 10
189,291 points

Jan 7, 2025 6:57 AM in response to Annieoneo

In addition to Carol B.'s excellent advice, I'd suggest that you take a look at a MacBook Air. They are very light and have a full sized keyboard. If you have an Apple Store (or other Apple retailer) near you, you might want to try some things out.


I have an iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard and it's great but it weighs more than a MacBook Air.

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How can I choose the right iPad for Seniors?

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