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Level 1

57 points

iPad for parents?

My wife & I are moving to Australia later in the year. My parents are completely computer illiterate but really need some way of getting online, sending emails, printing, using Skype etc. I'm thinking that an iPad 2 might be one of the best options for them seeing as it would be a lot easier to get to grips with than a regular desktop/laptop computer. My take on the iPad is that you really need a computer as well in order to sync with iTunes & back things up. But my parents don't even know how to switch a computer on & they have no concept of backing things up or anything like that. That don't have any interest in learning either I think (too long in the tooth to start concerning themselves with such things!! 🙂). So am I wrong? Can an iPad be used just on it's own without any real need for a computer? Or is it not a good choice for the folks? I'd like some advice before I start talking to them about the best thing/s to buy. I'm going to set them up with broandband & a wireless router ..... it's just what they use to connect!

Cheers 😉

iPad 2

Posted on Feb 13, 2012 3:12 AM

17 replies

May 4, 2012 3:01 AM in response to Dogboy73

OS updates are done at Settings> Software Update. That's it. If there is an update available you'll see it and get a chance to accept or decline. Be sure they are on WiFi at the time.

If I were still working I couldn't use my iPad for my work. It lacks too much for what I used to do. But as an everyday web-browser, email, etc. it's great. Even for some simple spreadsheets or docs it's fine too. I think they will enjoy it. The best thing about the iPad is that there really isn't much of a way they can mess it up so they can experiment with apps etc. Just remind them not to change anything in Settings unless they ask you or are really sure they know what they are doing.

Enjoy!

Dogboy73 Author

Level 1

57 points

May 4, 2012 3:39 AM in response to steeleblue

steeleblue wrote:

OS updates are done at Settings> Software Update. That's it.

Excellent. Didn't realise you could do it that way.

The best thing about the iPad is that there really isn't much of a way they can mess it up so they can experiment with apps etc.

This is what I'm thinking ..... hoping! Between the two of them they would struggle to turn a computer on! So iPad seems like the most logical way forward. Infact it's the only way I'm convinced because they just don't like the idea of a computer, even when I'm around to help!

iPad for parents?