iPad for parents?

Since the introduction of iOS 5 at the end of last year you no longer need a computer in conjunction with an iPad.

Yes, via iCloud.

Free, provided your storage is under 5gb. Thereafter you pay for it. Google iCloud and read all about it.

Theoretically, getting online isnt' difficult. Once it's set up.

e-mail should be fine, you just set the accounts up

printing will be an issue. they'll need to have an airprint enabled printer (and that list is pretty short) and have it set up

I have no experience with Skype

I would also take them to a store and let them play with an iPad. Going by my mother, the on screen keyboard would drive her batty, so I'd have to get her a full sized bluetooth one and then they'd need to rig a desktop situation to use it. I have a Zagg Folio, which is a case and keyboard which works for me and makes the iPad like a tiny laptop, something like that might work for them, might not. All depends on their willingness to learn.

You'll also need to get them an Apple ID and access to the App store so they can get programs on it.

I think how well it will work depends on your parents willingness to learn and adapt (or if they toss a tizzy and get all frustrated when it doesn't work right the first time like my mother does). The former, get it and get it far enough ahead of time you can get them set up and teach them the basics. The latter....I'm not sure what will work honestly.

I agree with Skydiver's thoughts... with the additional recommendation that you see if they have a friend/neighbor who might be able to give them support that you can't give from across the ocean. While it is a fairly simple device, requiring less computer savvy than a Mac or PC, there are times when someone who is not computer literate will need hands-on assistance.

Nothing is harder than long distance tech support. Or more frustrating 🙂

All I can add is - do not underestimate your parents 🙂

And - yes the iPad is perfect for them if they have good eyesight and finger dexterity.

If you can wait a little while you might be able to get the iPad3 soon.

Hahaha I just spent 3 hours last night on the phone with my 70+ mum who lives 3000 miles away trying to help her activate her iPad 2. Result: lots of tears and iPad is still not working. LOL

She got a 32GB with 3G but no sim card because she's not sure she wants to use the 3G right away.

I advised to call tech support today. I also suggested she take it back and just get the regluar 32 GB without 3G (she'll never figure out to use it with 3 G anyway.) I am looking forward to finding whathappens next.

Does anyone know if you can activate teh 3G without the Sim card?

Anecdote: I told her to watch some videos on Youtube about activating the iPad. She asked me how to spell Youtube. (She's been on Youtube many times before...) The she thought iTunes and Youtube were the same thing. Sigh.

Does Teamviewer work coming into the iPAD? I never tried it, I know there is an app.

And what about a Netbook for half the price? Each have their advantage and disadvantage!

You may need to set it up for them initially but after that they should be ok. Since iOS 5 I have completely stopped syncing my iPad. I think it would be very easy to not have a computer.

As for Skype, my husband and I both have iPads. I bought mine last year and when he took a job overseas I got him one too. We use FaceTime when we both have access to wifi but I travel a lot so when I don't have wifi we use Skype on 3G. And at times his wifi connection maybe spotty we use Skype on wifi voice only. You will love having Skype access. For computer to computer it's free and that's worth it if for nothing else. Of course they can use Skype on any computer but for folks who know nothing about computers and only need the capability to surf, get email, Skype -that sort of thing, the iPad is a good idea.

Also, if they live in a town with an iPad store they can get help there too.

Good luck.