What is the best device to buy for an older person with arthritic hands who only wants to use email?

One more point of view here.

First, I have arthritis and I am an experienced techie. Some readers may be surprised that Not all those with arthritis are elderly or inexperienced with tech. As such, I would like to offer advice that you should think about whether your friend will use the iPad exclusively while seated at a desk or table. One of the nice features of an iPad is being able to read your email or watch a video while slumped on a comfy couch. If that is a possibility, I would recommend against the iPad Pro 12.9 inch. I had one and had to sell it because with my arthritis it was too heavy to hold for long and too unwieldy to hold with one hand while I type. I now own the newer and much lighter 10.5 inch iPad Pro and it’s much more manageable.

Also, I wouldn’t pay much attention to the original intention to only use the iPad for email. My 86 year old Mother-in-law, who has Parkinson’s, got an iPad when she turned 80. She had no past experience with any kind of computer but wanted to learn to use email. A few years later she was not only using email, she was taking selfies and posting them on Facebook, where she regularly harasses her grandkids if they don’t Facetime with her as often as she likes.

The special assistive features of the iPad can accommodate all kinds of physical challenges, like slowing down the touch requirements for someone with Parkinson’s or zooming the screen for visually impaired.

I highly recommend it.

Best regards,

Chris