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Ask Slashdot: Using a Tablet As a Sole Computing Device?

Posted by Soulskill on from the hard-to-play-quake-that-way dept.

cashman73 writes "My mother's six year old desktop computer finally bit the dust due to an electrical surge. It's out-of-warranty, and not really worth fixing. Plus, I'm 2,500 miles and two time zones away, so I can't exactly troubleshoot things from here. I recently got a new tablet, and even 80% of the things I do are done easier with it. Plus, she really likes the size, convenience, portability, and the screen. Virtually everything she does is simple web browsing, email, light photo sharing but no heavy editing, and other simple tasks. We're thinking that using a tablet as her sole 'computer' might be the best solution here. What are other Slashdotter's experiences using tablets without a separate desktop computer?"

10 of 417 comments (clear)

  1. One size does not fit all... by Frosty+Piss · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I'm sure she would like a Tablet. But you can't do everything on a tablet, why not get her a nice inexpensive laptop as well?

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    1. Re:One size does not fit all... by Bert64 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Sure you can't do everything on a tablet, but does the person in question actually want to do anything that's not possible or practical on a tablet?
      If not, then no reason to have anything other than a tablet.

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    2. Re:One size does not fit all... by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You or I can't do everything we need on a tablet.. but for other people that's not necessarily true.

      And speaking from the perspective of a person with several computers already, but who recently bought an iPad Mini - I find myself using the Mini more than I expected, just because its usually nearby and convenient. Heck, even for ssh if I just want to check how something is doing, or to quickly fix something trivial on the server - a tablet is quite adequate.

      DON'T get a Kindle Fire though. We recently bought one for my mom (I got talked into it), and she has a lot of trouble with figuring out how to do stuff. If you want to go the Android route, get a Nexus. Trust me, an Apple user can figure out how stock Android works easily enough, and an Android user can figure out iOS; but having experience with both of these didn't help much when my mom has asked for my assistance figuring something out on her Fire.

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    3. Re:One size does not fit all... by MrHanky · · Score: 3, Insightful

      You mean like copy and paste? Oh, I know it exists on tablets, but it's a chore. Hell, iPad users don't even know how to post links to Youtube videos unless it's to Facebook or Twitter via a 'share' icon. The ease of use of tablets is a myth. For even the simplest things: you need an app for that.

      The on-screen keyboards are shit as well.

    4. Re:One size does not fit all... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You are very ageist. I am almost 70, and I support a large number of OpenBSD servers from my Thinkpad. My 90 year old mother OTOH, is happy with an iPad for faceplant, provided she can still use her Macbook Pro for editing videos.

  2. To me by Osgeld · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It already sounds like you made your choice, so why are you posting a question that is trying to convince us to agree with you?

    1. Re:To me by arth1 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It already sounds like you made your choice, so why are you posting a question that is trying to convince us to agree with you?

      This should not have been modded Troll but Informative (it's too obvious to rate Insightful).

      There may be plenty of reasons not to get a tablet, but will this guy really read and consider them? I sincerely have my doubts.
      The real question seems to be "I want to buy my mom a tablet to replace her laptop - can I get some backpatting?"
      While the real question should have been "Mom, what do you need, want and feel comfortable using?"
      Which we can't answer.

  3. Get her a keyboard by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Older people have worse eyesight and often require the tactile feedback of a keyboard.

  4. Replace her power supply by Nyder · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I would bet that it's just a power supply that died. It's a great excuse to buy a new computer, but all in all, I'd give it a 90% chance it's the power supply that died.

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  5. I can't believe the comments here. by PastTense · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I can't believe the comments here.

    First get her a computer with the same Operating System as she already has. The older generation doesn't like change for the sake of change--they only want change when it offers significant improvements.

    Second she will want a full size keyboard and a decent sized screen. As you get older your fingers are less nimble and your eyesight gets worse.

    So I am thinking something like a 15"-17", used business class laptop from eBay (a few years old).