SimplicITy PC simplifies computing for over 50s

Jenny Francis said on Wednesday, 11 November 2009

Excellent idea! Suspect that a lap-top version would be even better though, simply to overcome space limitations and for over-all convenience. I think my 85 year old ma would love this.

Paul Stone said on Wednesday, 11 November 2009

Actually, I think this is a *terrible* idea - and reinforces the view that older people are too stupid to learn new things. In a proper learning environment, 'silver surfers' are as capable as people a quarter of their age. And what if the grandkids are on Skype or MSN and what to chat to grandma - are applications installed to deal with that? I'm not knocking the linux platform (I use it daily) but this dumbed down interface is, in my view, a bit insulting to oldies...

Forum Editor said on Wednesday, 11 November 2009

I agree with Paul Stone, this is a patronising approach to what isn't really a problem, in my view. I wasn't aware that millions of over 50's have trouble understanding how to use a computer.

There's usually a younger family member around to offer advice and/or help, and most over 50's still have a few neurones firing, in my experience.

Joe Carter said on Wednesday, 11 November 2009

I agree with Jenny. I think this is a great idea. While you're both right, in that it may be patronising to some (and it is certainly aimed more at over 70's, rather than over 50's), and yes, most over-50's do have neutrons firing, some old people just don't have the patience.

For instance, my grandmother just can't get her head around technology, be it the DVD Player, TV etc. She just loses patience with them and with whoever is trying to explain them to her.

We since got her one of the Emporio Mobile Phones, which are specifically aimed at old people, and she finally came round to using one after years of saying "I'm never getting a mobile phone". Seeing as that worked, why can't this?

Michael Douglas said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

Poor Idea. This reinforces the myth that over 50s know nothing about technology, and the prices they are charging are exorbitant. Surely these should be available for £100-£200, given the basic level that they are set at.

Paul W said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

I teach computing to the over 55s and believe there is a market for this type of thing, but the price seems very high IMO. Lots of elderly people would be put off at the price alone.
My clients do get confused with all the 'crapware' preinstalled on new computers, so a simpler Linux version would work.
Like Jenny I suspect laptops would prove to be more convinient.

Mike C said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

My business is helping seniors with computers and I find they are frustrated with them for so many reasons. I have been looking for a simple solution and this could be it except for two things, price and any kind of a "membership" monthly payment.
If the product sold for $200 USD with keyboard and could use a standard monitor or TV, then a senior could "replace" their existing computer with the simplicITy. I thought I had the right solution with MSN-TV (Web TV) but Microsoft discontinued it.
Sure folks over 55 can learn to use a computer but think about people over 60, 70, or 80. I have clients in their 90’s and I can tell you they need a simpler solution to email and web browsing than a typical computer.

Susie said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

I am getting really tired of the same repetitive sentence "something that simplifies computing for the over 50's"! Considering that the over 50's were the ones around when PC's started getting interesting and were weaned on them, it is pathetic that some would-be newsletter/article writers don't bother to get their facts correct. Has anyone forgotten the age of Bill Gates. of course they haven't!
So, please stop trying to make something newsworthy when it isn't! I've been using computers for over 30 years and probably have forgotten more than most newcomers will ever learn, given that technology is moving forward at such a exponential rate. So, please remove the over 50 tag, and just say it's for the technophobes and they can be any age. Just because they are technophobes doesn't mean they are some sort of lesser mortal; everyone is different and shouldn't be targets for clichéd and trite articles. Do I target you for being a moronic, clichéd hack.... of course I don't!

Simsy said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

I don't think it's a bad idea... They are loads of older folk who can cope with new technology, that's for sure... but there are also lots who, while they would be able to cope, are frightened to try. I know several in this position. This might be enough to make them try.

Unfortunately, the coverage I've seen seems to make it look like you need to buy one of these computers... in fact the "operating system" concerned, "Eldy" is available as a downloadable .exe file that will run as an application in Windows or in Linux, (www.eldy.eu/download),

That's what should be publicised. Then folk might be able to try it on an existing computer without the vast expense of a simplicITy one.

Regards,

Simsy

Cherry Austin said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

What a silly idea. I'm a Web developer aged 54, so obviously I question the assumption that over-50s are too thick to work a computer! Moreover, my 79-year-old Mum handles her Windows PC perfectly well.

It's true that she only uses it for the basic purposes outlined by Ms Singleton (plus watching films) - but she can buy a new PC for much less than this hyped-up piece of profiteering.

If anyone would like me to simplify their Windows desktop for them, I'm willing ;)

Susie said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

I am getting really tired of the same repetitive sentence "something that simplifies computing for the over 50's"! Considering that the over 50's were the ones around when PC's started getting interesting and were weaned on them, it is pathetic that some would-be newsletter/article writers don't bother to get their facts correct. Has anyone forgotten the age of Bill Gates. of course they haven't!
So, please stop trying to make something newsworthy when it isn't! I've been using computers for over 30 years and probably have forgotten more than most newcomers will ever learn, given that technology is moving forward at such a exponential rate. So, please remove the over 50 tag, and just say it's for the technophobes and they can be any age. Just because they are technophobes doesn't mean they are some sort of lesser mortal; everyone is different and shouldn't be targets for clichéd and trite articles. Do I target you for being a moronic, clichéd hack.... of course I don't!

MalcolmF said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

Susie -

Spot on apart from your last sentence.
<<Do I target you for being a moronic, clichéd hack.... of course I don't!>>
You should, because then you would be 100% correct.

Forum Editor said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

By all means refer to someone as a "clichéd hack" if you must, but we'll draw the line at describing someone as "moronic" if you don't mind. That's personal abuse, and we're not going to tolerate it.

Any repetitions will be deleted.

Angela said on Thursday, 12 November 2009

The global computer explosion would never have happened had it not been for the enthusiastic uptake of the masses in the seventies and eighties, many of whom are now over 50.

I'm usually the one that has to fix my teenage daughters' computers when something goes wrong.

ashrich said on Friday, 13 November 2009

I'm just waiting to see who they call in when the PC crashes or they are facing a screen of bash commands !!

susan firth said on Friday, 13 November 2009

wish we knew where we can actually buy one! also,would be good if we could see more about the product.

Miranda Terry said on Monday, 16 November 2009

I agree with Jenny - where is the laptop version please.