If you are wondering what the best computers for seniors are, and you are in a bit of a hurry, the following short paragraph should help you get the right device. After comparing the many available products and the most popular senior computers reviews, we have concluded that the model you should get is the Microsoft Surface Platinum. The laptop comes with a high-performance Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. With these specifications, the computer will not slow down even after years of use and updates of the OS. What’s more, you are not limited to just using the keyboard and touchpad. With this option, your senior will also be able to make use of the stunning touchscreen display with an ultra-thin bezel. If by any unfortunate event our first choice is not available for sale, we recommend that you consider getting the Samsung Chromebook 3 as your second best alternative.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

5 Best Computers for Seniors (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

To make the task of finding the best senior computer that much manageable, we have gone and selected some of the products that stood out to us due to their quality, fair price, and usability. Take a look below and see if you won’t find the perfect gift for retired men and women.

 

 

1. Microsoft Surface Laptop 2

 

The Microsoft option is built to offer the perfect balance between performance and portability. The computer weighs only 2.76 pounds, and it packs all the useful features that can be found in a desktop alternative. The compact nature of the device will also make it easy for all elderly citizens to use it comfortably in their nifty lightweight wheelchair.

If you don’t want to teach your granddad about how to use the keyboard or the mouse, you can instead use the stunning screen that responds to touch. Thus, if the person you intend to get this device for is accustomed to using the latest senior cell phone, he or she should have no problems with the intuitive touch interface of Windows 10.

What’s more, despite the small size of the Microsoft Surface, you get a powerful battery that is capable of offering up to 14.5 hours of battery life, ideal for use in the park or on the porch.

Pros

This Microsoft product seeks to offer the perfect balance between a good computer and a portable one by only weighing 2.76 pounds and still packing all the useful features that are desirable in a desktop alternative.

Due to its compact nature, elderly citizens will find it easy to use this from the comfort of their armchair or nifty lightweight wheelchair.

Furthermore, if your beloved grandad finds it hard to learn how to use the keyboard or the mouse, this product comes to the rescue with its stunning screen that responds to touch.

Despite the relatively small size of this unit, you still get a powerful battery capable of lasting up to 14.5 hours, making it perfect for browsing the Internet on a park bench.

Cons

While the product description says it comes with the Microsoft Office package, you actually get the 30-day trial, which is a little misleading.

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2. Samsung Chromebook 3 4GB RAM Chromebook XE500C13

 

This option comes with an excellent screen that offers an incredible brightness to make it readable even in bright environments so that your grandma won’t have to squint her eyes. The viewing angles are also more than decent, allowing you to see all the colors from around 45 degrees on either side.

If you plan to get a great laptop for the elderly to use to catch up on their favorite tv shows, news, and game shows, the colors on the Chromebook 3 display puts other computers in this price range to shame. You also get 4GB of RAM and an Intel processor clocked at 2.48 GHz that offers excellent performance while remaining battery-friendly.

To make things even better, the keyboard does not only feel comfortable to the touch, but it is also spill-resistant. Your elderly relative can use this computer while journeying in his or her favorite travel wheelchair without having to worry that a shaky hand will spill disaster.

Pros

This unit comes with an excellent screen that can offer incredible brightness and increased readability of documents in almost any environment, providing much-needed relief for your beloved grandma’s eyes.

The viewing angles are also more than good, allowing the user to see all the colors from around 45 degrees on either side.

If your elderly members of the family are hoping for a great laptop from which they can catch up on their favorite tv shows, you’re in luck because the colors on the Chromebook 3 really kick the ball out of the park!

Furthermore, you still get a more than decent 2.48 GHz processor coupled with 4 gigabytes of RAM while still owning a battery-friendly product which will last you for quite some time.

Cons

The only complaint former buyers had about this item is that its operating system, the ChromeOS, can be rather slow and happens to freeze sometimes.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

3. Acer Flagship CB3-532 HD Premium Chromebook Intel Dual-Core

 

If affordability is on your mind, you can’t go wrong with this Chromebook option, especially as it is the only Chrome OS option on our list that features a 15.6-in screen. The generous display will make it easier for a senior that has eyesight problems to get a better view of the text and videos shown.

While certainly thicker and bigger than the majority of 11 and 13-n Chromebooks, this option still manages to remain portable enough for the needs of an elderly. Design wise, the laptop is practical; it employs a simple design that is much more likely to appeal to an old person.

When it comes to performance, there’s nothing to complain about this unit. For a highly affordable choice, the processor, integrated graphics, and the 2GB of RAM are more than enough to handle everyday web browsing, video playback, YouTube watching or word processing.

Pros

This Acer product really aims to stand up to the second word of its name as customers looking for a good, affordable laptop really cannot go wrong with this one due to its 15.6-inch screen.

This type of generous display will make it very easy for seniors to watch anything they want without having to strain their eyes, which is quite the advantage!

While this laptop certainly is thicker than the majority of 11 and 13-inches Chromebooks, the sleek design still allows it to remain portable enough for the needs of an elderly person. The simple, elegant look also tends to appeal to that segment of the population.

Performance-wise, you’ll also have nothing to complain about because you get a highly-affordable choice which rocks a decent processor and 2 gigabytes of RAM. 

Cons

The limited amount of RAM could sometimes prove problematic if the user likes to do multiple things at the same time.

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4. Acer Aspire E 15 15.6″ Full HD 8th Gen Intel Core

 

Looking for a lovely gift for retired teachers or seniors that are more tech-savvy? The Acer Aspire is a series long-known for the performance it offers in the mid-range category. With this unit, you get the latest Intel Core i5 processor, combined with 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD and the latest MX150 graphics card from NVIDIA.

Because the Acer option uses only the latest components, you will be able to enjoy more power and more battery life without having to sacrifice on portability. The Full HD 15.6-in display will make movies and games jump right out of the screen.

The sound is also impressively loud and clear so that you can give your grandpa’s trusty hearing aid a break. Another feature that the elderly will love comes in the form of the backlit keyboard which will make it easier than ever to type in the dark.

Pros

This laptop can make for a lovely gift for retired teachers or seniors who have tried to keep up with modern technology.

The Acer Aspire series has been long-known in the laptop community as one of the best in the mid-range category, sporting a very nice Intel Core i5 processor, a whopping 8GB of RAM, a more-than-enough 256GB SSD (Solid-State Drive), and the latest MX150 graphics card.

Because this Acer option only uses the latest components, this laptop allows you to enjoy more power and battery life without being overly bulky. This quality will be especially noticeable when the Full HD 15.6-inch display will make you feel like you are at the cinema.

The backlit keyboard features will make it a breeze for elderly people who are trying to type in the dark.

Cons

Some customers complained about the noise made by the laptop’s fan when it starts heating up after prolonged use.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

5. Acer Chromebook 11.6 inches Laptop CB3-131

 

The Acer Chromebook is another affordable option that comes with lots of features that are quite handy for the elderly. You get hardware that is more than powerful enough to handle the everyday needs of a person such as web browsing, streaming videos, making video calls, or word processing.

Despite the low price point, this widely acclaimed model is one of the best rated from Acer’s lineup. The build quality is impressive, and even if it is made from plastic, the materials are sturdy enough to handle a bit of heavy use. It is also small enough to carry wherever you go, and it can slide in any bag, backpack, or purse.

Since it uses a processor that is similar to what you usually find in a smartphone, this unit utilizes a fanless design. Because there are no moving parts, the computer will run utterly silent so that it does not distract the person using it.

Even the best computers for the elderly don’t always come with the best keyboard. If you are looking for alternatives that are easy to use and read, we have you covered. Below you can find the options we consider to offer the best features for the right price.

Pros

This is another Acer option which offers an affordable product which still comes with a lot of features that are quite handy for the elderly such as the powerful hardware that is able to handle everyday needs like web browsing, video calls, and others.

Even if it’s made from plastic, the laptop’s materials are sturdy enough to withstand a bit of heavy use without fear of breaking down.

The product is also small enough to allow its user to carry it wherever the need requires it since it can slide into any bag, backpack, or purse.

Since the laptop uses a processor that is similar to one found in a smartphone you will see that it does not have a fan, nor does it need one. Also, because there are no moving parts, this is one of the more silent units out there.

Cons

Some customers reported problems with the charging system after a few weeks of mild use of this product.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

Best Keyboards for Seniors

 

Aluratek The AZIO 

 

With this nifty keyboard, you won’t need your glasses to read each key since it features a large print that will reduce eyestrain and help your elder relatives type much more comfortably. The keys are also all backlit so that they are easily identifiable even in the dark. You can choose between red, purple, or blue backlit illuminations.

The keys are incredibly soft to touch and very responsive. You get quick access keys that will make using the computer a more straightforward task even for persons that are not tech savvy. The quick access hotkeys will take you to the email client, homepage, media player, pause and play multimedia and so much more.

There is no need to worry about having to install drivers for the keyboard to work, all you have to do is to connect it to an available USB port, and the device will automatically install everything it needs.

Pros

Since not every laptop can satisfy the typing needs of the elderly, this nifty keyboard comes to ensure that you won’t need your glasses every time you are trying to read one of the keys.

It does this by having a large print on each of them that reduces eye strain and helps the user type at a much more comfortable pace.

Furthermore, the keys are also backlit so typing will not be a problem even in the dark. To top it all off, you can even choose between red, purple, or blue backlit illuminations.

Since not everybody is tech-savvy, especially among the elderly, there is no need to worry about having to install any drivers to make this keyboard work. Just plug it into an available USB port and the device will automatically install anything it needs.

Cons

Some buyers experienced problems with the rubber pads of the keyboard because they caused it to move around.

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EZSee Large Print Keyboard 

 

The EZSee option provides the user with a USB large print keyboard that is easy to see which makes it ideal for older individuals that have eyesight problems. It is designed using low profile keys, with some of the largest font currently available on the market. The bold black letters on yellow keys will improve the view in low light environments.

You also won’t have to worry about the durability of this option since it incorporates high-quality switch technology that is rated for more than 10 million key impressions. That means that the keyboard can handle even the most intense uses and it is built to last for many years to come.

Customers love this option, and they are particularly impressed with how easy the keys are to read and even senior users have reported that for people with poor eyesight, this keyboard is everything they could have asked for and more.

Pros

This option provides its user with a USB large print keyboard whose sheer dimensions make it ideal for older individuals with eyesight problems.

The product is designed using low profile keys and some of the largest fonts currently found anywhere on the market.

The design is also made to help, the bold black letters on yellow keys improving the view even in low-light environments.

Since this unit incorporates high-quality switch technology said to last for more than 10 million key impressions, durability will never be an issue when using it and even senior users have reported being extremely pleased by how easy they can get around on their own.

Therefore, this is a great product even for people with poor eyesight who require a more specialized keyboard for their needs.

Cons

Some buyers were dissatisfied after receiving products where some or most of the keys were not working.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

Our Yearly Guide

 

While it is true that most people nowadays have grown up with computers or smartphones, and have managed to get a grasp of how computers work, the same is not always true for seniors. When looking to get the best senior computer you have to keep a few factors in mind, and that can make the prospecting of the market a bit difficult.

There are lots of laptops and tablets on the market today, and it can be quite tricky knowing which one will make a good computer for a senior. Still, if time is of the essence for you and you don’t have the hours to do proper research, the following buyer’s guide will help you identify the features you need to focus on when making this type of purchase.

Keep things simple

The first thing to keep in mind when purchasing a computer for your grandparents or the seniors in your care is that you need to keep the experience as simple as possible. That means that you should try and get a device that comes with zero bloatware. Even experienced users hate having unnecessary software slowing down the computer.

You also need to consider that people that are not experienced with how technology and the internet work are likely to be much more gullible. This can lead to bloatware making them pay for unnecessary and expensive subscription plans for anti-virus software, for example, or other apps.

If you can’t avoid getting a bloatware-free purchase, there’s no need to worry as long as you know your way around the operating system. You can check the computer before you give it to the person in mind and clean it from any unnecessary pre-installed software.

 

Get the right screen

The display of the computer should be easy to read even in sunny conditions. For this reason, we recommend you go for options that feature a glare-free screen that has enough brightness to handle all weather conditions. This way, your parents might be able to get in touch with you even when they’re working in the garden or resting on the porch.

When it comes to the resolution of the screen, you don’t have to go for the highest option available, but we do recommend you keep a few things in mind. For smaller laptops that have a screen size of 11-12 inches, an HD resolution is more than enough. If you get an option with a 15.6-inches or larger display, we recommend a Full HD resolution.

What’s more, if you can afford to spend a bit more on your purchase, you can get a computer that features a touchscreen display. The thing that is great about this feature is that it can make interacting with the operating system that much more comfortable for users that have never handled a computer before.

With a touchscreen display, there will be no more need to use a mouse or a touchpad which seems to be the biggest obstacle that seniors face when learning to use a computer. If you plan to get a laptop for a person that does not know how to use it, a touchscreen display will help make the learning experience that much easier.

The operating system

If you are looking for cheap computers for seniors, you should also focus your attention on the operating system the product has installed. The two major competitors in this market segment are Windows and Chrome OS. So which one should you choose and why?

The main advantage of a Windows operating system comes from the wealth of apps and accessories available for it, and the support it gets from Microsoft. Windows is also more advanced concerning file management and design, allowing you to do more with it. Of course, for seniors that can also be a disadvantage.

If you only want a computer for your grandparents to surf the web, stream movies and TV shows, and keep in touch with you, a Chromebook is an excellent choice. While Windows runs most of its apps locally on the hard drive, Chrome OS will use the browser and the internet.

The simplicity of the Chromebooks will also make the devices that run Chrome OS much more affordable since the operating system does not require expensive and powerful hardware to run smoothly. Thus, if you want a simple OS where the primary focus is on online content, Chrome OS is a great choice, whereas Windows is ideal for users that want to do more.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Benefits of Computer Use for Seniors

2) Technology for Elderly Enhances Health and Safety

3)  Useful information about computers

 

 

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