Recommend a netbook or tablet for web browsing and email

In My Humble Opinion
1

My father wants a portable machine with which he can view web pages and email and such. Nothing more intensive than that.

I figured I could get him a laptop, a netbook, or a tablet. I’m leaning towards a netbook, as I think a laptop would be overkill, and a tablet would probably be less intuitive for him; he’s only used to Windows and very old Mac OS (first gen iMac). Also, the netbook would probably be the best compromise of size, cost, and usability.

I haven’t purchased a netbook in a couple of years, so I would welcome recommendations for a reliable specimen in the $200-300 range.

2

I think he could handle a Kindle Fire and it sounds like what you are looking for.

Or, you could get an older model Ipad for your amount, perhaps even a new Ipad Mini.

They all do what you need and I think your dad could handle it.

3

The last thing I’d buy an older person is a netbook with it’s tiny screen and keyboard. The larger the screen and keyboard the better. An inexpensive notebook about $ 300 on sale is all you need. Better still would be one of the newer inexpensive “all in one” PCs.

4

Yeah, my first thought was to ask how your father’s eyesight is. If it’s not as good as it was, the smaller screen of a netbook might be less than ideal.

5

I’m a big fan of my Kindle Fire; but it is most definitely not a good email machine. You want something with a keyboard. Laptops are cheap. Isn’t the new Google Chrome Laptop only like $250? I’ve never used it; but clearly it’s designed as a web consumption device with a keyboard; which basically meets your requirements.

6

I have the Acer Aspire One, and my SIL has the same one. It’s on the larger side for a netbook. We’ve both been very happy with it - I pretty much browse the web, write emails, read/write shorter documents, and play games that came out in the 90s. For all that stuff, it’s perfect.

7

I have an Acer Chromebook - and older one that cost more - very easy to learn. not having windows is NICE.

8

If your FIL is the least bit arthritic holding a tablet might get painful quickly, and if he’s ever typed he will be happier with a keyboard. And if he wants to watch YouTube or Hulu while lying in bed the choice becomes a no-brainer.

(Typed on an oldish Toshiba notepad before I take it to bed to watch QI. I use a USB mouse so it sits at my side and I barely need to move to use the computer.)

9

Check out www.woot.com today. There’s a good 12" Lenovo there for $300. I’d personally pick the Intel configuration, but it hardly matter at that level of specs anyways.

10

Yeah, I was thinking Dad would want a keyboard, but I hadn’t considered the screen size issue. He’s fifty nine, and had LASIK a few years back, but still uses reading glasses on occasion. Perhaps I should show him my netbook and see if he thinks the screen is too small.

I’ll take a look at that Woot deal, thanks!

As for Chromebooks, I was considering it, as it does indeed seem to be specifically designed for web and email, but I was concerned that the different OS environment might prove problematic for him; he’s not super tech savvy. Though I imagine it’s quite the opposite, isn’t it? They’re optimized for the simplest, most streamlined internet experience possible.