Phone Question

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
11/30/2014 at 14:42 • Filed to: None

My 74-year-old mother is coming to visit for Christmas, and she wants me to help her get her first smart phone. She's not the most tech savvy person out there, but she's also not a newb to the computer. I have been an Apple/iPhone guy all my life, but I'm not sure that an iPhone is the best solution for her, especially since she has a PC at home. I asked her what she wants to do with her new phone, and she replied:

I want to be able to make and receive phone calls (obviously); text/email and receive text/email (maybe I could hook to my hotmail account?); use a search engine. Those are the primary things. I know there are apps that do hundreds of other things, but these are the ones I care about.

So, knowing that, does anybody have any suggestions on what would be a good device for her? I'm not sure what carrier she is currently with.

DISCUSSION (24)

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 14:43

I would actually say that an iPhone would be a good choice. The learning curve is very easy.

bob and john > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 14:44

to hook up witha PC easier, and something that has a bigger screen. look for a windows phone.

Manuél Ferrari > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 14:45

well the main benefit of getting her an iPhone is that you'd be on the same platform. So you'd be able to provide her with tech-support. also Apple has training sessions at the Apple Store.

ttyymmnn > Manuél Ferrari
11/30/2014 at 14:45

That is an excellent point.

djmt1 > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 14:45

As an Android guy who has been continuously handing down my old phones to my parents I can say with some authority that Android isn't the answer.

I reckon a Windows phone would probably be best. Big clear Icons will be a big bonus for someone with old eyes and hands.

ttyymmnn > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
11/30/2014 at 14:46

That is true, and as somebody else pointed out, I would be able to help her learn to use it. My brother is an Android guy, but I don't think they are talking these days. It's a long story.

Manuél Ferrari > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 14:47

also you'll be able to FaceTime with her instead of having to install a separate app

ttyymmnn > Manuél Ferrari
11/30/2014 at 14:49

Another excellent point.

Steve in Manhattan > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 14:55

5C - love mine - it's inexpensive (comparatively) and will do far more than what she needs. I like the Kermit the Frog Green, but she has 4 colors to choose from.

Rico > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 15:06

iPhone 6 or 6 Plus if she feels comfortable with the size and display. Seriously iPhones are easy enough that anyone can use them and quite well, I often see older people on the train using iPhones.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 15:15

With one of the newer android update they have an easy mode you can switch to which dumbs down the screen and has only the basic buttons. It looks like it could be good for a first time user.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 15:31

I'd recommend a Windows phone, maybe one of the Lumia 6xx series? Or an older iPhone, 5 or 5c. I've been trying to teach my mom how to use an android and it's an incredible exercise in frustration.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > djmt1
11/30/2014 at 15:32

Amen.

RazoE > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 15:41

get her a phablet. Bigger screen so she wont have to squint. I doubt she'll ever put it in her pocket so "too big" isn't an issue. Galaxy Notes have an easy mode thats just a few icons on the home screen you can pre program.

jvirgs drives a Subaru > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 15:54

Being an Android person, I would even suggest the iphone for a non tech savvy person. They are quite simple compared to the android phones

RW53104 > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 16:15

Moto G

p33t - wagons 4 lyfe > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 16:40

After spending several years working in tech retail, believe me, an iPhone is best for someone of an older mind. Android phones are great because of the level of customisability, but that makes it harder for those not used to it. Get her the applecare too, and save it in the contacts, that way if she ever gets flustered she can call them, even if it takes hours.

ttyymmnn > p33t - wagons 4 lyfe
11/30/2014 at 17:30

Thanks for that input. Since she's going to be here for about two weeks, we can get it early and I can work with her on learning it.

ttyymmnn > RazoE
11/30/2014 at 17:31

She's not that blind, and I think she would be intimidated by a large device. But I'll certainly show them to her and see what she thinks.

Ferrero1911 > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 19:26

I'd get her an iPhone. I've had several iPhones (currently a 5S) and now I have an Android phone for work. I've given it a chance, but I will not be getting another Android phone on purpose. I'm very pretty tech savvy so I haven't had any real problems with doing what I need to do on the Android phone, but I think the iPhone is much more user friendly. I should have just gotten another 5S.

ttyymmnn > Ferrero1911
11/30/2014 at 19:48

Thanks. I've never used an Android, and I've always wondered if what I perceive to be the ease of using the iPhone was based on my familiarity with Apple in general. It's good to know that others find it easy, and I think that's the way I think I'll go.

sebdel > ttyymmnn
11/30/2014 at 21:05

I'm an android guy, but I wouldn't recommend it, I agree with most people saying iphone is a lot easier to use. Anyway, I had a nokia lumia with windows for a while and it is by far the easiest to use, big icons, everything on a infinite scroll and alphabetic order with easy selection for all your apps. Big fonts, easy everything. If you go for the upper middle-top of the line lumias you get the legendary nokia build quality. If she has a pc then microsoft onedrive will keep everything synced. The only downside to W8 is the low number of apps, but that's no problem in your case.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ttyymmnn
12/02/2014 at 09:31

Seems like everyone pointed you in the right direction already but I'll join in.

I'm a diehard Android guy and hate apple.

But you need to get her an iPhone.

They're easy to use, I have both my parents on them. The software never breaks down on them - ever.

The fact that you're on iPhone makes it a billion times easier.

ttyymmnn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
12/02/2014 at 09:35

Thanks. The only real concern I have is that she has a Win7 PC at home (New Hampshire) and I know very little about Windows. I can help her with the phone, but I might have problems helping her with syncing it. I think I'm going to encourage her to buy an Apple Care plan.