Who is choosing a device?

Everyday connection starter

Wants to contact family or friends, read the news and use basic online services without finding the device difficult to manage. Age UK and AbilityNet advise starting with the person’s intended activities and needs.

Home reader and video caller

Mostly wants to read, browse and make video calls at home. Screen readability, touch controls and display adjustments matter when trying a device, as reflected in guidance from Age UK and AbilityNet.

Keyboard-and-screen user

Regularly writes, completes forms or works with documents, or needs room for a larger monitor or alternative input equipment. AbilityNet recommends assessing the individual’s accessibility needs when choosing a computer.

What matters when choosing?

Age UK recommends starting with what the person wants to do and where they will use the device. That helps narrow the device type before comparing the controls and features of individual models.

Smartphone

Choose it when: Calls, messages and quick access away from home take priority.

Trade-off: A small touchscreen may be uncomfortable for extended reading or detailed forms.

Tablet

Choose it when: Reading, browsing and video calls are the main activities and touch controls feel manageable.

Trade-off: An on-screen keyboard may be awkward for frequent long emails or forms.

Laptop

Choose it when: Regular typing calls for a physical keyboard, but the computer must also move between places.

Trade-off: Carrying weight and charging become part of everyday use.

Desktop computer

Choose it when: The device will stay at one desk and a separate monitor or alternative input equipment would help.

Trade-off: It needs a suitable fixed space and cannot be taken out.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Communication on the move Try answering a call, opening a message and using the controls away from a desk. If I need calls and everyday services while out, I want a device I can carry and operate without struggling with its screen. Around 27% of consumers put portable communication first.
Reading and calls at home Read a page at a comfortable text size and try a video call, including its sound and captions. When I mainly read and call from home, I care more about seeing the screen and using touch controls comfortably than fitting the device in a pocket. Roughly 33% of consumers prioritise comfortable home reading and calls.
Typing and online tasks Type an email and complete a representative form using the exact keyboard and pointing controls. If forms, attachments or documents are routine, I need a way to enter text that works for longer tasks. Around 27% of consumers make typing and fuller online tasks their primary concern.
A fixed, adaptable setup Check desk space and whether the chosen computer works with the monitor and input equipment needed. I use the device in one place and want to arrange its screen and controls around how I sit and work. About 13% of consumers put a fixed, adaptable workstation first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a brand or device type before considering the tasks

    A portable device may be awkward for lengthy reading or typing, while a fixed computer will not help someone who needs access away from home.

    Follow Age UK’s advice to identify the main activities and place of use, then compare models within a suitable device type.

  • Assuming that an ‘easy to use’ label guarantees a good fit

    Vision, hearing, dexterity and familiarity with controls affect what feels usable. AbilityNet advises choosing around the individual’s needs.

    Ask the intended user to try ordinary tasks on the exact model, including reading, typing, adjusting sound and charging it. Explore the relevant accessibility settings before committing to it.

  • Overlooking security updates on an older device

    The National Cyber Security Centre warns that older devices eventually stop receiving updates. That matters when a device will be used for online accounts and services.

    Check the exact model’s current support status with its manufacturer before buying, and enable automatic updates where available.

Brands to consider for particular device routes

Apple

Relevant when considering an iPhone, iPad or Mac and comparing their built-in accessibility controls.

  • Apple lists VoiceOver for iPhone, iPad and Mac, and Magnifier for iPhone and iPad.
  • Check the exact model, software version and required language or service; a listed feature does not establish that it meets an individual’s needs.

Microsoft

Relevant to Windows computer routes when typing, screen adjustments or alternative ways to control the computer matter.

  • Microsoft describes Windows 11 settings and features including text adjustments, Magnifier, captions and voice typing.
  • Operating-system features do not determine a particular computer’s screen, keyboard or microphone suitability; check hardware and feature conditions on the chosen model.

Lenovo

Relevant when comparing laptop, desktop and tablet form factors rather than assuming one device type will suit everyone.

  • Lenovo lists these device categories in its UK range.
  • Check the operating system, accessibility controls and update support of the exact model; characteristics cannot be assumed across the range.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Should I choose a device type before comparing models?

Yes: identify the main activities and whether the device will be used at home, away from home or both. Age UK uses those questions to guide a first-device choice; once you have a suitable device type, compare the controls and specifications of individual models.

Which accessibility features should I try before buying?

Try the exact device with its intended user, focusing on ordinary tasks as well as text size, contrast, magnification, sound, captions and input controls. AbilityNet advises assessing individual needs rather than assuming that a feature list makes a device suitable.

Could a desktop be a sensible first internet device?

Yes, if it will stay in one location and the person benefits from arranging a separate monitor, full-sized keyboard or alternative input equipment. AbilityNet describes desktops as adaptable fixed setups; choose a portable route instead if regular use elsewhere is essential.

Why check security-update support before buying?

An internet device used for accounts and services should still receive security updates for its exact model. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that older devices eventually stop receiving updates, so confirm current manufacturer support before purchase and enable automatic updates where available.