Choose around the activities and controls your relative finds familiar: a smartphone suits calls and messaging away from home, a tablet offers a larger touch display, and a laptop or desktop suits regular keyboard-and-mouse use. Before replacing a device, try its accessibility settings; before buying another, test the intended tasks, controls and accessories with the person who will use it.
Someone who already uses a keyboard, mouse and browser may want to keep those controls for online services, games or longer tasks. A household question on the MoneySavingExpert Forum described a preference for a physical keyboard, mouse and larger screen; it is one example, not a rule for older users.
For calls, messages, photos, video chats and casual browsing, a phone may provide the portability they need. A tablet offers a larger touch display for use at home. Age UK advises choosing a device around what the person wants to do with it.
Vision, hearing, mobility, dexterity or the complexity of the interface may affect the choice more than device size. Age UK describes accessibility settings for phones and tablets; try the relevant adjustments and accessories with the intended user before deciding whether to replace a device.
Try the tasks your relative needs to do, then decide whether portability, a larger touch display or familiar computer controls matter most. Settings and accessories may make an existing device easier to use without changing device type.
Choose it when: Calls, messages and internet access away from home are the main tasks.
Trade-off: A smaller touch display may be uncomfortable for detailed pages or long typing sessions.
Choose it when: A larger touch display is wanted for reading, video calls or media at home.
Trade-off: It remains touch-led unless the intended keyboard or pointer works with the exact tablet.
Choose it when: Regular typing, mouse use or a separately chosen larger monitor is central to the task.
Trade-off: A laptop needs carrying and charging; a desktop stays in one place and takes up more space.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Familiar controls | Try the intended keyboard and pointer with the websites or forms they use; check how accessories connect. | If I already know my way around a mouse and keyboard, I want online tasks to work without learning touch gestures. Around 36% of consumers put familiar controls first. |
| Accessible interaction | Try the relevant text, contrast, spoken-feedback or caption settings on the exact device and software version. | When seeing, hearing or operating the controls is difficult, I need to know whether adjustments make my usual tasks manageable. For around 29% of consumers, accessible interaction is the primary concern. |
| Portable communication | Decide whether calls away from home are needed; try holding the device and reading its display. | I mainly want to keep in touch, look at photos and browse without setting up a computer. That is the leading need for around 21% of consumers. |
| Refurbished-device support | Check the seller’s condition description and the device’s operating-system support. | If I am considering a refurbished device, I want it to run the services I use and remain supported. Around 14% of consumers place that concern first. |
A larger touchscreen does not necessarily replace controls the person already knows, and the ability to hold or position a device matters too.
Choose three tasks they need to do unaided, then try those tasks on the exact device with any intended keyboard, mouse, case or stand.
Feature availability can depend on the model and operating-system version. Google limits the physical-keyboard accessibility features it describes to Android 16.0 and later; Samsung says availability of some Galaxy features varies by model.
Check the exact device version, settings and accessory connection before relying on a particular control.
Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. A computer that still switches on is not necessarily a suitable choice for accounts and other online tasks.
Confirm the installed Windows version and its supported-security route before choosing a refurbished machine.
iPhone and iPad are touch-first options for someone considering an external keyboard or pointer as well.
Galaxy phones and tablets offer Android devices with Samsung’s accessibility settings.
Windows is relevant when a laptop or desktop and familiar keyboard-and-pointer controls suit the intended tasks.
These laptops offer computer-style options for familiar online tasks; the tablet is a touch-led option for browsing and media. Try the controls, display and intended services with your relative before choosing between them.
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Consider this laptop for familiar computer-style browsing and typing; try the display and controls with the intended user.
15.3-inch WUXGA display; AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS; 24GB DDR5 RAM; 512GB PCIe SSD; Windows 11 Home.
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Consider this model if both laptop and touchscreen interaction appeal; check that its convertible modes work as intended.
16-inch touchscreen; Intel Core Ultra 5 226V; 16GB RAM; 512GB SSD; Windows 11 Home.
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Consider this laptop for computer-style online tasks, but check that the intended apps work with its supplied Windows setup.
AMD Ryzen 3 7320U; 8GB RAM; 128GB SSD; Windows 11 Home in S Mode.
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Consider this laptop if familiar computer-style input and a larger display matter; try the screen and controls with the user.
15.6-inch Full HD display; Intel N150; 8GB DDR4 RAM; 128GB SSD; Windows 11 Home.
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Consider this touch-led option for browsing and media on a larger display than a phone. Check that Wi-Fi is available where it will be used, and try the intended settings and tasks.
11.45-inch display; 128GB storage; grey.
Choose according to the tasks and controls they prefer, rather than age alone. A smartphone suits communication away from home, a tablet provides a larger touch display, and a laptop or desktop suits regular keyboard-and-mouse tasks. Try their usual activities on the device before buying.
Yes, if the exact device and accessory work together and the person prefers those controls. Apple documents external-keyboard control and pointer-device use for iPhone and iPad; Google’s documented physical-keyboard accessibility features require Android 16.0 or later. Check the model, software version and connection method.
Start with the adjustment that addresses the task the person finds difficult, such as larger text, zoom, contrast, spoken feedback or captions. Age UK describes display and read-aloud adjustments for phones and tablets, while Microsoft documents display, caption and input options in Windows 11. Test the relevant controls on the actual device.
It can be, provided it runs the required services and has a suitable software-support route. Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on 14 October 2025, so check the installed version before choosing a refurbished Windows computer. Inspect the seller’s description of its condition and any faults as well.
AbilityNet says its UK-wide Tech Volunteers support older and disabled people with device setup, settings and online activities. Ask about help available locally through its support process; volunteer capacity may vary.