Communication and everyday-web users
An older relative who mainly wants video calls, messages, photos and a few familiar websites may value a predictable home screen and help from family more than additional computing features.
Who each setup may suit
Keyboard and forms users
Someone who writes longer messages or completes online forms may prefer a physical keyboard and pointer. Try the websites they use before deciding whether a laptop or a fixed desk setup feels more manageable.
People who need help getting started
For a relative who is less confident online, the choice includes more than the device: a usable home connection, someone to help with setup and a way to get follow-up support all matter. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology identifies access, skills, support and confidence as parts of digital inclusion.
What to check before choosing
Start with the tasks your relative wants to do, let them try the screen and controls, then check that the connection and help they need are in place.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Familiar communication and websites | Try a video call, messages and the websites they expect to revisit. Check that they can find those services again and follow the charging routine. | If calls and a few familiar services are the main goal, I want to find them without working through a crowded interface. Around 33% of consumers would put this predictable access first. |
| Typing and navigating forms | Try sign-in, form fields and scrolling on the actual websites. Compare touch input with a physical keyboard and mouse or trackpad. | When I regularly complete forms or write longer emails, entering text and moving around a page matter more than a touch-only layout. Roughly 27% of consumers would make reliable typing and navigation their primary concern. |
| Screen and input comfort | Test the device from the intended seat. Compare a tablet on a stand with a laptop or larger fixed display, and try useful text-size settings. | If the screen and controls do not feel comfortable where I sit, extra features will not make daily use easier. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise the display and input arrangement. |
| Connection and ongoing help | Check Wi-Fi in the intended room, account recovery, charging and who can help with updates or questions. | Before I rely on the device for calls or services, I need a working connection and someone who can help me get started. About 13% of consumers would put connection and support readiness first. |
Common buying pitfalls
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Buying before checking Wi-Fi where the device will be used
A new device cannot make a poor connection dependable for video calls or online services. Ofcom identifies different patterns of home internet access, so a household connection should not be assumed.
Test the connection in the chair or room your relative will use, and sort out coverage and sign-in problems before choosing a replacement device.
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Assuming touch is easier for everyone
A touchscreen may suit calls and familiar apps, while longer typing or detailed forms may be more comfortable with a keyboard and pointer. The useful choice depends on the person and their tasks.
Ask your relative to try their own websites and a call using touch, then compare a keyboard-and-mouse setup.
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Expecting accessibility settings to solve the whole task
Apple, Microsoft and Google describe configurable display, speech or input tools, but availability and setup requirements differ. Settings still need to be tried with the person using the device.
Check the exact device and operating-system version, enable the settings your relative finds useful and practise their key tasks together.
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Overlooking the seller and electrical accessories
GOV.UK advises checking the seller when buying online and cautions that goods from sellers based outside the UK may not be manufactured or labelled in accordance with UK safety laws.
Check the seller’s identity, manufacturer details, instructions and appropriate product marking. Use the supplied charger or confirm that a replacement is genuinely compatible.
Relevant brands to consider
Apple
An iPad is a touch-led option for familiar communication and everyday websites when the intended user is comfortable with its controls.
- Apple documents iPad settings for larger text, zoom, spoken content and external-keyboard use.
- Check the intended model, language and settings with your relative; the available options do not make touch input suitable for everyone.
Microsoft
Windows laptops and desktops offer a conventional keyboard-and-mouse route for longer typing and website forms.
- Microsoft says Windows 11 Voice Access supports English (UK) for voice control and text entry.
- Voice Access requires Windows 11 version 22H2 or later and an internet connection for initial setup. Try it with the user rather than assuming it replaces their preferred controls.
Chromebooks are worth considering when the required communication and services work in a browser and a physical keyboard is wanted.
- Google documents ChromeOS options including dictation, magnification, reading mode and spoken text.
- Check every required website and any separately installed software before choosing a Chromebook.
GrandPad
A managed communication-device route to consider when family-controlled contacts matter more than unrestricted browsing.
- AbilityNet describes GrandPad functions including simplified controls, approved contacts and family administration.
- Check which everyday websites and online services the person can use before choosing a managed device.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tablet or laptop better for an older relative?
Choose by the tasks and controls your relative can use comfortably, not by age alone. A tablet may suit familiar touch-led calls and websites; a laptop or fixed desktop setup may suit regular typing, detailed forms or a preference for a keyboard and mouse. Try their actual tasks before buying.
Should we get a larger display or external keyboard too?
Add one if trying the built-in screen or controls shows it would help with the intended tasks. Check compatibility with the exact device, then test the viewing position, available space and your relative’s preferred way of typing or pointing.
What should be set up before my relative starts using the device?
Connect it to the home Wi-Fi, set up essential contacts and services, test a video call and demonstrate charging. Agree account-recovery arrangements with your relative’s consent and decide who will help with future updates or questions.
How important is the home internet connection?
A usable connection is essential for the online services and calls the device is being bought to handle. Check Wi-Fi in the room where your relative will sit and try the services they need before relying on the setup.
Where can we get help after buying a device?
AbilityNet describes a UK-wide Tech Volunteer network that offers one-to-one help with technology, including setup and connection. Ask what help is currently available in your relative’s area and arrange a way for them to ask questions later.