Computers designed specifically for seniors

Published 10:39 am Friday, September 13, 2013

Dear Savvy Senior,

What computers can you recommend for seniors with very limited computer skills? I am interested in getting one, but at 76, I need one that’s designed simplistically for me.

– Inexperienced Senior

Sign up for our daily email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Dear Inexperienced,

There are actually several companies who make and sell computers designed specifically for seniors who have little or no computer experience. Here are some top options to check out.

Desktops

If you’re primarily interested in a home desktop computer, the Telikin (telikin.com, 800-230-3881), which has been on the market for more than two years now, is an excellent option.

Ready to go right out of the box, this all-in-one touch-screen computer provides a big button menu that displays all your favorite functions on the screen at all times. By touching the menu option of your choice with your finger, you can get instant access to the Internet, email, games, video chat, photo sharing, news, weather and more.

Available in two sizes – the 18-inch LCD touch-screen with a 320-gigabyte hard drive and the 20-inch LCD touch-screen with 500-gigabytes – all Telikin computers come with built-in speakers, a web camera, microphone, wired keyboard and mouse. They even offer “tech buddy” software that your loved ones can download on their computers, so they can access your Telikin remotely to help you when need be.

Running on Linux software instead of the standard Windows or Mac OS, the Telikin is also virus-resistant, comes with a 60-day trial period, a one-year warranty and free tech support.