Would an iBook be "too old"

Ok so my family is thinking of getting my grandparents a computer. They're thinking a netbook would be best, however I'm concerned that Windows or Linux might be a tad complicated. I suggested iPad but that's a nonstarter as my stepmom's netbook was less and "does more."

I still think OS X would be a better fit for them though, so I look at the used market. Unlike the PC world where depreciation is quite steep, Apple machines are like the Honda Accord's of the computer world in terms of resale value. Anything on eBay that would be in the price range that my parents would feel comfortable in is in iBook territory. Now none would be the "toilet seat" first gen, but the 2nd generation models and up are fair territory. The most my grandparents would probably use the iBook for is web surfing. My concerns:

1. Would an iBook be "too slow" for modern web browsing?
2. I think teaching them OS X would be easier than Windows, would you agree?
3. What things should I look for when deciding on one? I know about one logic board issue but is there anything else I should be particular about?
4. Would an eMac possibly be an even better decision

I'm just casually looking, it's not set in stone yet in the slightest. I just want to be well informed when I make the suggestion when my parents will eventually ask about options for my grandparents again! Thanks!

 

I don't think speed would be the main problem with an iBook: you're looking at a 5+ year old computer, which would mean it has components that are equally old. The battery life of the device would be abysmal unless it has had a replacement, and components such as the HD and Logic Board have a much greater chance of failing.

Windows isn't that difficult to learn, and it has the added advantage of having a significantly larger support community.

Although if user friendliness is such a significant matter, an iPad would be the ideal choice.

 

I think that anything built over 5 years ago is not going to be a good choice. I third the iPad. It is extremely straightforward to use. It shouldn't matter that a netbook does more because the goal isn't for them to have a million choices of what to do. They need to be able to browse the web and maybe do email and such as easily as possible.

The point is to get a few things working very well with minimal training and support. Web browsing. Email. They can figure out apps to add in feature support as they need it - since apps are self contained and generally designed to be easy to use, this is probably a better solution for extra functionality they need in terms of software.

 

Don't buy an iBook or a netbook. Get a cheap desktop or notebook. You want something reliable, and an ibooks just going to break down, or DOA as most of them are sold as is.

 

an ibook isn't old... its incompatible. Its an old PPC Mac... totally unsupported anymore and tons of current and new software cannot run on it.

To make this decision, you need to know EVERYTHING that they will be doing on the computer, and how much money is willing to be spent.

I see too many times people "get computers for the grandparents" and go super cheap about it and buy some low end POS, then have no idea why their grandparents have no interest in it and it sits unused.

 

You should probably get them virtually any 17 inch from Walmart or something for like $500. Screen size is important if they are older.

Windows 7 is as easy (if not easier) to learn than OSX, especially since any contact they would have had with computers before was probably with Windows anyways. Put "my pictures" and "my documents" on the desktop along with the recycle bin, firefox (or IE) on the task bar pinned with their favorites on the bar, and they will be able to do pretty much anything they need to do. Does the ibook have a webcam? I am sure they would want to see their grand kids.

Not really a point in buying a premium notebook (and paying premium prices) for a user who won't use any more than email, web, MSN/skype and maybe photo viewing.

 

I've been pretty busy so i haven't had time to check as much...great advice everyone, keep suggestions coming if you have anymore.

 

I'd recommend a used but somewhat recent IBM laptop (T4x and up) with Ubuntu installed. It would be a cheap, durable, long-lasting, secure, and straightforward solution. I bought an IBM T43 for my grandpa in Romania.

 

I agree. For about the price of a netbook you can get a full-sized notebook with a larger screen and better specs. (Get a mouse too.)

Actually I suggest Google Chrome since it's the fastest, simplest, most secure (probably) browser that needs the fewest plugins/helper programs, so less other stuff to maintain. (i.e. it has a built-in PDF viewer and plays mp3 files without plugins.)

But... how to set up Windows and Chrome in the simplest way possible is probably a topic for another thread.

 

You can get HP NC8430 laptops on eBay for $240. Specs:

C2D T5600 1.83GHz
1GB
80GB
ATi X1600
DVD/CD-RW
15.4" WSGXA+ 1680X1050
XP Pro(I'm sure Ubuntu works on it)
Bluetooth
Intel 3945 Wireless

I bought 2: HP nc8430 Intel® C2D 1.83GHz 1GB 80GB CDRW/DVD - eBay (item 260704225330 end time Dec-13-10 09:23:04 PST)

If you want, when I get mine in, I'll install Ubuntu and tell ya how it goes.

 

This is probably going to go further left field, but after seeing the Chrome OS notebook thing, I wonder if one of those would be best for them. Decent size (at least on the dev units) screen, great keyboard, nice large touchpad. Plus its so simple and easy....this might be a great step....

+ Rep & Thanks for the help everyone, I'm pretty much leaning in this order:

1. Chrome OS notebook
2. Full size laptop with something like Jolicloud or Easy Peasy installed
3. Older Mac
4. iPad