ce magazine september issue 2023

How to Decide What You Need
Now that you understand the basic types of devices, it's time to think about what
will work best for you. Here are some questions to consider:
1. What will you use it for?
Many seniors are looking to stay connected with loved ones on a simple, userfriendly
device, whereas others want a more powerful machine they can use to
create spreadsheets or edit photos. What do you want to be able to do with
your computer? Here are some common tasks:
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Reading and sending emails
Browsing the Web
Shopping or banking online
Keeping up with social media
Making video calls
Using a word processor and printing documents
Editing or storing digital photos
Reading e-books or digital magazines
Playing electronic games
Watching videos or listening to music
It's also important to consider where you will use your device. Will it stay
parked on a desk or countertop? If so, how much space do you have for it?
Were you hoping to use it while lying in bed or relaxing on the couch? Does it
need to fit in a handbag? Your answers will help guide your choice.
2. What are you already comfortable with?
Think about the technology you've used in the past. Do you have experience
with a certain operating system? For instance, you might prefer a traditional
Windows computer or tablet if that's the interface you've always known. Are
you accustomed to a large screen or a full-size keyboard? If so, you might
want a desktop computer or a larger laptop.
On the other hand, you might be looking to simplify your experience
compared to what you've used before. Maybe you don't need all the bells and
whistles of a full-blown desktop system and would be happier with a pareddown
laptop like a Chromebook or a user-friendly tablet like an iPad. If you're
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