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When selecting laptops for seniors, it is to be noted that most want a laptop that is easy to use. A touch screen would be ideal for seniors, especially those not well versed in using a keyboard. A dual-function laptop or 2-in-1 is also a good option, as seniors can use it as a tablet with touchscreen navigation and a regular laptop with a keyboard. Seniors would need a laptop that is useful for checking emails, working on documents, reading newspapers, and books, watching a video, and chatting with relatives who are far away. Some may even want it for gaming! Check out some of the best laptops for seniors.
See also: Best Ultrabooks to buy
Buying Guide
People of the older generation are also using laptops extensively these days. Many have been forced to learn to live with modern gadgets since the general lifestyle has changed. If old people live alone, they will need to order their food and medicines, etc. online, for which the laptop is useful. If seniors were to go shopping for a laptop, what are the factors to focus upon? Are there laptops specially designed for seniors?
- Display Size: If we can assume that the seniors may not be carrying their laptops out of their place, then the best suggestion would be a larger screen size. It can be at least 15-inches if not more. This is because many seniors may have issues with their eyesight, and larger images and fonts can be useful.
- Screen Resolution: This is an aspect being looked into by laptop makers keeping the seniors in view. A typical laptop has a screen resolution of 1,920×1,080 pixels. You will find laptops for seniors with screen resolutions as high as 3,840×2,160 pixels. This means that the seniors can see things on the screen more clearly. Look for this spec.
- Touchscreen: Most experts recommend that seniors may be more comfortable with a laptop that has a touchscreen than one without it. Touchscreen laptops do tend to push the price up a little. You may still be able to find a laptop with a touchscreen that is priced reasonably well.
- Processor & RAM: Once again, the assumption is that the seniors would not be engaged in performing any heavy activity on their laptops. They may check their emails, possibly read the online newspaper and Skype with their children, and so on. For these activities, a regular laptop processor of the recent generation supported by the normal RAM of 8GB should do the job.
- 2-in-1 Laptops: This is another recommendation from experts since seniors can have issues with the angle of the display screen. A 2-in-1 model with a flexible screen may be the solution for them. Depending on the choice, this may be considered.
- Warranty: Seniors may not be able to bring the laptop to the service center if problems arise. Check if the seller can offer a special on-site warranty, like in the case of desktops.
Best Laptops for Seniors
14-inch Display Screen Laptop for Seniors
Lenovo V14 AMD Athlon Gold 3150U Processor Laptop
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Senior citizens usually look for devices that are easy to use and extremely durable. The Lenovo A14 features a spill-resistant keyboard that is very comfortable to use. Even if you spill water on it, you can ensure no damage to the laptop. The display screen is 14-inches wide and has a 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. While it does not offer touch-functionality, it comes with an anti-glare coating that ensures your eyes remain strain-free.
At 3.53 lbs, the device is quite light and easy to carry around while traveling. There is no optical drive here, but you get several other connectivity options, including a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card reader. When you charge the battery optimally, it lasts for around 6 hours. The AMD Athlon Gold 3150U CPU runs at a processing speed of 2.4 GHz and assures you of efficient operations.
- A very suitable option for senior citizens looking for a compact and lightweight device that is convenient to move around with.
- It is also recommended for those who like to binge-watch movies and shows and need a laptop with a glare-free screen.
- Fast processor
- Durable structure
- Dual stereo speakers
- Vibrant display screen
- No optical drive
- Inadequate battery support
Lightweight Laptop Device with Strong Battery Support
HP Chromebook 11.6-inch Display Screen Laptop
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The HP Chromebook features an 11.6-inch display screen that is touch-enabled and produces sharp visuals. The screen offers 178-degree viewing angles and gives you an immersive audio-visual experience. The presence of a high-definition webcam makes it a highly valuable device for those who participate in video conferences regularly. MediaTek MT8183 CPU functions at a processing speed of 2 GHz and is responsible for the laptop working efficiently.
The lightweight design of this laptop enables you to carry it from one place to another without any difficulty. The device features 4 GB RAM and an internal storage capacity of 32 GB. Dual speakers produce high-quality audio output. When charged optimally, the battery offers the device a backup of 15 hours. While it does not feature an optical drive, the device offers enough connectivity support to ensure that you can use multiple peripherals simultaneously.
- An ideal option for senior citizens who travel frequently and need a lightweight laptop that offers good battery support.
- It is also recommended for those who prefer smaller display screens over larger screens.
- HD webcam
- Efficient processor
- Compact structure
- Long-Lasting battery
- No optical drive
- Low bandwidth RAM
13.3-inch Display Screen Laptop with Expandable Memory
Bmax Intel Celeron 4020 Processor Laptop
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This Bmax laptop comes equipped with a 13.3-inch display screen with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. At 2.8lbs, the laptop is very light and does not prove to be a burden on your shoulders when you travel with it. The storage support (128 GB) offered by the hard disk might not be adequate for many users, but you would be happy to know that the memory can be expanded up to 1 TB using a storage-space drive.
The laptop features a full-sized that is very comfortable to work with and does not leave your fingers hurting even if you use it for extended hours. The touchpad is 5.1-inches wide and very responsive. Despite being a budget-friendly laptop, it boasts a fairly stylish design. Also, the laptop is built with high-quality components that make it very durable. The Intel Celeron 4020 CPU, which works at a processing speed of 2.8 GHz, is highly reliable.
- A very suitable option for senior citizens planning to invest in an affordable laptop that delivers steady performance.
- It also proves to be a good investment for writers and media professionals who need a sturdy keyboard to work on.
- Moderate pricing
- Lightweight structure
- Stable processing unit
- Comfortable keyboard
- Limited local storage
- Average battery support
Moderately Priced Laptop with Strong Battery Support
EcoHero15.6-inch Display Screen Laptop
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One of the standout features of this EcoHero laptop is its bright and colorful display screen. The screen is 15.6-inches wide and has a 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. You can use this screen for various tasks, from playing 4K videos to streaming web shows. The built-in 4,500 mAh battery offers a runtime of 12 hours when fully charged. The slim design of this laptop contributes greatly to making it a portable device.
The Intel Celeron J4005 CPU operates at a processing speed of 2 GHz and makes the laptop run fairly fast. There are multiple connectivity options on the device, including a microSD card reader and a 3.5mm headphone jack. As far as wireless connectivity is concerned, it offers you 2.4G WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. The in-built SSD device offers 120 GB of storage space. While the storage capacity is not very high, transferring the files proves to be a fast process.
Why You Should Buy This?
- Recommended for senior citizens planning to invest in a budget-friendly and easy-to-use laptop device.
- It is also a good option for those looking for a laptop with adequate battery backup.
Pros
- Slim structure
- 4K video output
- Long-lasting battery
- Multiple connectivity options
Cons
- Middling speakers
- It could have been more durable
Budget-Friendly Laptop with Colorful Display Screen
Coolby 14.1-inch Display Screen Laptop
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This Coolby laptop features a 14.1-inch display screen that produces a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The device is compact-structured and feels quite light when you hold it in your hands. The 34.2Wh built-in battery lasts for 7-8 hours when charged optimally. The laptop has a storage-space drive that offers 128 GB of storage space. It features Bluetooth 4.2 that enables easy connectivity to wireless speakers, headphones, and keyboards.
The CPU runs at a processing speed of 2.7 GHz, enabling the user to multitask and use high-end software. You will see a webcam on the front that offers good visual clarity. The microphones pick up voice frequencies well and are useful during voice or video calls. Despite not featuring any fans, the laptop does a very effective job at managing heat generated within. The ergonomic keyboard is durable and very comfortable to use.
- The laptop comes with various features that make it suitable for personal and professional use.
- It is also recommended for senior citizens looking for a moderately priced laptop that could last for a long time.
- Noise-free operation
- User-friendly features
- High-definition screen
- Good thermal management
- Average battery life
- Limited brand support
Well-Designed Laptop with 11-inch Display Screen
HP Stream Intel Celeron N4020 Processor Laptop
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The HP Stream features a very modern and stylish design that catches your attention as soon as you spot the device for the first time. The display screen is 11.6-inches wide and produces a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. Apart from consuming multimedia content, the screen is apt for browsing the internet and checking e-mails. One of the standout features of the laptop is its battery life. When fully charged, the battery lasts for around 12 hours.
HP’s specialized tuned stereo speakers produce excellent audio output. The Intel Celeron N4020 CPU runs at a high processing speed and ensures you do not face lagging issues. Along with 4 GB RAM, you get a 64 GB storage-space drive. The high-resolution webcam will greatly appeal to senior citizens who like to connect with family members through video calls. Though the device does not come with an optical drive, it has every other connectivity feature you might need.
Why You Should Buy This?
- A very good option for senior citizens looking for a compact-structured laptop that works as a good travel companion.
- It is also recommended for individuals who wish to invest in a stylish-looking, budget-friendly laptop device.
Pros
- Moderate pricing
- Attractive design
- HD display screen
- Strong battery life
Cons
- Low bandwidth RAM
- Limited storage support
Powerful Mid-Range Laptop for Seniors
HP Pavilion 15, 15.6 inches
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It is powered by the Intel Core i5-8250U clocking at a speed of 1.6 GHz and combined with the Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics processor. The device comes with a RAM of 8 GB SO-DIMM DDR4, a memory speed of 2400 MHz, and a hard drive of 1 TB HDD 5400 RPM. The IPS display screen is 15.6 inches, has a 16:9 aspect ratio and has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is an IPS touchscreen with FHD. The device is supported by the Windows 10 Home 64-bit OS.
The dimensions of the laptop are 9.93 x 14.88 x 0.78 inches, and it weighs 4.21 lbs. The design is simplistic, streamlined, and offers a premium look. As for the battery, it averages around 7 to 8 hours with a single charge. It has one Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 1, one HDMI 1.4, one Ethernet, and one 3.5 mm audio jack. The speakers are good, with little distortion even at maximum volume. Dialogues sound crisp, and so does the music.
In short, it is a standard-looking Windows 10 device that gets the job done.
Who Should Buy This?
- Suitable for seniors who want an efficient laptop for work and play. For seniors who want a laptop that packs a punch, as far as capabilities are concerned.
- Suitable for office work and businesses who want to buy a mid-range, efficient laptop.
- For students who want a solid workhorse at a reasonable price. Suitable for casual gaming as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any special screens with anti-glare features on laptops for seniors?
Some laptops boast anti-glare features. If you have an issue with spending more hours in front of the screen, you can order protective screens. These screens can be fitted on the laptop's display and help protect your eye from getting strained. They are not very expensive and are easy to fix.
Are laptops for seniors good for watching OTT platforms like Netflix?
Yes, these are like any other laptop, and if you prefer to watch Netflix or any other streaming video service on it, you can go ahead and enjoy it. As a senior citizen, you must consider whether it is comfortable to sit in front of a laptop or on the couch to watch the content on TV. Netflix watchers usually spend long hours in front of the screen.
Do the laptops for seniors come with a service-at-home facility?
Laptops for seniors may have a clause that facilitates the technician to reach the place if any complaints are reported. Check with the seller if this is included in the regular warranty. You can also find out if there are ways to obtain this special service for an extra fee. Sellers also understand the practical difficulty for seniors to carry their laptops to the service center.
Are laptops for seniors fitted with backlit keyboards?
This may not be a hard and fast rule, but there are many laptops meant for use by seniors that have backlit keyboards. You can ask the seller for details before you confirm your order on them. Backlit keyboards are useful if you intend to work in low light conditions or the dark.
What is the maximum warranty offered on laptops?
The maximum warranty is not fixed by any authority. The laptop manufacturers take the call to offer a warranty on their laptops. It usually varies between six months to a year. Some companies offer an extended warranty for one more year if you pay a small additional amount over the laptop's price. Verify the details first before making the selection.
Conclusion
Laptop computers are useful for all seniors, whether they have serious computer skills or just want a device for staying connected and entertained. Many people think that senior citizens are incapable of using modern technology, but the truth is that some can outperform even younger users. There is a laptop for every type of senior among these top best laptops for seniors. Some have large keyboards with high contrast displays and good accessibility features, and there are also those with a simplified system that is very convenient for seniors. All of the above laptops are senior-friendly laptops.