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Trying to pick out the best laptop for seniors in 2022? We have got you covered.
Laptops that are lightweight and extraordinarily portable are preferred by senior citizens due to their convenience.
Novel features such as touch screen support, stylus implementation, and 2-in-1 convertible design are also highlights to consider.
For the right laptop for seniors, it is also beneficial to look for decently powerful internals, a long battery life, and a high-quality display. Affordability is also preferred for a value-oriented senior citizen.
The computer technology you need for everyday tasks doesn’t have to be expensive. If you look at our options, elderly parents will be able to make video calls, use the SSD storage for old photos, or do just about anything no matter their physical impairments or computer literacy.
Without further ado, here are our notable picks for the best laptops for seniors.
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The Best Laptop for Seniors – Comparison Table
Editor’s Choice LG Gram – Editor’s Choice
| Best Premium Apple MacBook Air M1
| Best Budget Microsoft Surface Pro 7
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How We Choose the Best Laptops for Seniors
In order to pick out the perfect selection of laptops for seniors, we had to consider the needs and wants of the elderly users in terms of computing.
We particularly gave extra consideration to the laptops that were built with a thin and light nature in mind. The lightest laptop brands under 3 pounds are great for seniors, and we included as many light computer options as we could.
The form factor was also an important factor to consider in this roundup. 2-in-1 convertible laptops are recommended by AARP for seniors, and we particularly liked this form factor as well. We also preferred laptops with small screens and compact bodies which made them easier to handle.
Our focus was also on longer battery life as the best laptops for this use case should be able to perform their tasks for long periods without needing a charge. Laptops with extraordinary battery cells were preferred and ranked higher on our list.
Another thing we looked at, metaphorically and literally, were the displays of the laptops. We preferred high-resolution, bright displays with better color reproduction. Other hardware components such as the keyboard and trackpad were also part of the consideration.
We made sure the keyboards on our recommended laptops did not have any known issues. The keyboard legend on the majority of the keyboards was large and the typing experience was known to be acceptable in the community. Backlighting is something we checked as well.
Finally, we made the computing experience our priority. Anything that could make the daily computing experience simpler and more streamlined was preferred. This meant a mix of high spec laptops and value-oriented options to round off the list.
With these factors in mind, let’s dive right into our selection of the best laptops for seniors.
1. LG Gram – Editor’s Choice
Size: 15.6 inch | CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD| Battery: 22 Hours| Resolution: 2560×1600 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- Excellent Battery Life
- Solid Performance
- Extremely Lightweight
- High-Quality Display
- Solid Build Quality
Cons:
- Quite Expensive
- Low Specs For The Price
The LG Gram separates itself from almost every other laptop on the market by offering something unique. The Gram, as can be deduced from its name, is an extremely lightweight laptop with a trick up its sleeve.
Weighing in at just under 2.5 pounds, the LG Gram is an extraordinarily lightweight laptop. This is great for seniors as heavier laptops tend to be uncomfortable to use and carry around for them.
Moreover, one of the best features of the Gram is its immense battery longevity. The company claims 22 hours of moderate use on a single charge, which is frankly more than your parents or elders will realistically need in a day.
Coming on to performance, there are not a lot of complaints to be had about the Core i5 1135G7 CPU with integrated Iris Xe Graphics. This base option should be plenty powerful for the daily use of your elderly relatives.
The Gram’s practical design and low weight make it an ideal day-to-day laptop for the elderly. It can also be incredibly portable and can last a long time on a charge, checking further boxes. The performance also holds up for most tasks that may be demanded.
It is also an incredibly well-built machine with a premium feel. The screen deserves a special mention as the WQXGA 2560×1600 resolution panel stands out from the standard specs of the machine.
However, the Gram is certainly not perfect. The base option with the Core i5 is quite expensive, which is a huge premium for such specs.
The premium being demanded by LG is justified in a way, as no other laptop is offering the unique features of the Gram. However, it might just be a tad too expensive for senior citizens.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 8/10
- Battery: 9.5/10
- Display: 9/10
- Value for Money: 7/10
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
2. Apple MacBook Air M1 – Best Premium Laptop For Seniors
Size: 13.3 inch | CPU: Apple M1 SoC | GPU: Apple 8 Core | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD| Battery: 18 Hours| Resolution: 2560×1600 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- Thin and Light Chassis
- Excellent M1 SoC
- Remarkable 18 Hours Long Battery Life
- No Fan Noise
- Display Is Top Quality
Cons:
- Sparse USB Ports
- Premium Price Tag
Apple’s semi-premium offering in their laptop range, the Apple MacBook Air M1 is a great all-rounder laptop that can function perfectly as a daily driver for the elderly.
The MacBook Air M1 offers a unique blend of premium build quality, excellent performance, a lightweight chassis, and extraordinary battery.
The light nature of the Apple MacBook Air will be appreciated by the elderly. It weighs in at just 2.8 pounds and has a 13.3-inch screen which makes it a small form factor laptop by comparison. Portability is excellent thanks to these factors.
Apple’s inclusion of the M1 SoC in the MacBook Air was an inspired decision, and nowhere does it shine more than in the battery.
The company claims a staggering 18 hours of battery life on light media, which is plenty for any hectic day that your elderly relatives might have in their plans.
Speaking of the Apple M1 SoC, performance is top-notch in thanks to the brand new Apple Silicon. It can handle any sort of productivity tasks such as video editing and photo manipulation as well if the user plans to use it in that way.
The premium retina display deserves a special mention. The panel is excellent, with precise color reproduction and decent viewing angles.
The retina resolution is the icing on the cake. The overall build quality of the laptop is top-notch, as one would expect from Apple.
The MacBook Air does come with its flaws, however. The laptop has two USB-C ports only, which can be a real hassle for the elderly if they plan to use many traditional USB-A devices with this laptop. They might not also appreciate the ecosystem of dongles required to make it usable.
Moreover, the premium price tag is a bit steep, and might not be the ideal price bracket for many senior buyers.
However, the well-roundedness of this laptop paired with the convenience of Mac OS could be a driving feature for most elderly buyers. This makes it the best premium option.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 9/10
- Battery: 9/10
- Display: 8/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best Budget Laptop For Seniors
Size: 12.3 inch | CPU: Intel Core i5 1035G4 | GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics| RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD| Battery: 10.5 Hours| Resolution: 2736×1824 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- Extremely Portable and Convenient
- Support For Stylus
- Remarkable Screen
- Decent Performance
Cons:
- Mediocre Battery Life
- Lack Of USB-C Functionality
- Keyboard Could Have Been Better
The Surface Pro 7 from Microsoft presents a unique proposition as the best budget laptop for seniors. It is actually a convertible laptop that can shift between laptop and tablet functionality.
This dual nature has a host of useful features that might appeal to the elderly. The hybrid design offers superior multitasking capabilities.
The laptop form works like any other laptop, but then you can easily flip to the tablet form and take it on the go with you conveniently. The chassis is lightweight and thin, so it gets extra points in portability as well.
Stylus support is also a huge advantage that can make daily use easier for the elderly. Basic word processing and web browsing can be way more convenient in tablet form with the stylus.
Speaking of the stylus, the display it interacts with is no slouch either. The color reproduction is crisp and vivid, and the viewing angles are decent. Not to mention, the resolution is extraordinary at 2736×1824 which is a huge plus point.
The performance is nothing exceptional but should be enough for anything your elderly relatives might want to do on a daily.
It is not built for heavy video editing or animation etc. but that scenario is unlikely with this particular use case.
Microsoft claims a battery life of 10 hours with a complete charge, which is the middle of the road when it comes to laptops in this price range. The screen is certainly a big drain on the battery given its high resolution.
Notable grievances with the Surface Pro 7 include its lack of USB-C functionality, which is almost a necessity nowadays, and its lackluster keyboard.
It is is, however, relatively affordable when compared to other laptops on this list so that could be an incentive.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 7.5/10
- Battery: 7.5/10
- Display: 8.5/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Overall Rating: 8/10
4. Acer Aspire 5 – Best Value
Size: 15.6 inch | CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics| RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD| Battery: 8.5 Hours| Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- Excellent Value Proposition
- Good Spec Options
- Cheap Price Of Entry
- 512GB SSD at this price
Cons:
- Mediocre Display
- Life of the Battery Could Have Been Better
- A Bit Heavy
The Aspire 5 from Acer is a budget-oriented laptop that makes its mark with the incredible value proposition it offers. It makes a decent case for being one of the best laptops for seniors you can currently buy.
Acer has provided a host of decent specifications with the Aspire 5, which makes it a bit of a budget powerhouse. The Core i5-1135G7 paired with the Iris Xe Graphics is a rare combination at this price point, not to mention the 512GB SSD as a cherry on top.
These internal components should be good enough for most applications that might be needed by your elderly relatives. Any sort of word processing, web browsing, media consumption, etc. should be a breeze.
The spec options offered by Acer at this price point are tremendously impressive.
This laptop is certainly not lightweight, weighing in at a hefty 5.20 pounds. This would limit portability significantly, especially for seniors. It could function better as a fixed laptop on their work desk, for instance.
The battery life certainly leaves a bit to be desired as well. At 8.5 hours, you will barely get through the day on a single charge, even with light workloads. It makes more sense to keep this laptop in a fixed workspace with access to a charge port.
Acer has provided a basic 1080p display on the Aspire 5, which is certainly one of the cost-cutting measures. However, the rest of the chassis is well-made and has decent build quality keeping in mind the price of entry.
Overall, it is clear that the Aspire 5 is a fantastic budget option for seniors with a low cost of entry. It has its flaws in terms of battery and weight, but it makes up for them in other areas such as specs and value.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 8.5/10
- Battery: 7/10
- Display: 7/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Overall Rating: 8/10
5. HP Pavilion 15
Size: 15.6 inch | CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics| RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB SSD| Battery: 7 Hours| Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- Excellent Specs
- Decent Build Quality
- Amazon Alexa Services
- Inclusion of 1TB SSD
Cons:
- Unremarkable Battery Life
- Relatively Large and Heavy
- Only a 1080p Screen
The HP Pavilion 15 is another excellent all-rounder option that can be one of the best laptops for seniors. The laptop combines excellent specs with a remarkable build quality that is a rare combination in laptops of this bracket.
Perhaps the highlight feature of the HP Pavilion 15 is its excellent build quality. The aluminum chassis adds a durable yet lightweight layer of protection, which gives the laptop a premium feel. The overall fit and finish of the laptop are exceptional.
Under the hood, the Pavilion 15 is packed with the 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with integrated Iris Xe graphics. This combination will make it possible to multitask without any lag and stutter, and the laptop can perform moderate productivity tasks with ease as well.
A unique feature is the integration of the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. The voice-controlled AI allows it to be more convenient and useful for seniors as they can use their voices to perform tasks. This feature should be implemented in more and more laptops going forward.
It is not all perfect, however, as the HP Pavilion 15 has an unremarkable rated battery life of just 7 hours. This falls under the average battery life we see from laptops in this price range. The fast charging feature does help compensate a bit in this regard.
We would have also liked to see a higher resolution display , but unfortunately, the standard 1080p panel in this selection is unremarkable, to say the least.
The laptop is also a tad on the heavier side and can be a bit of a hassle to carry around. Portability is not the strong suit of the HP Pavilion 15.
Overall, the HP Pavilion 15 should make a solid laptop for seniors, however, there are a few quirks that need consideration before finalizing your purchase decision.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 8.5/10
- Battery: 7/10
- Display: 7/10
- Value for Money: 8.5/10
- Overall Rating: 8/10
6. Lenovo Flex 14 – Best Design Laptop For Seniors
Size: 14 inch | CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U | GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 8| RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB SSD| Battery: 12 Hours| Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- 2-in-1 Design
- Touchscreen Ability
- Quite Affordable
Cons:
- Underwhelming Screen
- Mediocre Performance
- Reported Trackpad Issues
The Flex 14 from Lenovo is another convertible laptop with a 2-in-1 design that makes a lot of sense for seniors. Thanks to its unique ergonomics, it is incredible at multitasking and should be considered.
The unique ability of the Lenovo Flex 14 is the hybrid design that makes it easy to turn into a tablet with a single flip. This also means that the Flex 14 has touchscreen capabilities, which is great for seniors.
Stylus support is also a positive, as it helps tremendously in daily productivity tasks.
The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor with Vega 8 graphics might not be the latest and greatest, but they are plenty powerful for anything your elderly relative might want to throw at it. Specifications overall are unremarkable and might suffer from heavier applications.
It claims a battery life of 12 hours, which is above average for a laptop in this class. Build quality of the laptop is impressive, and the thin and light nature of the chassis certainly plays in our favor.
Lenovo has provided a simple 1080p screen on the Flex 14, which is a bit of a missed opportunity. A convertible laptop should have a better screen due to its hybrid nature, as seen with the Surface Pro 7. The trackpad also has some reported tracking issues in terms of responsiveness.
However, the Flex 14 certainly makes a strong case for itself when it comes to the best laptops for seniors. It is convenient, fairly portable, lightweight, and has a decent battery life, which are all important boxes to check for the elderly.
If you can overlook the mediocre performance and underwhelming screen, the Flex 14 can certainly be an option to keep on the top of your list. It has more than enough decent features to warrant consideration in this roundup.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 7.5/10
- Battery: 8/10
- Display: 7/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Overall Rating: 7.5/10
7. Dell XPS 13 9310 – Most Reliable Laptop For Seniors
Size: 13.3 inch | CPU: Intel Core i7-1185G7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD| Battery: 10 Hours| Resolution: 1920×1200 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- Remarkable Build Quality
- Excellent Mobile Processor
- Good All-purpose Laptop
Cons:
- Quite Expensive
- A Bit Heavy
- Few Usable Ports
Dell is synonymous with business laptops with unmatched reliability but the XPS 13 9310 can be a solid choice for seniors as well. It is an excellent all-rounder with various highlights.
From the get-go, performance is the strong suit of the XPS 13. The Core i7-1185G7 with the Intel Iris Xe Graphics is a powerful combo that can handle high-level productivity tasks as well. If the use case in mind is resource-intensive, the XPS 13 might be the way to go.
Furthermore, the build quality is top-notch, as is expected from this lineup. The chassis is sturdy and houses some nice materials as well. However, the standard 1920×1200 resolution screen is a bit of a letdown, especially considering the price.
The strength of the XPS 13 comes from its versatility. This laptop can be used for various use cases, and it excels in almost all of them. The rated battery life of up to ten hours is sufficient for all-day use, especially in the case of elderly users.
However, all is not perfect with the XPS 13. The body is a bit on the heavier side, which detracts points from the portability standpoint. Dell has also provided a few usable ports on the XPS 13 which can make the I/O a bit annoying for seniors.
It does have a lot of connectivity options with Thunderbolt 4 USB type-C. Though it doesn’t have HDMI port options, it does have USB ports, Wi-Fi connectivity,
The laptop is also a tad heavy on the wallet. That premium price tag might not be agreeable with elderly users who just want a basic day-to-day usable laptop.
Conclusively, the XPS 13 is a bit of a hard sell for the senior crowd. On the one hand, it does a B+ job in most everyday scenarios, but it also has some shortcomings in other areas. The price tag is also a bit of a tough pill to swallow for this use case.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 8/10
- Battery: 8/10
- Display: 7/10
- Value for Money: 7/10
- Overall Rating: 7.5/10
8. ASUS ZenBook 14 – Best Performance Laptop For Seniors
Size: 14 inch | CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7 | GPU: Nvidia GeForce MX450| RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD| Battery: 14 Hours| Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- Powerful Mobile CPU
- Impressive 14 Hours Battery Life
- Innovative Screenpad
Cons:
- Underwhelming Display
- GPU Could Have Been Better
- Very Pricy
The ASUS ZenBook 14 brings something a little different to the table. Not only is it an excellent all-around laptop for basically all uses, but it also has an innovative Screenpad feature that separates the ZenBook from the competition.
The ScreenPad is an implementation of the trackpad which allows the user to perform additional functions with it. The App Switcher on the Screenpad makes window switching between the main window and the pad a lot easier.
There is also a feature that converts the Screenpad into a numeric keyboard. The pad can also be used to take notes and perform gesture-controlled operations.
The laptop itself checks a lot of boxes in terms of practicality and usability for seniors. Performance should be top-notch thanks to the integrated Intel 11th Gen Core i7 processor and the Nvidia GeForce MX450 dedicated GPU.
The laptop is perfect for word processing, basic productivity, browsing the web, and light creative tasks as well.
The 1080p resolution is a sore spot on a laptop of this price range in 2022, but the rest of the hardware is up to the mark.
The build quality is remarkable and the materials used give a premium feel to the laptop. ASUS could have included a more powerful GPU to complement the CPU, however.
Battery life is rated at 14 hours on a full charge, which is above average for this class of laptops. ASUS has also provided a Thunderbolt 4 port for advanced connectivity which is a nice touch. However, the price point of the laptop is a bit much for this category of buyer.
Although the ASUS ZenBook 14 brings some innovative features to the table and is generally well balanced, the price point might not make sense for a laptop designated to be used for basic functionality.
Still, it should be considered as it checks a lot of boxes and is often found at discounted sale prices.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 7.5/10
- Battery: 8.5/10
- Display: 7/10
- Value for Money: 7/10
- Overall Rating: 7.5/10
9. ASUS Chromebook C202 – Best Chromebook For Seniors
Size: 11.6 inch | CPU: Intel Celeron N3000 | GPU: Intel Integrated Graphics| RAM: 4GB | Storage: 16GB eMMC| Battery: 9 Hours| Resolution: 1366×768 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- Very Lightweight at 2.6 lbs
- Chrome OS For Basic Computing
- Quite Affordable
Cons:
- Basic Specs
- Only 16GB eMMC Storage
- No Touch Screen
- Not For Multitasking
We have also included a Chrome Book option as they can be really convenient for seniors. Our Chromebook selection, the ASUS Chrome Book C202, takes a simplistic approach to laptop design.
It is made like a really durable laptop, so it is ideal for those who like to handle their laptop a bit roughly. It has a rugged exterior, a spill-resistant keyboard, and some durable materials on the chassis making it desirable for seniors.
Another excellent feature of the Chromebook C202 is its weight or lack thereof. At just 2.6 pounds, the Chromebook C202 feels excellent in the hand and is really easy to carry around and take with you. The 11.6-inch screen is also a factor that helps improve portability.
ChromeOS is great for basic computing and internet browsing, and you can get pretty much all your work done on it if you are a senior user.
It does not have the advanced functionality of Windows, and perhaps that’s a good thing when the target audience is your elderly relative.
However, the specs of the Chromebook C202 leave a bit to be desired. Although ChromeOS is very easy to run, it can still use a bit more power than is provided by the C202.
The 4GB of dedicated RAM and the measly 32GB of eMMC storage are borderline usable in 2022, so it would be wise to look for a spec upgrade on this laptop. Safe to say the Chromebook C202 is not one for heavy multitasking.
The Chromebook C202 also does not include a touch screen, which is a huge missed opportunity by ASUS. A touch screen would have made it far more convenient to use for elderly users.
Conclusively, the Chromebook C202 by ASUS is an interesting alternative to regular laptops and it should be considered if you are looking for something really affordable and basic.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 5/10
- Battery: 8/10
- Display: 5/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Overall Rating: 6.5/10
10. HP Stream 14 – Best Entry Level Laptop For Seniors
Size: 14 inch | CPU: Intel Celeron N3060 | GPU: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics| RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB eMMC| Battery: 9 Hours| Resolution: 1366×768 | Refresh Rate: 60
Pros:
- Very Affordable
- Full Windows 10 OS
- Great For Basic Computing
Cons:
- Low-Resolution Display
- Underwhelming Specs
- No Touch Screen
- Cheap Build Quality
The final pick of our roundup is a really basic, barebones laptop which is ideal for seniors who just want to get their tasks completed. The HP Stream 14 takes a back-to-basics approach and it shows.
The biggest advantage of the HP Stream 14 is its value. It is a very affordable laptop that runs Windows 10 operating system. This is rare because you often find Chrome Books at this price point that do not give you the full functionality of Windows.
HP has also given thought to the portability aspect of Stream 14. The laptop weighs just 3 pounds which is on the lighter side, making it easy to carry around and manage on the go.
The battery is rated for up to 9 hours of use on a single charge, without having to use a power outlet. Portability of the Stream 14 is certainly a plus point.
Under the hood, HP has packed basic internals that would be good enough for day-to-day use for seniors. The Celeron dual-core N3060 processor isn’t going to be a video editing powerhouse or gaming CPU. However
it can perform well in basic word processing, web browsing with Wi-Fi connectivity, and media consumption.
HP has also missed a really important opportunity by not providing a touch screen in Stream 14. Although it is a budget laptop, a touch screen would have made it that much more convenient for elders.
The basic 1366 x 768 display is a bit of a letdown in 2022. It has unremarkable color reproduction and poor viewing angles on this screen size as well.
In addition to the underwhelming specs, the laptop also has the poor build quality and cheap materials like possible refurbished models, which detract from the overall experience.
All in all, the HP Stream 14 is certainly not for everyone, but for the basic senior user who just wants to get their daily tasks completed on a budget, it is certainly worth consideration.
RATINGS:
- Performance: 5/10
- Battery: 8/10
- Display: 5/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Overall Rating: 6.5/10
Buyer’s Guide
If you are a senior citizen looking to purchase the ideal laptop for yourself, or you are someone who wants to buy one for your elderly parents, there are certain factors you need to consider. Keep in mind the following points before finalizing your purchase decision for older adults.
Ease of Use
The primary focus when buying a laptop for a senior should be ease of use. It is of paramount importance that you choose a laptop that is easy to handle on a day-to-day basis, be it in terms of weight or form factor.
The 2-in-1 convertible laptop market is quite popular nowadays, and it is the form factor recommended by AARP for seniors. These computers are quite easy to use for daily tasks and are very portable and convenient as well.
Especially with a Surface type cover, a surface pen, or a spill resistant keyboard. Larger screen space and bright display quality is great for elderly parents as well.
Be sure to take the keyboard and trackpad into consideration as well. It would be helpful if the keyboard legend was large, and that it has a full-sized keyboard. A backlit keyboard also helps a lot.
The trackpad should be precise and smooth as it can be a bit difficult to get used to for senior citizens.
Stylus support and touch screens are additional features that make these laptops exceptional for the average user. Even if a 2-in-1 is not your preference, look for laptops that are not hard to use for multiple tasks a day. There are several great options in our roundup.
Size, Weight, and Long Battery Life
Seniors prefer a laptop that is convenient to use for basic tasks like a video chat, so you should forget about big and heavy laptops that are a pain to handle.
Look for laptops that are built to be extremely light. Anything under 3 pounds should be ideal. Moreover, older adults often prefer small form factor options so it might be worth looking into laptops with 13-inch screens or lower.
In addition, it would be worthwhile to choose a good laptop with extraordinarily long battery lives. 8 hours is pretty much the standard in the laptop industry nowadays, but there are several great options with 12 to 18 hours of rated battery life.
A thin and light laptop with a small footprint, paired with a long-lasting battery, will be the ideal laptop gift for your elderly parents this holiday season.
Display and Internals
Internals might not matter as much as in other scenarios such as online gaming, but they do still hold importance. Look for a laptop with modern integrated Intel Core 10th or 11th Gen processors (or newer) for the best balance of performance and efficiency.
Dedicated internal GPUs do not hold that much importance in this use case, but be sure to look for RAM and storage specs. Even 8GB RAM should be enough for basic tasks for now, but you might want to pick 16GB with a great operating system for a bit of future-proofing.
The display of the laptop is something to keep an eye out for, pun intended. In 2022, 1080p displays are the bare minimum, so look for laptops with higher resolution displays preferably with unique features such as touch screen or stylus support. These features can increase convenience a lot.
Additional Features and Operating System
Laptop manufacturers often implement features that are built for the elderly crowd. Several computers can be found on the market that cater to specific problems faced by senior citizens in day-to-day operations.
It is a good idea to look for laptops with a basic operating system and interfaces. You might want to take a look at Chrome Books, which run Chrome Operating System in place of Windows. The entire Chrome OS system is based on the Chrome browser so it is very easy to use.
Mac OS is also quite intuitive for users who are familiar with an iPhone and are integrated into the Apple ecosystem. If the programs you want to run are on Windows, then there are several devices that run Windows OS 10 S which is a lightweight version of Windows OS 10.
On the hardware side, manufacturers are now including features that were previously not present on older models. Features like a full-sized Numpad and fingerprint scanner are now common in laptops, so if your elderly parents are used to a Numpad, this might be an avenue to explore.
This ties into the implementation of accessibility features like full-sized keyboards with large keys that are easier to type on, a bright backlit keyboard, multiple shortcut keys that are easy to access, and easy-to-use navigation features such as touch screens.
A powerful laptop isn’t really necessary, but you may want something with true tone technology and retina display for watching movies, video calls and more. An HD display with great sound quality is great for older adults.
Conclusively, the market of laptops for seniors a is quite big and you can certainly find the perfect fit for you or the senior citizens in your life with a bit of elbow grease.
FAQs
What is the Easiest Laptop for Seniors?
The easiest laptop for seniors should be convenient to use on everyday tasks, have an excellent operating system, have reliable performance, and should be portable. Not to mention a decent battery as well. If it is affordable, that is a cherry on top.
What is the Easiest Computer for Seniors?
Laptops are the easiest computers for seniors since they offer a lot of functionality in addition to portability. Normal desktop computers may be difficult to use for seniors and elderly parents, as they are fixed in place and maybe uncomfortable to use for long periods. Mobile phones and tablets usually have limited functionality as compared to laptop features.
What Laptop Does AARP Recommend for Seniors?
AARP recommends a 2-in-1 convertible laptop for seniors. We have selected two such laptops with touchscreen display, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and the Lenovo Flex 14. Both of these laptops offer flexibility in operation and lots of great features such as stylus support with the surface pen, which are great for seniors as recommended by AARP.
What is the Simplest Laptop?
The simplest laptop is probably a ChromeBook laptop. We have selected the ASUS laptop Chromebook C202 as our choice for this category. Chrome Books use Chrome OS instead of being a Windows laptop, and this laptop offers processor speed suitable for all the features for daily tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and watching movies.