Senior Tech Tip: Should Your Next Computer Not Be a Computer?

Samsung tablets start in the mid-$100 range, but models comparable to iPads start around $350. This Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, Samsung’s current flagship model, starts at a retail value of $1,199. (photo courtesy samsung.com)

by Russ Alman, Communications Director

One of the questions I’m frequently asked by members of the Senior Center is what type of computer to buy—Mac or Windows, laptop or desktop.
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Now that Windows 10-based computers are considered “end of life,” those of you who have older Windows-based computers are faced with upgrading to a newer computer in order to have a supported operating system.

While there are plenty of budget-conscious, Windows-based laptop and desktop computers suitable for basic computer needs, there is another option you may not have considered: abandoning the traditional computer entirely and investing in a decent tablet instead. If it’s your first time buying a computer, a tablet is also a great option.

Many seniors I’ve talked to at the Senior Center who do not have a computer have some experience with a smartphone, which is essentially a small tablet. The majority of members I’ve tutored are using smartphones and tablets.

In my personal life, my parents have a desktop computer and a laptop, and both have iPhones, but they spend most of their computer time using their iPads.

Here are some key reasons why a tablet might be the best option for senior computing:

Ease of Use. Like smartphones, tablets are designed to be easier to use than desktops and laptops. Because they have a touchscreen and no built-in keyboard, they are designed to be tactile and user friendly. To be blunt — it’s really hard to screw them up.

Security. Because they are designed to be more plug-and-play than computers, tablets tend to be easier to secure. If you go the iPad route, Apple’s phones and tablets are known for being very secure. You must, however, make sure to activate your screen lock so others can’t physically access the device without your permission.

Super Portable. By design, tablets are mobile devices. While they’re bigger than smartphones, since everything is housed underneath the screen, they are easy to to hold and carry around. All you need to keep it running is a USB cable and a small AC adapter to keep it charged and tablets will run for many hours on the built-in battery.

Bigger Than a Phone. While the user interfaces for tablets are nearly identical to their smartphone cousins, their larger screens make them easier to see and to manipulate. Seniors who get frustrated trying to read small print and type on tiny keyboards on their phones will find relief in the larger screen of a tablet.

It’s Still a Computer. While the form factor may be different and it’s thin and light, make no mistake — tablets are computers. They have all the same components and features. They are just optimized to carry around under your arm. A decent, mid-range price tablet is just as powerful as a laptop computer.

It’s Designed for Media Consumption. Because the form factor is essentially a touchscreen that you carry around, tablets are excellent devices for watching movies, reading e-books and newspapers and playing games. They are also fantastic devices for doing video calls using services like Facetime (Apple) and Messenger (Facebook/Meta). Think of them as a window to the world. Since most seniors use their computers primary as media consumption devices, tablets are a perfect fit.

They are still expandable. Tablets have a standard USB-C port, so you can plug in peripherals just like a laptop. They also support Bluetooth, so it’s easy to add headphones, wireless speakers, keyboards and mice.

This still leaves the question of what brand of tablet to buy. There are essentially two options: Android OS-based tablets, most of which are made by Samsung, and iPads, which use Apple’s iOS operating system and are manufactured by Apple. (Yes, there are cheaper Android-based tablets you can find made by no-name Chinese manufacturers, but I strongly suggest that you stick with name-brand tablets for a number of technical reasons I’m not going to go into here. And in case you’re wondering, Amazon Fire tablets are also Android based and are a great option for a low-end media consumption device.)

However, my blanket recommendation? Get an iPad! Here’s why:

(from apple.com) The iPad is available in a variety of case colors and can be paired with a stylus and keyboard to use it more like a laptop.

More Bang for Your Buck. While Apple’s computers tend to start at higher price points than Windows-based computers, not so with their tablets. iPad models start at just $349. If you compare them against Android-based tablets, you will be hard-pressed to find comparable models at the same price point. In general, iPads are faster and have longer battery life than Android competitors. Also, if you’re a Costco member, they carry some models in stock, usually with special prices or product bundles.

Fantastic Customer Service. Apple is known for their top-notch customer service and technical support. You can also buy an AppleCare warranty to extend this coverage beyond the initial year.

​iPhone Compatibility. If you are already an iPhone user, you definitely should choose an iPad. Apple computers, tablets, phones and watches are all designed to communicate with each other through Apple’s iCloud. Whatever you create or access from one device will seamlessly be available on the others.

The only exception to my iPad recommendation is if you have an Android-based smartphone and don’t plan on switching to an iPhone. If that’s the case, you’ll probably find buying a Samsung tablet the better option. They are still great tablets and the interface will be similar to what you are already using. Plus, you’ll be able to use Google and/or Samsung to seamlessly synchronize files and settings between the two devices.

This is why I have a Samsung tablet — my Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra work perfectly together, sharing information through my Google One account. However, if I was using an iPhone, I most certainly would have an iPad.

I truly believe that if more seniors had the opportunity to try out a tablet, they would use it in addition to their smartphone and as a replacement for a computer. If you have not had the opportunity to try one, stop by a local reseller and take a look. It just might change the way you think about and use your electronic devices.