OT: Computers for seniors

[Bob Rasmussen]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for tips on helping my 83-year-old mother with her computer 
needs. She's very tied into her email, but that's almost all she does. 
She's cognitively doing pretty well, but vision is a problem. She uses 
dial-up Internet to save money, but we might be flexible on that. 

After using a series of hand-me-down laptops (from me) with web-based 
email (gmail), she's talking about buying something. I would think any 
Windows PC with a large enough screen would suffice, for the hardware.

For software, again primarily for email, the primary issue is ease of use, 
which I would imagine means:

* Lack of visual clutter (such as ads) on the screen.

* Large target areas for mouse actions, maybe for use with a touch screen.

* High contrast colors, no partial transparency. 

* Not too many options she is unlikely to need.

* Ability to view common attachments.

* Minimal bandwidth requirements, for dial-up.

I'd appreciate any helpful suggestions, especially if backed up by family 
experience.

Regards,
....Bob Rasmussen,   President,   Rasmussen Software, Inc.

personal e-mail: ras at anzio.com
 company e-mail: rsi at anzio.com
          voice: (US) 503-624-0360 (9:00-6:00 Pacific Time)
            fax: (US) 503-624-0760
            web: http://www.anzio.com
 street address: Rasmussen Software, Inc.
                 10240 SW Nimbus, Suite L9
                 Portland, OR  97223  USA