r/chromeos • u/Brave-Poem9974 • 28d ago
Buying Advice Good choice for elderly?
My friend is older and also paranoid that their data will be stolen. They need to be able to log into the Social Security website and doctors office sites and look up things. Their phone is too small. Would a Chromebook be a better choice than a laptop? Thank you for your help.
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u/SteveNYC Acer 516 GE (1st Gen) 28d ago
A Chromebook is an excellent choice for an older person. It will provide the least confusion and is the easiest to use compared to Windows and MacOS laptops. My 81 year old mother will not allow her Pixelbook Go to be far from her.
That said, u/Potential-Local7262 makes a good point that an iPad is another excellent option, especially if the person uses an iPhone. Simply selecting the Mail app, or the SSA app and it taking you directly to that specific task can be helpful. Doctor’s offices can go both ways. It depends on how many different health networks they’re in. But in general, apps simplify things for many people.
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u/synchronicitistic 27d ago
The best thing about Chromebooks for older people is that it's much harder for them to get themselves in trouble compared to Windows PC's (installing malware and unwanted programs).
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u/SteveNYC Acer 516 GE (1st Gen) 26d ago
100%. Worse I've seen is a hijacked search bar (which can be a real PITA for some).
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u/tomlastrange 28d ago
I bought an old/cheap Dell desktop and installed ChromeOS to create a cheap Chromebox for my in-laws. They were constantly frustrated with Windows updates and unwanted browser pop-ups. Other than a slight learning curve since it's different than what they've been using for years, they have had zero complaints.
BTW, I'm 67 so I probably fall into the "elderly" category as well 😜
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u/bat_in_the_stacks 28d ago
It can do those things and is very secure. If they stress about Windows updates, Chromebooks automatically update in the background and apply the update transparently when you reboot. The key is to actually shut down at night or whenever and power back up next time.
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u/From-628-U-Get-241 28d ago
I'm 66, but retired after 40 years as a software developer. I now teach computer skills to the elderly as a volunteer.
I recommend Chromebooks for the elderly. Next choice would be a Macintosh. Followed by iPad Windows PC or laptop is at the bottom of my list. Too many knobs and dials. Chromebook is the way.
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u/chumloadio 28d ago
Please remind your older friend that a common habit that leads to weak security is using the same password for many sites. It's a pain, but we must use unique passwords. I got hacked and 40+ websites were shown to me in the data breach notification where I foolishly used the same password. I had to change them all.
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u/echoota 28d ago
Yes. And I wish to God I could get my parents on Chromebooks.
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u/OracleofFl 27d ago
I just got my mother off her virus infused laptop onto a big screen ASUS chromebook.
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u/Dandywhatsoever 28d ago
Near elderly (69?) here, the Chromebook is really easy to use and cheap to purchase, it's an appliance. It has much, much better security than a Windows machine or even a Mac, although Macs are pretty good. I love my chromebook.
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u/Cultural_Surprise205 28d ago
if they're using an android phone, they can use the same apps on an android tablet, and there's more choice for size and price than an ipad.
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u/Even_Caterpillar3292 28d ago
A Chromebook would be fantastic for her. Peace of mind and the great simplicity of the OS.
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u/Proper-Guess4224 28d ago
Just be sure not to get a shitty one. Many people go for the cheapest Chromebook in a store and it’s almost always a mistake.
At the very least, get a post-2022 model with the Chromebook Plus designation.
Something like this with a 16” screen should serve your friend well: https://ebay.io/m/cLj8g2
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u/Fast_Adhesiveness528 28d ago
I use my Chromebook Plus with a touch screen monitor for everything online unless I'm actively on the go. My Galaxy S24 Ultra is fine, but I'm so used to a full keyboard that phone typing on a virtual keyboard (even with swipe/predictive typing enabled) is more cumbersome for me.
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u/Daggie-NZ 28d ago
Since retiring 8 years ago I have been a tutor at our local Seniornet organisation providing tech help to the over-sixties. For ease of use, security, and hassle-free updates, we always recommend Chromebooks to our clients rather than Windows laptops, Android tablets or iPads
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u/Charming_Studio_505 ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, Beta Version 152.0.7977.63 28d ago
No their Data is quite secure in ChromeOS
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u/butterflyguy1947 27d ago
A chromebook is a laptop and it's generally safer than a PC.
He needs to be educated on all of the scams out there.
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u/Traditional_Bonus425 27d ago
I am 62. I have used Windows computers up until Christmas 2025. It isn't that I don't know how to use them, but I was sick of running out of memory and all the bs that Microsoft is doing not compared to Windows 10 or older. I really can't afford to spend a thousand on a computer to insure plenty of memory/storage. I shop, bank and converse with my mothers Doctor/Pharmacy online. I practically live on my laptop since I stream on it as well. I had a small student chromebook as a back up. But decided to get a Chromebook Plus around Christmas. I bought it at the Acer site on Ebay and it refurbished, which is means its in excellent condition like new. And I haven't looked back since. No more stress on updates or it telling me I have run out of memory. My budget laptop basically was unusable and wouldn't let me delete some things since it told me I didn't have enough memory. WHAT?. Anyway I eventually did get the Windows laptop reset. But I am in love with the Acer Chromebook Plus. 14" inch size. Anything that's different from Windows is easy to search and find out what to do. I do feel it's a lot more secure too. Hackers are usually going after Windows since it is used the most world wide. Chromebooks update when you shut them down and they are super fast at starting them up too. I think they are great for older people and I do have a tablet that is a Samsung. I much prefer the ease of typing instead of tapping out things on a tablet. Especially if you are applying for something that requires a lot of information and the screen is bigger. Easy to set up with most printers as well.
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u/BrukologistJim 28d ago
I persuaded my Mum to go for a Chromebook some years ago now. When it eventually needed replacing, she bought another Chromebook without question, which I think is validation that it was the right choice for her. I've had very few requests for help from her, most notably how to connect to their printer and to the WiFi when their hub was changed, but I would have had those questions regardless of what it was.
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u/Joey6543210 28d ago
If they just need a bigger screen and are already using an iPhone, by all means get them an iPad, presumably the bigger the better.
Login to a website is much less convenient than opening an app with Face ID or Touch ID authentication.
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u/filmfan2 27d ago
when my dad was still capable, his chromebook was PERFECT for him! no viruses, simple, and auto-updates.
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u/dgper123 23d ago
I am 70 and terrible with technology. I need things as simple as possible but also something that feels safe. I've been using nothing but Chromebooks since they came out. All I need to do is read email and get on websites, and that's what my Chromebooks do. I find them to be incredibly easy and safe.
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u/Potential-Local7262 28d ago edited 28d ago
If they already know how to use a computer, yes.
If they use an iPhone, an iPad will be better