I don't understand how the iPad magically connects to the internet, while for the PC it is a complicated challenge. I suppose you have a WLAN router now, whereas at PC times, you didn't?
No question, the always on nature of the iPad makes it more convenient for some tasks. Although I have to say, I never switch off my MacBook either, it always only goes to sleep (before you ask, I bought a MacBook because I thought I would do iPhone dev... Still a Linux man at heart).
I understand that the iPad can be simpler for some taks, I just don't understand how the PC/mouse could have prevented computer use completely.
Eyesight: your grandfather seems to be lucky, I was talking more in general, as the iPad is hyped as "the computer even old people can use". Most old people are less lucky with their eyes.
Both my parents do mostly stuff with the PC the iPad can't even do, for example skyping with their granddaughters. My mother is also still big on scanning, although I wish she would stop :-)
That's great to hear, Tichy! I'm glad for your parents to do all those things!
To your comments:
The iPad is always connected, because it runs on a data plan (since you're from Germany: we're on 10€/month O2). Before my grandfather had to connect his modem after disconnecting his phone. Again, you're from southern Germany, I'm sure you know a lot of smallish villages without DSL, too. Getting that Ubuntu PC online takes me about 5-7 minutes. Getting the iPad online the better part of a second.
And my Grandfather can use Skype, too. Ever since I started living in Switzerland (two years ago), I'm doing all of my calls using Skype with a landline plan. First with my Macbook, but since one year with my iPhone. I carry my landline with me, all the time. And so does my grandfather.
What the iPad doesn't do is scan, yes. But my grandfather has a fax capable of copying. And he own's a digital camera. That fixes about all use cases he has.
Again, if your grandfather is happy with the iPad, who am I to argue with it. I just don't understand why you compare it to outdated technology (this also always irks me about Apple). At the moment, UMTS routers seem to be all the rage, so you could have attached that "old PC" to a router, too. Of course having to manually change the phone connector is unbearable - I last did that maybe 12 years ago... Even twelve years ago there where cheap boxes available that would switch the phone line automatically between modem and phone.
I am not very knowledgeable about skype. I thought since the iPad doesn't have a camera, skype would be impossible (at least skype with a picture, which is a hit with the granddaughters). Also I wasn't sure, can you attach a digital camera and get images off it onto the iPad?
Anyway, I suppose it is all great - until you get those flash christmass cards...
There will be no video chat on the iPad. But honestly, I don't even do that with my girlfriend. I call her with my iPhone, not the Macbook. Just because it's more convenient to walk around while calling.
And there's an iPad camera connector kit. This was a must-have feature for us, because my grandfather really likes his Sony Cybershot digital camera.
As for the christmas cards, I will certainly not send him a flash card. I wouldn't want or open one myself. There's little to no chance that anyone will send him something blinky or flashy. Maybe a nice picture, though^^ Yeah, that'll work.
No question, the always on nature of the iPad makes it more convenient for some tasks. Although I have to say, I never switch off my MacBook either, it always only goes to sleep (before you ask, I bought a MacBook because I thought I would do iPhone dev... Still a Linux man at heart).
I understand that the iPad can be simpler for some taks, I just don't understand how the PC/mouse could have prevented computer use completely.
Eyesight: your grandfather seems to be lucky, I was talking more in general, as the iPad is hyped as "the computer even old people can use". Most old people are less lucky with their eyes.
Both my parents do mostly stuff with the PC the iPad can't even do, for example skyping with their granddaughters. My mother is also still big on scanning, although I wish she would stop :-)