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WitchHazel

Is it true you sometimes need a computer to update an Ipad?

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Hi All

 

I'm an Android girl, and I have very little experience of using/managing an Ipad.

 

My aunt, who is 74 and not used to using computers, is keen to have a "computer". I've spent some time understanding what she wants to be able to do (and what she finds difficult), and I feel that she would find some sort of tablet a better buy than a laptop. Tablets are easier to learn to use, less vulnerable to viruses, etc etc. She wants to learn to use the internet, to send emails etc. I know that she will end up wanting to play Scrabble and other games, and she'll probably want to Skype.

 

Although I am an Android fan myself, I appreciate that an Ipad may offer her more choice when it comes to Apps etc., and that Apple is generally really easy to pick up. I don't know much about Ipads, so I'bve been trying to find out a bit about them before I take my Aunt to look at tablets in general.

 

Today I read that some software updates for Ipads cannot be done over the air, and you need to plug your Ipad into a computer (or go to an Apple store) to get the update.

 

Is that true?

 

If so, what sort of updates does this happen with? How often?

 

That may be a deciding factor in what sort of tablet to enourage her to get!

 

Thanks for your help

 

Hazel

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If you mean software updates, mine come straight to my iPad. I get a little window pop up saying update number blah is available. My iPad is wireless connected to our home network. Bt you need Internet connection to even start using it.

If she uses Facebook, you do need a pc in order to plate profile pics, well I do as I find them quite hard to do on the iPad.

Hope that helps :D

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I don't know much about ipads either, being an Android person, but I gather that she will only need a wireless internet connection in order to update it. Do bear in mind though that the storage in tablets (as with any computer) isn't finite, so while an older person isn't likely to fill it up with files, it is worth being aware of.

 

With regards to viruses, you can get free apps for AVG antivirus which is pretty darned good and would protect whatever tablet you choose. Why not look at a Samsung Galaxy Tab? They are very good, and the Android system is less 'tying' than that of Apple.

 

Good luck Hazel and have fun

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No need for a PC at all, just a wireless router. The ipad really is so simple and sounds like it would be perfect for her.

 

I use mine all the time at home and it is so quick to look things up on the internet - you can find the answer to a quiz question before the contestant has answered!!!! You instantly know when an email has come through and there are loads of apps, mostly free

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Thanks for your replies chaps, very helpful.

It's helped confirm myview that that a tablet rather than a PC is the right route for her.

 

I think I'll take her to an Apple store so we can look at the Ipad and Ipad mini. I'll then be able to compare them with my Transformer and decide whether to show her some Android tablets or not. My gut feeling is that the Ipad will be easier for her to pick up quickly.

 

The limitations on the Ipad would bother me, but I don't think they will bother her, unless she suddenly goes mad with the camera or with the music downloads.

 

I guess I'd better find out who she has her phone with, so I can start comparing broadband packages for her.

 

Hazel

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My bro bought my Mum an iPad for Christmas - although she is a real novice she really likes it. He also bought me & OH one (he is not normally this generous!!!) and we think it is fabulous. The thing I like most is the ease of use as well as the quality of the graphics. I use my laptop all the time for work, but when I use the iPad I feel its more of a plaything, I use it to do nice things, sitting on the sofa :roll:

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