Nov 22, 2023
More and more seniors are opting for laptops, whether it's to stay
connected with their grandchildren, pay bills online, or catch up on
the news. However, choosing the right laptop can be a daunting task.
With various technical specifications, sizes, designs, and price
options, it's important to understand what makes a laptop suitable
for a senior user. Read on to find out!
Size
The size of a laptop is primarily determined by the screen size.
While a smaller, more portable laptop may seem tempting, it's often
a better idea to opt for a 15- or 16-inch laptop — or anything in
between. This screen size strikes the right balance between
visibility and portability. It also allows for increased font and
icon size and zooming in on web browsers without cluttering the
screen.
Weight
When it comes to senior citizens, it's essential to choose a
lightweight laptop. You'll want a laptop that's easy to carry around
the house, preferably with one hand when closed and with minimal
effort. Consider a laptop weighing less than 1.8 kg.
Display
For senior users, consider OLED screens like the ASUS Lumina OLED
series. These screens are a fantastic choice due to their eye-care
friendly technology, which reduces harmful blue light emissions by
up to 70% compared to traditional LCD screens. Additionally, OLED
screens offer a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and a response time of
0.2 ms, reducing flicker and enhancing motion clarity, which helps
prevent eye strain.
OLED screens provide excellent color accuracy, but for seniors,
features like an exceptional contrast ratio (1,000,000:1,
DisplayHDR™ True Black 500/600 certified), wide viewing angles, and
strong color performance at varying brightness levels are crucial.
This ensures a comfortable viewing experience, even under
less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Durability
When selecting a laptop for a senior, durability is key. Accidental
bumps, drops, spills, and dust can happen, and while no laptop is
entirely resistant to all forms of damage, there are ways to ensure
your laptop can withstand more challenges than others.
Start by examining the materials used in the laptop's construction,
prioritizing models with as much metal as possible. At the very
least, look for a metal lid. Additionally, pay attention to build
quality indicators, such as the robustness of hinges and screen
flex.
For added peace of mind, consider laptops that meet military-grade
testing standards for durability. Many ASUS laptops are tested to
meet the stringent requirements of the MIL-STD-810H testing
standard, assuring users of their durability.
Battery Life
Seniors may sometimes forget to plug in their laptops. When shopping
for a laptop for a senior, opt for a model with a strong battery,
with a minimum capacity of 50 Wh. Such batteries ensure the laptop
can be used for several hours between charges, even during tasks
like online calling or video playback.
Specifications
While laptops for seniors don't need to match the power of devices
intended for younger, tech-savvy generations, they should still have
decent specifications to ensure a smooth experience when browsing
the internet, watching videos, making online calls, and running
basic software.
Three essential specifications to consider are the CPU, RAM, and
storage space. Aim for at least a recent-generation Intel® Core™ i5
laptop CPU or equivalent. 8 GB of RAM should suffice, and 512 GB of
storage provides ample storage space.
Additional Features
For seniors, video calling is a popular laptop use. Many ASUS
laptops come with features that enhance the video-calling
experience. These include high-quality 720p webcams with physical
privacy shields, 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) algorithms to improve
image quality, and AI Noise Cancelation to eliminate unnecessary
background noise, ensuring clear audio. Some laptops offer
additional convenience by featuring Windows Hello, recognizing the
user's face for simplified login, or integrating a fingerprint
sensor in the touchpad for added security.
Lastly, to protect more vulnerable users, many ASUS laptops feature
the ASUS Antimicrobial Guard, a silver-ion-charged surface coating
that reduces microbial growth by over 99%.
Our Pick: ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED
For senior users, the
ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED
is our recommended choice. It boasts a 15.6-inch OLED screen that
strikes a balance between screen size and portability. This laptop
has been tested to meet the US MIL-STD 810H military-grade testing
standard, ensuring durability. It weighs only 1.7 kg, making it
highly portable. Users can choose specifications to match their
needs, with CPU options ranging from Intel® Core™ i3 to Intel® Core™
i9. Most models come with 8 GB of memory and up to 1 TB of storage.
With an attractive design and pricing, the ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED is
a fantastic option for seniors. Be sure to take a look!
Discover the ASUS Vivobook 15 OLED