simple computer for less-tech-savvy elders
ApolloRising: I did this recently. What i did was just get them a macbook pro 15 inches (easier to see the larger screen). Increase the default font sizes until they are comfortable. Setup USB based speakers into a hub and plug as much as you can into that one hub so there is only ONE cable connection other than power that they need to remember to connect the laptop once it is on the desk. I then labeled that end with one of those small labeling machines so they don't get confused. Using a weirdly colored usb cable also helps, so you can say did you plug in the RED one over the phone?Wireless setup as easy as it is on the mac was done by me to make sure they are secure. Make sure to configure the guest account if you get the more expensive airport router extreme, this way they can allow anyone to surf without having to open up the entire network.They were setup on a gmail account that tied into the standard apple Mail software via IMAP so that they can check their mail from anywhere.Their small digital camera was setup to import into Iphoto and they seemed to really like that. I removed any icons from the desktop and dock that they did not use. So basically they have finder, safari, mail, iphoto, ical, itunes, and chat.I advised them not to use personal finance software on this thing due to their lack of experience with it. They prefer paper statements and going into the bank. Some of the spam emails look so authentic that they might get confused and make a mistake if I tried to have them start using online banking.I also installed logmein software (they have a free version) that allows you to show them remotely how to do certain things and they seem to appreciate that quite a bit.Backups are done via superduper, I am still considering an online backup service for them but have not gotten around to that just yet.Games to occupy the grandchildren were also added so they can enjoy that with the kids. Adding a remote wireless apple keyboard is probably going to be a good idea since the kids tend to bang on things they should not.Importing their music into Itunes also made them happy.Behind the scenes with their permission you can also probably setup an automated rsync or rsnapshot to a remote server.