We are in an age of technological change like no other. Yesterday's purchase is history before we have had time to learn its feaures. Such rapid change in the computer industry and telecommunications is causing many seniors to throw in the towel and just ignore the new opportunities provided by the "information age".
At a time when some seniors are losing their mobility and traditional contact with relatives and friends, they should be taking advantage of new ways to communicate and "see" the world. The World-Wide-Web has opened up "virtual travel" to anywhere for everyone. E-mail and Instant Messaging and video conferencing allows people to interact and even "meet" visually if not physically. Many seniors have embraced such new technology and their lives have been enriched. Others shun it because of the cost and complexity if they don't have a computer geek in the family to set things up. Is there a better way to spread the benefits of the technology revolution? Can seniors without computers and Internet connections participate?
New hand-held devices less intimidating than fully loaded computers can now handle the functions of e-mail and web browsing. Internet access can now be set up as a wireless connection called "WiFi". Out of sight, out of mind: only the computers and cell phones know it is there.
I am currently investigating two devices that have the potential to help seniors communicate: the XO Laptop, a new Wi-fi enabled tablet computer designed at MIT, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a hand-held Internet tablet from Nokia, the Nokia N800. Anyone who has some experience with these devices, please leave a comment.
1 comment:
A PC Magazine review said that the XO keyboard was designed for children. What is needed is to explain how to attach a full size keyboard. Most people use computers at a desk so this suggestion is not taking anything away from the XO.
TY
R Schmitt
seabsct@gxxmail.com
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