Christmas gift advice

So my girlfriend's parents Skype us quite often and that is how we primarily communicate with them where we live in another province. With that in mind their laptop is really aging and is having problems with the power cord, battery and overall being slow. The thing is probably 8 years old now so it's getting to be time to replace it.

Her parents really only use the thing for mild internet browser use (mostly Kijiji, Facebook, and maybe a little Youtube) and Skype. Otherwise, they really don't know how to use the thing it's hard enough getting him to open up "the google".

So that in mind, do you guys have any suggestions for a cheap solution to get them a newer piece of hardware that'll be a bit more reliable for them?

We have pondered the idea of getting them a laptop, maybe a Chromebook, or even a Tablet (we'd have to buy a keyboard to go with).

Any suggestions from those of you who are a bit more familiar with the market?

 

Quite honestly, I'd steer clear of a tablet. While there are some pretty cheap Android Alternatives out there (And Bluetooth Keyboards can cost as little as $10-$20), I'd recommend getting them a Laptop or Chromebook instead. That little bit of extra cash for a more well rounded product is definitely worth it.

I've heard some seriously good reviews on the Chromebook, even the cheaper, lower hardware models are supposedly quite good if you're only planning on using it for browser based activities and low resource using applications. For your case I'd definitely review it. I'm not sure of the cost where you're from, but the lower model ones are reasonably priced in Australia.

 

I use my laptop (Macbook air) for all that stuff. Just basic internet and school stuff and it's lasted me 4 years and works perfectly fine. The battery life just recently started getting bad but not bad enough to the point where i've needed to go fix it. I know it's on the pricey side but it's a product I will always use.

 

Here's a really good rig for a decent price. I believe it's $50 off for a short period of time. Check it out!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product//B...scsubtag=fddb19589b1911e5b6247e8e5ec211bb0000

 

^This is my suggestion as well, I actually own one.

The screen is really nice looking, although glares a bit in the light. Better than most other chromebooks which have grainy almost matte screens.

 

and if the glare is a problem for them, a very quick search led me to this

http://www.amazon.com/iLLumiShield-Chromebook-Anti-Glare-Anti-Bubble-Anti-Fingerprint/dp/B00IK48OJC