Typing with a Touchpad: A Senior's Perspective

Imagine typing your email and not knowing if the next word that you enter will appear at the end of the last line or in some random spot on the page. The problem is that as you type you touch the touchpad. This moves the cursor to another part of the page along with the words :).


To not be  able to type where you want to type is a very frustrating experience and it is shared by some of my students who have laptop keyboards with touchpads.


If your loved one already has this issue with their laptop here are some workarounds.


Workarounds

1. If they are not using the touchpad at all (i.e using a mouse), then you can disable it.  http://www.pcworld.com/article/241048/how_to_disable_your_laptop_touchpad.html
2. You can try connecting a USB keyboard. This is especially useful if their laptop keyboard is small and the user finds it hard to type on.

If you are looking to buy a laptop for your loved one and they need to use a touchpad  then buy one where the touchpad supports palm rejection. This eliminates the movement of the cursor while the user types 

Some things to Consider when Buying a Kindle Reader for your Parents

My student approached me during a computer class to help show her how to use a Kindle Reader. The version she showed me is shown below. It is a Kindle Basic that uses a 5 way Controller to navigate. There were some interesting points of usability from a seniors perspective that I wanted  to share.

Kindle with 5 button controller

Senior Usability Pros

• The Kindle is ready out of the box. You do not need to connect the Kindle to a computer prior to use. It comes loaded with some books and a dictionary. The only thing you need to do is charge it. (Please note power adapter sold separately grrr )
•  The price is affordable :)
• The screen is readable. There is no apparent glare.  The text is sharp :).

Senior Usability Cons

• Navigation on this Kindle can be challenging because of the Controller. The arrow buttons are very thin and may prove difficult if the person fingers are not flexible or rigid
• The keyboard button is not very intuitive and requires the person to select letters using the Controller which can be difficult from the above reason.
• My student was able to charge the Kindle. However, the connection from the Kindle to the USB plug is narrow and may prove difficult for unsteady hands.
• Power Adapter sold seperately :(
• Overall  interface not very intuitive

Kindle has many other versions to consider for your parents or grandparents like a touch screen. If it is possible, have your loved one try the e-reader first and see if it is usable to them.

If you need further help in buying mobile devices, computer or any other tech devices for your parents or grandparents please contact us at info at 2jour dot com or www.2jour.com