Electronics

[JGalt]

My 80 yr. old friend is so intimidated by technology she won't take the time to learn. She has lots of trouble with her computer and has to frequently take it to repair. I think this is just because she won't take the time to learn about maintenance that must be done to keep a computer operating trouble free. But she misses surfing the net and using email.

I have a Kindle Fire HD8.9 and find it perfectly functional to surf the net and do email and very easy to use. But I just bought an iPad Mini (original) because I wanted to get apps that the Kindle can't have and so that I can watch the network TV shows from the networks' web sites. The Kindle can't do most of those. The combination of these two devices suits me well at this time.

I'm trying to decide if I should guide my friend to the iPad because it is more functional than the Kindle. My hesitations might be because of my ignorance with the iPad function:

1. I find the iPad far more difficult to learn to use than the Kindle. Since telephone assistance is for only 90 days with iPad, that may not be best for someone who needs and will continue to need hand-holding.

2. I worry that an iPad needs to have security software operating that would take my friend down the same road the computer travels. Maintaining security software is too much for her to handle.

Can you offer me some words of advice, or your thoughts so I can help my friend?

Thanks, Sonia