The Best Laptops for Seniors in 2020
Laptops have become essential tools in modern everyday life.
They are no longer limited to the younger demographic. In today’s society, everyone needs one.
Good news is, these have become more affordable in price and accessible than ever before.
As a senior, having your own laptop can open a lot of doors for you. From seeing family whenever you want to learning new skills over the internet, your life will become more interesting and fun because of this simple tool.
You will finally have a lot of activities to fill up your free time with, and you can finally connect with your friends and everyone around you.
A good computer is therefore a great investment, regardless of how old you are. The question shouldn’t be whether or not you get a laptop. It should be how soon can you get one.
What to look for in a Senior Laptop?
So what do you need to look for in your search for the perfect computer for you?
Well, here are a few important boxes that the laptop needs to check:
Display
If your eyesight is not what it used to be, you need to treat it gently by investing in a high-quality display.
This will not only reduce strain, but will also make your overall experience that much more pleasant.
You want your display to have high contrast capabilities and a high resolution. High contrast makes everything appear clearer, and high resolution makes everything have sharper edges.
If graphics quality is an important factor for you, make sure to go for an HD screen of 1920x1080p or better.
Size
This depends on how you intend to use the computer. If it is going to predominantly stay on your desk, go for the largest size you can buy. With such a computer, you also get a bigger keyboard, which is a definite plus.
Do not get anything smaller than a 15” laptop.
On the other hand, if you travel a lot, or if you are always on the move, get a smaller, lighter laptop. Do not go for anything larger than 13”.
Laptops may feel light when you first carry them, but when that weight is constantly pulling down on your shoulder or on your back, the effects start compounding and you can almost feel it get heavier by the minute.
Which is why if you are going to be carrying it around for extended stretches of time, a lighter computer is obviously the smarter choice.
Performance
When it comes to performance, it also depends on what you intend to do with the computer.
If it is only a little web surfing here and there, skyping, watching the occasional video and checking emails, 4GB of RAM will do.
Otherwise, go for 8GB of RAM if you intend to handle some heavier tasks, such as running some specialized graphic intensive software for work.
The Top 5 Senior Laptops in 2020
Well, now that we know what to look for, here is a list some of the best laptops for the elderly for you to have a look at and pick one that suits you:
ASUS VivoBook E403SA-US21
If you have been looking for a laptop that offers decent performance without breaking the bank, this is it. It perfectly balances portability, performance and good looks establishing a place for itself as a great laptop for basic tasks.
Specification Overview
Processor
Intel Pentium Quad Core N4200 1.1GHz
Storage
128 GB SSD
Memory
4GB RAM
Display
14” Full HD Display
- Intel Pentium Quad Core N4200 1.1GHz processor (Turbo up to 2.5 GHz)
- 14-Inch full HD 1080P display; Windows 10
- Thin and lightweight design: 0.7” thin and 3.3 lbs light with long-lasting 57Whr Li-Ion Battery which can bring you up to 12 hours of battery life.
- 128GB eMMC flash storage and 4GB DDR3 RAM for fast boot time and application performance; ergonomic chiclet keyboard with fingerprint sensor
- Lightning-fast dual band 802.11AC Dual antenna Wi-Fi keeps you connected through any congestion or interference
Key Features
Here is a closer look at the reasons why this laptop made it to this list:
Display
It comes with 14 inch Full HD 1920x1080p display. If you have some vision problems, this is the perfect laptop for you because the vivid, crisp, large display will make all reading tasks completely effortless. The display is also matte, which further protects your eyes from glare and reflections.
Performance
It comes with an Intel Celeron N3700 processor, which provides just the right amount of processing power for browsing, typing, basic photo editing, and using a few simple programs like Skype. It also comes with 4GB of RAM, which lends the processor more power and allows you to effortlessly multitask between browsing several tabs, working on Microsoft Office and listening to music or watching videos at the same time.
If you intend to use it for simple everyday tasks, expect nothing but a smooth, stress free experience from the ASUS VivoBook E403SA-US21, especially with a good and easy operating system.
PROS
CONS
Verdict
If you want the perfect balance of great display quality, light weight, long battery life, great performance and decent storage, nothing beats the ASUS VivoBook E403SA-US21 for its price range.
This is the only way to avoid making sacrifices, such as going for something with terrible sound quality just to check off a different box.
ASUS ZenBook Flip UX360CA
The ASUS ZenBook Flip UX360CA is hands down the best convertible laptop you can get for its price range.
Although its processor is not the most powerful out there, it will still flawlessly run all basic tasks like browsing social media and make for an enjoyable experience for anyone using it.
Here is breakdown of the basic specifications to give you a better idea of what you will be working with:
Specification Overview
Processor
Intel Core M3-6Y30
Storage
512 GB SSD
Memory
8GB RAM
Display
13.3” Full HD 1920x1080p Multi-touch screen
- 13.3-Inch Touch IPS FHD display, 1920 by 1080 resolution
- 6th generation Intel Core M3-6Y30 CPU. 512GB Solid State Drive with 8GB onboard memory
- 1x Gen 1 USB 3.1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.0, 1x Micro HDMI. Bluetooth 4.1, 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- Windows 10 OS and 1st Zenbook that certified with Microsoft Cortana with Voice-Premium
- 1-year International Warranty with ASUS 1-year Accidental Damage Protection
Key Features
Here is a closer look at the reasons why this laptop made it to this list:
Display
It has a 13.3 inch Full HD 1920X1080p Multi-touch screen. The size is perfectly manageable without being intimidatingly large, and the picture quality is great.
With this laptop, you have a screen with impressive color accuracy and the perfect viewing angles. As a plus, the display has an anti-glare finish, meaning you can comfortably use it outside or next to a window without hurting your eyes.
Performance
The Intel Core M3 processor on this laptop is rather basic. However, the playing field is leveled by the 256 GB SSD that comes with it, which takes things to a whole other level. If you are only planning to run simple software and tasks on this laptop, this kind of power is almost a little too much. Plus, the space you get with this should be enough to store all your photos, videos, documents and movies.
This makes it perfect for a senior who only intends to run basic software, perhaps edit some photos and work in Microsoft Office while watching videos and browsing the internet.
And the best part is that the basic processor on this laptop is completely fanless, meaning you can enjoy working and having calls with loved ones in a quiet environment without having to put up with roaring fans.
PROS
CONS
Verdict
If you are looking for a laptop that holds its own in terms of performance and will not let you down, with everything rolled up in a very affordable package, the ASUS ZenBook Flip is it. So for fast performance, impressive battery life and an affordable price tag look no further than this 2 in 1 laptop. It is also a top laptop choice for teachers.
ACER Aspire E15 E5-575G-57D4
The Acer Aspire E15 is one of the most affordable laptops packing an impressive hardware portfolio. With this laptop, you get 15.6” HD display, an SSD drive and a backlit keyboard for the price of a regular budget laptop.
If you want value for your money, nothing beats the Acer Aspire E15. Here is its spec summary:
Specification Overview
Processor
Intel Core i5-7200U
Storage
256GB SSD
Memory
8GB DDR4 RAM
Display
15.6” 1920x1080p HD IPS screen display
- 7th Generation Intel Core i5-7200U Processor (Up to 3.1GHz)
- 15.6" Full HD Widescreen Comfy View LED-backlit Display supporting Acer Color Blast technology
- NVIDIA GeForce 940MX with 2GB of GDDR5 Video Memory
- 8GB DDR4 Memory, 256GB SSD,Card Reader:SD Card
- Up to 12-hours Battery Life
Key Features
Let’s now take a closer look at the key features that make this computer one of the best laptops for seniors:
Display
It has a 15.6” full HD display that is big enough to be used from a comfortable distance. It is color rich with accurate saturation levels, a feature that will make watching videos a pleasant experience.
The viewing angles are also comfortable. A big part of the reason why this laptop is so great to use is its immersive display.
Performance
It is powered by an Intel Core i5-7200U processor, a 256GB solid state drive, 8GB RAM, and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 940MX with 2GB of GDDR5 Video Memory.
There is almost nothing this laptop cannot do. It will slice through normal everyday tasks like a knife through butter.
So you can browse, Skype, check social media, listen to music, watch some videos and even play some games with the grand kids on this laptop without getting disappointed.
PROS
CONS
Verdict
If you are looking for a budget laptop packed full of quality specs, this is it for senior citizens.
Excellent build quality, impressive battery life, and super-fast Wi-Fi are just some of the few winning specs that you get with this model.
If you have been looking for a laptop that will still serve you well after years of use, the ACER Aspire E15 will gladly play that role.
HP Pavilion 17
If you are looking for a laptop for seniors with a huge display screen that will not compromise your vision, but you do not want to break the bank while at it, then this is the laptop to get.
The HP Pavilion 17 comes with a massive 17.3-inch screen and runs every program you throw at it like a dream. Here is its spec summary:
Specification Overview
Processor
Intel Core i5-4210U
Storage
256GB SSD
Memory
4 GB DDR3L SDRAM
Display
17.3-inch HD+ BrightView WLED-backlit Display
- 17.3-inch HD+ BrightView WLED-backlit Display (1600 x 900)
- Intel Core i5-4210U (1.7 GHz, up to 2.7 GHz, 3 MB cache, 2 cores), Intel HD Graphics 4400
- 4 GB DDR3L SDRAM (1 x 4 GB) Memory, 1TB 5400 rpm SATA Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Burner
- 802.11b/g/n WLAN, Integrated 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet LAN, HD Webcam, Multi-Format Digital Media Card Reader, 2 SuperSpeed USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, RJ-45, Headphone, Microphone, B&O PLAY with dual speakers, Full-size island-style keyboard with numeric keypad
- Windows 10 Home 64 Bit, 4-cell lithium-ion battery, Natural silver
Key Features
This 17-inch screen laptop is a really good laptop for elderly with vision impairment. Here are some more details why:
Display
It has an impressive 17.3 inch display that allows for crisp pictures and vibrant colors, far better than any other similar laptop at its price range. With the HP Pavilion 17, you will not need to squint to see what is on your screen.
Plus, the size of this screen practically begs you to run multiple programs and to multitask as much as you can, something that it does really well.
Performance
The Intel Core i5 processor in this laptop will be more than enough to perform everyday tasks with ease.
When you add that to the fact that this laptop for seniors comes with a 6GB RAM, which is far beyond the recommended 4GB for multitasking, you get a robust laptop that is powerful and quite impressive when it comes to performance.
It has 265 GBs of storage space, which is pretty good at this price!
This laptop should adequately run almost any program, along with simple games.
So you can watch videos and do web browsing with multiple tabs while chatting with loved ones on Skype, or even play some light multiplayer games with the grandkids if you so choose.
You can also choose what kind of operating system you want to install on it. We recommend windows 10!
PROS
CONS
Bottom Line
This is the kind of laptop that offers pretty much everything you would ever need from a portable laptop computer.
It is also fairly low priced, and that makes it the perfect choice for the adventurous senior citizens who is not afraid to indulge in a little light gaming with the kids now and then. Opening a web browser on this laptop or even several ones, shouldn't be a problem.
Apple MacBook Pro
The Apple MacBook Pro is a premium laptop packed full of high quality hardware and software. So if you are looking for unmatched performance and quality, and if price is not an issue, then this is it.
Specification Overview
Processor
Intel Core i5 2.3GHz
Storage
512GB SSD
Memory
8 GB RAM
Display
13.3” 2560x1600p
- 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 Processor
- Brilliant Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
- Ultrafast SSD
Key Features
Display
The MacBook Pro from Apple is famous for its crisp, clear retina display. The colors are vibrant with a high degree of accuracy.
Plus, with a 2560x1600p IPS display panel into the mix, you get deep colors, great viewing experience that look great in any viewing angles you choose to view it from. You can also enjoy movies outside due to the very high brightness this laptop is capable of.
Performance
The Apple MacBook Pro can perform virtually any task you would like to throw its way with ease. It will have any basic software running on it like a breeze, and you will definitely enjoy the browsing experience on this exquisite laptop.
It comes with pretty fast 512GBs of ssd storage, which is makes booting up a breeze!
Would you like to multitask, perhaps? No problem! The Intel core i5 processor can handle that with ease, and it has turbo boost as well.
With this laptop, you can edit photos, watch videos on YouTube, and browse multiple tabs all at the same time. It will not glitch, it will not lag.
PROS
CONS
Verdict
It comes in different configurations depending on what you can afford. The specs shown here are what’s best for seniors who do not need to perform graphics intensive tasks and offers a grasping viewing experience.
It comes in several colors, including space gray.
With the MacBook Pro, you will no longer have to worry about display quality, speed or reliability.
You can either run Mac OS or Windows 10 on the laptop
Update: With that said, the Macbook Air is the best premium option, if you don't want to choose the Pro version. The Macbook Air offers a great performance while being portable at the same time.
So, if you are looking for an easy to use, more budget option, the Macbook Air should be your choice!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. The list of the 5 best laptops for seniors.
So whether you are a senior looking for an easy to use laptop or you want to buy something for your loved one to help them keep up with the times, this list of laptops will have you sorted.
Opt to get either the versatile ASUS ZenBook Flip, the robust ASUS VivoBook, the affordable ACER Aspire E15, the massive display of the HP Pavilion 17, or the exquisite Apple MacBook Pro.
We know that the learning curve can be long, but it's worth it!
Whatever your choice may be, you will not regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
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