>500$ 3G/4G windows device for a first time computer user

[MarkizSchnitzel]

I need help in trying to find a device for my father. He is 55 and has never used a computer in his life.

But now he is taking a mandatory computer evening school and has also decided to buy a computer and a smartphone (which he also has never used).

First things first, I am willing to leave a possibility to just get an ipad or even a chromebook. but I would like to avoid this. Ipad, because he will also be getting a smartphone at the same time, so maybe a windows tablet with a windows phone would present less of a shock? And chromebook because, AFAIK, there is no teamviewer there? Also, he has a strong preference for touchscreen, and in his class he is also using a touchscreen enabled windows 8 laptop. If my quest fails, I will probably just go get the ipad air with cellular.

Now, requirements:
- touchscreen
- 10-15" screen size. ideally 12-13".
- SIM slot. He works and lives abroad and having to manage a wireless router would be too much for him. I still have to see how skype works with internet sharing, maybe that's an option as well (it's dead simple on WP)
- preferably windows, because he will also be getting a windows phone (Lumia 535)
- Skype camera would be highly welcome.
- teamviewer or something else through which I could reach him with my windows machine if he gets stuck
- available in mainland Europe (germany, switzerland, austria, croatia..)

I was sure I found the ideal device; HP Stream 13. Ideal size, has SIM slot, has an optional touchscreen, is light, fanless, great battery life.. But, it's available starting from january, which is a long wait. Same goes for HP stream 8 tablet.

Are there any other options? The only other I'm finding is Lumia 2520 but it's pricy.

 

[doubledeluxe]

I'm not sure what to recommend hardware wise but the classes are a great idea. PCs have been in our homes for 30 years so it's impressive that he avoided them this whole time.

He's going to have to learn two platforms regardless but if you can why don't you wait to buy hardware until after he's taken s few classes.

 

[mmntech]

Can't believe he's 55 and never used a computer before. Not even at work or at the bank?

Budget usually helps with these threads. If he likes Windows 8, you could always get a Surface 2. Simple, ARM based solution that should do pretty much everything a light computer user would want. The only downside is they don't have robust app support like iOS and Android. However, I don't see that being a big problem for a computer noob who just wants to Skype and check emails.

The Surface Pro 3 is much more powerful, has a 12'' screen, and runs full Windows 8.1. However, it doesn't have built in 3G/LTE, so you'd need to buy a USB dongle for it. That would make it a bit more cumbersome.

 

[MarkizSchnitzel]

I'm actually toying with the idea of him using the internet sharing function, so that would broaden the selection. If I look at just the cellular options, it comes out just the ipad.

Maybe we'll wait for HP Stream 13, depending on if there is a touchscreen model available for purchase. Seems it's only available in USA for now.

He's a construction worker, and had a stabile job situation, so he never had need for a computer, and he also never actually wanted to.

 

[notposting]

Possibly look into used?

Year old ex-flagship devices are usually a nice deal. Maybe a 920/925, alternately a 1320?

Not sure about the tablets, but that could work also, maybe look for a used device, or even a laptop with touch screen as well. The cellular connection/internet sharing is the real tough part of course.

Might be worth getting an affordable (reliable model?) router though and a cheap internet plan (should be easier over there?) for him at home, and let him get used to wifi. Just because he's craftily avoided computers doesn't mean he can't figure them out.

 

[MarkizSchnitzel]

Actually, for a phone, we will go for a 535. He will only be using it for skype and email, and 535 has a great FF camera, is good enough for everything else, and is dirt cheap at the same time (120€ on amazon.de).