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You will have probably seen in the news about simplicITy, the new computer which is being aimed at the over 60s. Understandably there a portion of this target demographic who feel somewhat patronised by this approach, after all just because someone is over 60 doesn’t mean they lose the ability to learn to use new technology. Of course there are those over 60 who will find this computer and operating system to be just what they need, giving them an environment where they feel safe, but there are also the ‘Silver Surfers’ who have been around as long as the internet and aren’t going anywhere.

Now at £435.99 for the cheaper model (complete with wireless mouse, keyboard, monitor, and speakers) this seems a little on the expensive side for something so, using their own terminology, simple. Only a Hard disk drive, no USB or CD/DVD drives (at least as far as I can tell), what you get for your money seems a little thin on the ground. In fact seeing as the owner will need to set up their own Broadband connection anyway, which can be a frustrating exercise at the best of times, surely it would be easier, and of more use in the long run to purchase a standard computer. Sure it may mean a little work from friends or relatives, but a similar result can be reached with a standard Windows computer, some setting up of programs such as Outlook and Internet Explorer, and a quick organising of the desktop so that only shortcuts that the user actually needs are visible rather than the myriad arrangement of them that are always there when any new computer is turned on for the first time.

On the other hand, anything that opens up more people to the information and resources available on the internet can only be a good thing one would imagine. Viva la revolution!