My 89 year old father sometimes says he wants to learn how to use a computer. I’m all for keeping your mind active for as long as possible. Amazingly and thankfully, the mind is still sharp. But then, when I run down my memory from about 10 years ago, I remember that I bought him one. Let’s just say it made an item of clutter collecting dust. Only in these more recent times had he been resting for a long time. But I can’t really fault it. That computer was loaded with several line drives and complex manual programs. Not very user-friendly.
And who shall I ever use to search him? I remember when I bought my own desktop computer. It remained in the purchase box for over a year. But if I had touched them, I thought that everything would be turned upside down. But I am 35 years younger than my father. When I got that grill, I couldn’t wait any longer.
While I was reading the March 2010 AARP Bulletin I saw a billboard that got my full and undivided attention. On the back page was a big headline that said, “Finally – the computer is designed for YOU, not your grandchildren!” (page 44). I read the speed reading article and went to their website looking for more information.
The GO Computer was designed specifically with seniors in mind. It is powered by My Gait. At one time this computer was only available for use in Senior Centers and retirement-living. That is now changing. Now who is the market for?
According to the article, this computer comes to you ready to use. You just plug into the outlet and have a high speed connection. It is aptly called Go Computer that you want to use with it, you just press the green GO button. This is a new idea.
Computer maintenance is provided remotely 24 hours a day by the group. It averages out to less than 75 cents per day. When I spoke with customer-service the representative stated that it is $19.95 monthly. This is a great benefit because it eliminates the need to have repairs come to your home. In the rare case where problems cannot be solved, your computer will be restored.
Additional features according to this article are that it has a “large bright screen, one-touch zoom, over-sized keyboard, built-in microprocessor and memory, no full tower, and top rated for durability.” (page 44). Not available in stores.
When I went to the website www.theGOcomputer.com, there were many short videos with extra information. They showed you how to use the computer in easy to understand steps. You will also see testimonials from satisfied customers.
My interest is now really exhausted so I decided to call the company itself at 1-877-792-7149. The customer service representative verified what I had seen in the AARP Bulletin and also information from the internet. But when the article listed the price at $879, he said he was now running a special on it for $829.
With this computer you have the ability to send and receive emails, surf the internet and games online. Could you just see the lovebirds in the latest photo of the grandchildren?
While I understand that it is not a cheap price, especially for a person living within the income tax limits in many cases, it could be a wise investment. who could afford it. If an older person still wants to be productive, enjoying the benefits that computers offer, but without the power, it can be money well spent.
This computer is distributed by First Street for Boomers and Beyond at 1998 Ruffin Mill Rd. in Colonial Heights, VA 23834.
Maybe this would be something my dad would use. Hmmm!! I was thinking of something coming up for my 90th birthday. On second thought, I’d really like to be convinced by that practice and not just think of it as passing.
