Computers for Seniors in Australia
A laptop or computer is still the most comfortable choice for email, online banking, printing, and longer typing. The bigger screen and proper keyboard suit anyone who finds a phone or tablet fiddly. These guides help you choose a laptop that is easy to read and simple to use, and make an existing one feel less cluttered.
Where to start
Buying for the first time? Start with the laptop buying guide. Already have a Windows laptop that feels confusing? The setup guide will calm it down.
Not sure which device suits best? Try our quick quiz, Which device might suit best?
What makes a computer easy to use
- A clear, large enough screen, so text is comfortable without squinting.
- A full-size, well-spaced keyboard for easier typing.
- Enough speed for everyday tasks, without paying for power that will never be used.
- A simple, tidy desktop with only the programmes the person actually uses.
- Easy ways to make text larger and the mouse pointer easier to find.
Choosing a laptop
Best Laptops for Seniors in Australia
What to look for, and good-value options that are easy to read and comfortable to use.
Read the guide about Best Laptops for Seniors in Australia →
How to Choose a Laptop for an Older Parent in Australia
The features that actually matter, and how to match a laptop to the way they will use it.
Read the guide about How to Choose a Laptop for an Older Parent in Australia →
Laptop, Tablet or Desktop: Which Suits an Older Australian?
Compare the three options and find the one that fits everyday needs and budget.
Read the guide about Laptop, Tablet or Desktop: Which Suits an Older Australian? →
Best Budget Laptops for Seniors in Australia
Affordable laptops that are still easy to read, type on and use every day.
Read the guide about Best Budget Laptops for Seniors in Australia →
Chromebook vs Windows Laptop for Seniors: Which Is Simpler?
How the two compare, and which is easier to set up and support.
Read the guide about Chromebook vs Windows Laptop for Seniors: Which Is Simpler? →
MacBook for Seniors: Is It Worth It?
When a MacBook makes sense, and when a Windows laptop is the simpler choice.
Some links in our buying guides are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we would suggest to our own family.
Best Lightweight Laptops for Older Adults
Light enough to move around the house.
Read the guide about Best Lightweight Laptops for Older Adults →
Best Laptops with Large Screens for Poor Eyesight
Bigger screens that are easier to read.
Read the guide about Best Laptops with Large Screens for Poor Eyesight →
Best Touchscreen Laptops for Seniors
Tap the screen instead of the trackpad.
Best Chromebooks for Seniors
Simple, low-cost and hard to break.
Best Desktop Computers and All-in-Ones
A tidy all-in-one for the desk.
Read the guide about Best Desktop Computers and All-in-Ones →
Best Dell Laptops for Seniors
Dell options that suit older users.
Best HP Laptops for Seniors
HP picks worth considering.
Best Lenovo Laptops for Seniors
Reliable Lenovo choices.
Dell vs HP vs Lenovo: Which Suits a Senior?
The three big brands, compared.
Read the guide about Dell vs HP vs Lenovo: Which Suits a Senior? →
New vs Refurbished Laptops: What’s Safe to Buy?
Save money without the risk.
Read the guide about New vs Refurbished Laptops: What’s Safe to Buy? →
Best Computer Monitors for Poor Eyesight
Large, clear screens for the desk.
Read the guide about Best Computer Monitors for Poor Eyesight →
Best Large-Print Keyboards
Big, clear keys that are easy to see.
Best Easy-to-Use Mouse for Seniors
A comfortable mouse that just works.
Best Ergonomic and Trackball Mouse for Arthritic Hands
Kinder on sore hands and wrists.
Read the guide about Best Ergonomic and Trackball Mouse for Arthritic Hands →
Best Webcams for Family Video Calls
Clear video for seeing the family.
Best External Speakers for Clearer Computer Sound
Louder, clearer sound from the computer.
Read the guide about Best External Speakers for Clearer Computer Sound →
Best Printers for Seniors
Simple printers that are easy to live with.
Setting up and using a computer
How to Make a Windows Laptop Easier for Seniors
Larger text, a simpler desktop, fewer distractions.
Read the guide about How to Make a Windows Laptop Easier for Seniors →
How to Set Up a New Laptop for a Senior
A simple, step-by-step setup that makes a new laptop calm and easy from day one.
Read the guide about How to Set Up a New Laptop for a Senior →
How to Video Call on a Laptop: Zoom, FaceTime and WhatsApp
Get set up for face-to-face calls with family using the most common apps.
Read the guide about How to Video Call on a Laptop: Zoom, FaceTime and WhatsApp →
How to Set Up and Use Email on a Windows Laptop
Add an email account and send your first message with confidence.
Read the guide about How to Set Up and Use Email on a Windows Laptop →
How to Keep a Windows Laptop Safe: Updates, Antivirus and Backups
Simple habits to keep a laptop secure, up to date and backed up.
Read the guide about How to Keep a Windows Laptop Safe: Updates, Antivirus and Backups →
How to Connect a Printer to a Laptop in Australia
Step-by-step help to get a printer working, wired or wireless.
Read the guide about How to Connect a Printer to a Laptop in Australia →
How to Free Up Space and Speed Up an Old Laptop
Easy ways to clear clutter and make an older laptop feel quicker.
Read the guide about How to Free Up Space and Speed Up an Old Laptop →
How to Print and Scan at Home
Get printing and scanning working.
How to Use Microsoft Word
Write letters and documents with ease.
FAQ: Computers and laptops
Is a laptop or a desktop better for an older person?
A laptop suits most people: tidy, portable, and easy to put away. A desktop can be easier to see with a larger screen, if it stays in one place.
Windows or something else?
Most Australian computers run Windows, and help is easy to find. The key is setting it up simply rather than the brand on the lid.
How much should I spend?
For email, banking and browsing, a mid-range laptop is plenty. Paying more buys speed everyday use rarely needs. Check current pricing at the major retailers.
How do I make a laptop easier to see?
Windows lets you enlarge text, zoom the screen and make the pointer bigger in a few clicks. Our setup guide shows you how.
Where can I buy a laptop in Australia?
Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman carry the main options in store and online.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
Where to go next
Would a tablet be simpler than a computer? See Tablets and iPads. Setting up online banking safely on a new laptop? See Staying Safe Online. For a printable setup and safety pack, see The SeniorTech Toolkit.