Digital Downsizing

As we get older we are faced with downsizing. That includes digital downsizing. 

Sooner or later that old tower and scramble of wires needs to disappear. We need the space. 

At the same time we need the capabilities of newer computers which address senior issues. 

These needs include decreasing mobility, problems with vision, and lessening dexterity with our fingers. 

It is also time to start enjoying the use of a computer and not be tied up forever with solving computer problems.

The time is ripe and the new technology can address our needs well. We can now benefit from portable devices, touch screens, use of large screens and TV, and voice recognition. We can now enjoy the resources of Internet on a TV connected to a small computer or tablet. 

Based on those requirements, then what are our choices? 

Apple addresses all these needs. Other tablets address many of them. Microsoft addresses fewer. Microsoft offers familiarity, though, so we stick to our older systems until they fail us. Windows 8 offers challenges. 

Apple is unique in offering a good wirelss connection between computers & TV. Apple's newer Apple TV technology permits use of a TV screen wirelessly with its devices. 

Microsoft is not quite that far yet but has announced the future wireless TV connectivity with Windows 8 .1. Meanwhile, a Windows software program,AirParrot, can provide the capability to those with an Apple TV device. 

The same technology is in the works for other future tablets. These other tablets, the Android ones, probably have the best speech recognition, while Apple follows not too far behind. Microsoft has a older system which requires special training by the user. 

It is up to the senior to decide which provider offers the equipment which best suits his. Typically a senior will work with Windows until it fails, meanwhile starting to work with tablets with the best combination of the above new capabilities. 

In our rocking chair more and more of us will have a tablet at our side while watching television which also serves as an Internet display resource. More of us will phone others to see them on our TV using tablets. 

More will browse library shelves without leaving the chair or listen to their sound systems via their tablets. 

More will use voice recognition for their email and browsing without leaving the chair. The device in their hands will serve as a radio and camera as well. It will go along with more of us us wherever we need to go. 

Rather than requiring us to conform our ways to the computer the tablet will adjust more and more to our needs and free us from some of our limitations.. As we age our Internet devices will become the magic carpet to keep us connected as our mobility decreases.

Dictated to my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7