As simple as that...

Yesterday I visited a residential care home which has just taken delivery of three SimplyUnite PCs. Like Alex these PCs are aimed at making computing simple for older people. They offer only a limited set of functions - reading and writing e-mails, making Skype calls, viewing photos and videos and surfing the web.

The users of the these PCs may have problems using a keyboard and mouse so touch-screen technology has been used and the system has nice clear labels and buttons. Whenever text needs to be entered an on-screen keyboard appears. A standard keyboard and mouse are also available for users who prefer them.

I spent time with a number of staff showing them the features of the system and they were very excited about some of the possibilities for their residents. They are keen to get families and friends involved and the system provides easy ways for people to send photos and videos for users to look at.

I look forward to hearing how they get on and seeing this system rolled out to other care homes.