Buying Guide for a family member?
Frequently asked questions from families.
How can my mother/father use a computer? I'm sure it will be too complicated!
We know that some older people find technology daunting, especially with a visual impairment, but Guide is no ordinary computer! Guide hides all the usual Windows and buttons, presenting every task with a simple numbered list and asking basic questions each step of the way. We have customers over 90 years old and we know that when you see Guide for yourself, you'll understand how it enables people who have never have used a computer before to send emails, write letters and more, giving them greater confidence and independence.
Why would my parents need a computer at this stage in their life?
These days everyone is talking about the Internet and when speaking with older people they often feel 'left out'. A computer opens up a world of information and opportunities at any age. Being able to scan and read post, send an email, check the news, keep a diary and write a letter with Guide delivers independence and freedom that many feel they've lost along with their sight. Recent research has even found that elderly people using the Internet are less likely to suffer from depression; the health benefits from being able to find information, communicate and stay in touch are wide reaching.
My mother/father cannot type, how will they manage a computer?
Dolphin Guide really is easy to use and can largely be operated with just 4 keys. For those who want to improve their keyboard skills, Guide's typing tutor can work wonders. Failing that, Guide allows you to record voice memos as MP3 to send by email.
I've tried to teach them computers before, how will this be different?
You know your parents better than we do but we're confident that Guide is something new. Take a few minutes with our free trial and we're confident you'll see computers differently. Our friendly support team here at Dolphin are only a phone call away when you or your parents need help.
I suppose it will need me to set it all up for them?
Dolphin are experienced in setting up computers and our computer packages come pre-configured so there's no work for you to do, only unboxing and if you don't even fancy that, you can purchase home setup with some training for your parents.
I have an old computer at home, could I put Guide on that?
Although Guide will work on most computers, the old computer you have at home is probably "old" for a reason! One of the biggest changes currently happening in the IT world is Microsoft's shift away from it's older software (namely Windows XP) towards Windows 7 and 8. While Dolphin Guide will work on an XP machine, this operating system is now 13 years old and soon will stop being supported, so maybe if the machine is getting on a bit, it's time to think about investing in a new one. We can supply the whole package if you like.
My parents don't have space/room for a computer!
Dolphin Guide works equally well on a laptop computer and, best of all, there's less cables and wires to worry about. Ultra-thin laptops are also available and take up little to no space. We can supply a laptop package for your but, if you find a laptop you like and it meets our system requirements, we'll happily install Dolphin Guide on it for you!
Wouldn't they be better off with an iPad?
Apple's iPads are great, we like them too, but we believe there are still some things that Guide does better! Studies also show that touchscreen devices don't always suit older people as it's easy to press something by accident and get lost. Why not give Guide a go and find out which suits your parents better? Dolphin's products are supported by people with visual impairments themselves, thus we believe we have more expertise in this type of technology. We can also supply large print keyboards and manuals in Braille if required.
What about when it goes wrong, am I going to regret answering the phone?
If your mother or father has any query when using Guide on their computer we recommend that they give our friendly customer support team a call. Our team is here to help and includes a number of people who live with visual impairments themselves so they can empathise while working to resolve an issue efficiently. We can also provide training via telephone or face to face at your parent's home.
What if they break the computer?
Like any electronic gadgets, computers can go wrong! But don't worry, for your peace of mind all our hardware packages come with a 1-year warranty. We also have a 30 day returns policy on any software/computer purchased from us so if you're not happy for whatever reason, we'll give you your money back.
