Any UK based TCs here who found a simple Skype solution - old parents

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 09:38

Just wanted to compare ideas. I was going to bring an old tablet such as HP Touchpad and seeing if it would be simpler for my old mum to use rather than a laptop.



It would be good for her to see grand children more often.

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 12:27

The UK Three phone system operates skype from mobiles and video

Obviously a fortune to operate a "three "3 G phone in the TRNC but is there a way forward with the phone using telsim /Turksel and an unlocked phone ?

I cant get my 90+ mum to use a mobile mission impossible

nikegirl


Joined: 19/02/2010
Posts: 162

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 12:50

I skype my grandparents regularly. They are 76 and 83 years old. They have a HP laptop and only use it for Skype. I have set it up so that there is no password required when you turn on the computer and the only logos on the desktop are internet explorer, recycle bin and skype. I taught them how to use the mouse to click on skype and call me and also to "answer with video" when i call them. Usually I need to phone the house phone and tell them to go on Skype but it's really good that they can do it now. I'm sure with a little practice your mum will be good at it.



Best of luck.

HappyLappy


Joined: 01/02/2012
Posts: 22

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 13:40

Hi, I use the ASUS Videophone, very easy to use and is left on just like a normal phone, so in contact 24/7. Google it, they cost approx £180.

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 14:10

I like the videophone idea but presumably there is a dial pad that is displayed for the touch-screen.

My challenge is that mum doesn't speak English - she does have friends who do and use Skype on a laptop however. They key thing is to get her over the "what happens if it doesn't work" concerns.



I also like the simplified laptop solution. I am considering looking into automating as much of it as possible.

Something along the lines that, 1. Lid opened, 2. Press the Power button, 3. Operating system starts (Windows), 4. Skype starts automatically, 5. She just needs to click on the contact on the screen.



It would be good to know what the cheapest internet service is for someone who just needs to use skype video calls lasting no more than 15-20 mins once a week.

HappyLappy


Joined: 01/02/2012
Posts: 22

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 14:55

Hi Brother, the Videophone has pictures so once the contacts are added, all you mum has to do is press the picture of the person she wants to call, there is also a green phone button to dial and a red phone button to end the call. it is very very easy.

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 14:58

I must say HappyLappy, your example looks most compelling in terms of risk against hassles with general issues.



I just noticed this thread is now "sticky" - wonder why.

HappyLappy


Joined: 01/02/2012
Posts: 22

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 15:01

Sorry Brother, am new to this, what do you mean by "thread being sticky"

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 15:20

Well, it was appearing "sticky" at the time - not now. What ithat means is that the discussion "sticks" to the top of the list of forums

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 20:02

I used to phone my mother on her landline via skype. I pay £9 per month and then can phone any landline in Europe free and as long as I like anytime I like, 0090 numbers are included. If she wanted to talk to me, she would call me and then I would ring her back straight away. I used to talk to her every day, not to mention all my friends in England, France Turkey and the rest of the family in Germany, saves me so much money.

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 20:30

Hi DippersGirl, I'm after a video base solution for my mum. Thanks for the Skype info.

I forgot to add that I work in IT so I am indeed aware of Skype per se.

It looks like the videophone may be the best option in my case



The key thing is for me to organise an appropriate internet connection for her before I take the device over when I next visit NC. So far it looks as if the "going rate" is approx. 60TL pm.

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 20:33

For ease I would agree with message 10. I pay a very small amount into skype, and dial people n England on there landlines. I find that computer to computer via skype is not very clear, but when I use my computer to a persons land line it is much better. Let them call you usng their phone, and then you call them back on skype. Much less stressful for them, if they fnd the computer a problem.

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 20:41

Hi Stella. Indeed the idea is that her normal telephone (land line) would be kept anyway.

I feel it would be a big improvement to her life if she was able to see and hear us.

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 21:23

Are you sure the video is good enough? We used to do skype to skype when my mother stayed at my sister's house, but we gave the video up in the end. The voices get distorted and she got disconcerted if she could not see the picture properly and then the conversation circled around all that and not what we really wanted to talk about. Maybe here in Dipkarpaz the connection is not as good.

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
01/02/2012 21:35

Very good point DippersGirl and I am grateful to you for making me realize I was assuming too much. I must remove my UK glasses when I look into these things .

paula121s


Joined: 09/02/2011
Posts: 63

Message Posted:
02/02/2012 23:35

Hi both our mothers are elderly and never used a computer before, we got them both I Pads and they use skype using that. They are very easy to use plus they have both learnt how to e mail and play games on them.



One tool that we found useful as my Mum had problems with the touch screen was a stylo with a rubber end so if they're a bit shakey it stays on what they are aiming for.

Deniz1


Joined: 28/07/2009
Posts: 3829

Message Posted:
03/02/2012 08:23

Please explain how the Asus video phone works, is it through the internet or a mobile sim?

HappyLappy


Joined: 01/02/2012
Posts: 22

Message Posted:
03/02/2012 09:47

Good morning Deniz1, the Asus videophone works off internet - wireless, just plug in enter your wireless password and off you go. As I dont always have my laptop on, having the Asus keeps me in contact with the UK 24/7 although I have not used it to phone a uk land line as you need to put money on it and am not sure how thats done so for landline calls, I use my laptop. Hope this helps.