Valerie Singleton launches nettops for the elderly

 

Gallery

Posted on 11 Nov 2009 at 14:33

Former Blue Peter presenter Valerine Singleton is backing a new series of nettop computers aimed at the elderly.

A joint venture between Wessex Computers and discount-age.co.uk, a company founded by former Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton, has launched the simplicITy, a series of nettops designed as an affordable and non-intimidating alternative to standard PCs for the elderly.

The simplicITy comes with a heavily simplified version of Linux (an interface called Eldy) that's designed to be as uncluttered and simple to understand as possible. A web browser, email program, word processor, instant messaging program and photo viewing software are pre-installed so it should be able to handle the most common computing tasks. You can see it working at Eldy's website. A series of video tutorials presented by Singleton are also included. The company is also promoting several broadband packages from Eclipse to accompany the simplicITy.

The 100 model comes with a single core AMD Sempron LE-1250 processor, while the 200 model comes with a more powerful Intel dual core Atom processor. The 200 is also described as being smaller and quieter than the 100. Other specifications, such as the amount of RAM and hard disk space in each model and whether users can install their own software if they wish, weren't available at the time of publication but these are unlikely to matter to the simplicITy's intended market.

The 100 will cost £300 inc VAT, while the 200 will cost £390. For £135 more, a 19in LCD screen, stereo speakers and a wireless keyboard and mouse can be included with either model. Delivery costs £10, but orders take two weeks to complete as Wessex Computers builds and tests each computer to order. The computers come with a one-year warranty.

Both the simplicITy 100 and 200 can be ordered from www.discount-age.co.uk/simplicity_computers/ or by phone at 01935 429999.

Author: Alan Lu