Which Mac is best for grandparents?

My grandma has expressed interest in getting a computer (she suggested a laptop because they are small and neat). After seeing the trouble that some of my family members have had with PCs, I am considering getting a Mac, since most of their troubles come from Antivirus software and bugs etc. I am told that Macs don't suffer from these sorts of problems, is this true? Are Macs easier to use than PCs, for oldies?

I have made a list of Macs that might be good for them:

Macbook - £749 - Is the screen too small on this for old people? Their eyes aren't all that great, not sure....it's only 13.3''

iMac - 17'' - £649
20'' - £999
Not sure which one is best, Just thinking about which is easier to read here. The 20'' is clearly bigger, but has a higher res so the fonts would be small I guess... I've only ever used windows does it work the same in this respect?

I think the 20'' is probably too expensive, it does have a fast processor and they don't really need that.

Finally, Mac Mini - £399 - This could be good for them I suppose, they have a very flash new HDTV which this could connect to.... It's the cheapest too.

How much RAM do you need? The minimum is 512 on each comp, do you need more? They're not going to be editing video or anything... And these do all have a Core Duo processor, if so do they need as much RAM as a PC with a Celeron?



One more thing, are there any major hardware or software incompatibilities with the Macs? And is there a better version of MSN than the standard Mac version? Or alternatively a Windows version of iChat? Because most of the listed Macs come with integrated cam. Oh, and if they get a Mini, is there a USB webcam?

 

If they really want a laptop, get the MacBook. If portability is not important, go with the iMac. Only get the Mini if money is a real concern, even then consider waiting a little longer to get the iMac. Also get a gig of RAM. Overall the best choice is probably the 17" iMac.

As for video chat, I have had great success with Skype, and would recommend that.

 

Get them a mac mini and a wireless keyboard. They can hook the mac mini up to their HDTV and then they can type and stuff using the wireless keyboard from their couch.

Or otherwise get them an iMac 17" or 20" and a wireless keyboard and mouse. Preferrably 1GB or more RAM.

 

Keep in mind neither the mini nor imac have user servicable parts. Well, the imac may, but I don't think it does.

The mini also does not have a built in isight.

 

Yeah the person's grandparents are going to open up their iMac and fix stuff....

 

I think the 17-inch iMac would be best for them. 512 MB RAM will be sufficient, but 1 GB RAM will be perfect for the normal day-to-day activities.

As for your other questions, Macs are much less vulnerable to viruses and bugs than Windows computers, but there still are some, so don't think your Mac will never get viruses. But enabling the firewall and using the computer wisely will keep you/your grandparents safe. Also, Mac OS X is easier to learn than Windows, and much more convenient (such as Spotlight, just typing in keywords to search for applications in your Mac) to use.