On 2012-06-21 14:26, Samuel Penn wrote:
>  On Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:51:08 +0100, James Courtier-Dutton
>  <james.dutton@???> wrote:
> > I would not choose an iPAD or Android Pad because of the problem with
> > remove controlling them.
>
>  The problem with a PC is where to put it. Often, a PC is located in a
>  spare bedroom/study of a house - well away from where people 'live'.
>  A tablet is easy to keep in the living room, where it can be easily
>  accessed.
>
>  For someone who isn't technically inclined, it requires a conscious
>  decision to go to the PC, switch it on and use it.
>
>  I got my mum a tablet for xmas, even though she was certain she
>  wouldn't
>  use it. Now, if I send her an email, or initiate a video chat, it's
>  often sitting next to her in the living room so she hears it ringing
>  and is far more likely to pick it up and respond. She uses it to browse
>  the web or send emails a lot more than she did her PC or laptop,
>  basically
>  because she doesn't have to make that conscious effort to go upstairs
>  to the PC first.
>
>  If there's somewhere suitable to stick a PC where it will be seen and
>  used, then it's not an issue. But if the PC is going to be hidden away
>  in some obscure part of the house, then it may not work well as a means
>  to involve the person socially, even if it's a better technical
>  solution.
In my wanderings I came across the GUI DreamPlug 
(
https://www.newit.co.uk/shop/proddetail.php?prod=Dream_GUI&cat=16), 
which comes in at around 370 GBP including a 10" USB touch monitor.
"...boot into Debian Squeeze with Gnome Desktop installed and ready to 
connect your mimo monitor".
I could just leave it on, and VNC into it when required. I need to talk 
to some people that are better informed about these things than I am, 
but it looks promising.
Thanks to all who responded. If I go down this route, I'll post an 
update - will take a week or two.
-- 
Kevin Safford
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