If you read AARP, you may have seen ads for the WOW Computer within. So, what is our take on the WOW Computer? Does it have good features, and is it a worthy product? Does the WOW Computer make a good choice for seniors?
Let’s take a look.
How Much Does the WOW Computer Cost?
The list price of the WOW Computer (as of this writing) is $1299, but there are often sales for $200 off. Pricewise that is on the more expensive side for a computer, as one can easily find a laptop for around $350-$500 at the store.
The catch is that the cheaper computer is going to be more of the same. If you’re looking for a computer that’s easy to use, senior friendly, and that won’t give you the same headaches you’ve always had with computers, repeating the same mistakes in your purchases is going to lead to the same results you’ve always had.
If you’re looking for a difference in experiences, then the WOW Computer may very well be worth the investment for you. However, just know that there are much cheaper options available out there. Continue reading below to find what our recommendations are for some of these cheaper (and more effective) options.
What Operating System Does it Use?
The WOW Computer operates off what is called a Linux system. Most computers that you see out there operate off what is called Windows. While Windows is ubiquitous, there are several problems with it. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to hack compared to many other computer operating systems out there.
Quick WOW Computer Points
- You cannot install your own software
- Works best with high-speed internet connection
- It can connect to Wi-Fi
- You can open PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or any other similar file on your WOW
- Utilizes Skype for video chat. Has a webcam, speakers, and microphone built in
- Comes with 30 days of VIP support for free
- Unlimited VIP support is $9.95/month
- A Tech Buddy is somebody who’s assigned to use your WOW remotely to help you fix problems from their own home should you get stuck
- One year hardware warranty
- 30-day satisfaction guaranteed return policy
- 2 gb ram memory Costs around 1099 – 1299 depending on the sales
Most computer viruses and malware are specifically made to target Windows users. This means you’re more likely to be targeted with a Windows operating system than you would be with any other.
In addition, many people have pointed out that there are some privacy concerns with the Windows operating system – as it gathers usage data on most everything you do with a computer – something that many people object to.
Linux, in contrast, is widely known as being one of the most secure operating systems that there is. Very few viruses are built to attack Linux, meaning that the probability you’ll have a problem with this operating system are very low.
Furthermore, Linux is known as being a privacy friendly operating system that doesn’t engage in the mass data harvesting from your personal computer. In short, if you’re going to choose an operating system, Linux is exactly what you want.
There are cons to using Linux – so be aware of that – but we’ll cover them below.
Is the WOW Computer Good for Seniors?
There are several features that make the WOW Computer a fantastic choice for seniors. Let’s look at each in turn.
Wow Computer Features
- An easy way to see photos, news, games, email, videos, and chats
- US based customer support
- Sets up in 5 minutes
- Free software updates forever
- Comes with games like Solitaire and Mahjohng installs
Touch Screen
According to some of the most recent statistics we have, approximately 22% of Americans have arthritis of some form. Seniors are the most likely to be afflicted with such, and it’s not uncommon for arthritis to attack the hands and wrists.
This can make it either painful or difficult to use either a mouse or keyboard. The WOW Computer helps to eliminate this as a problem by incorporating a touch screen in a similar way to a smartphone. If you want to click on something with the WOW Computer you can use the keyboard and mouse to tell the computer what you want to do, but you also have the option of just pointing to what you want on the screen and gently pressing it with your finger.
This serves as a boon to any of those who have laid aside computer usage due to pain or lack of hand dexterity.
Ease of Use
The WOW Computer is about as easy to use as it gets when one’s talking about computers. All of the programs that you need are already installed on the computer, so you don’t have to worry about going to your local electronics store to purchase any software that you don’t already have – such as a word processor.
Everything you would likely need is already there. The layout of the computer system as well is as user-friendly as possible as well. No more searching through strange layers of software for the file you’re looking for. The WOW Computer takes the guesswork out of using a computer.
It Comes with Anti-Virus and Malware Protection
Though Linux is already a very secure operating system for a computer to run off of (in much the same way a V8 engine is a great “operating system” for a work truck), one still is going to want an additional layer of protection against viruses and malware.
Typically, this requires purchasing access codes from a supplier such as McAffee or Kaspersky. Fortunately, the WOW Computer has already taken care of this for you. Anti-virus software and malware protection software are already installed on the computer, meaning you can open this computer up, plug it in, and be ready to go right out of the box.
An Easy-to-Read Screen
It’s frustrating to navigate online only to find that the font size of the article you want to read is too small to see. The screen of the WOW Computer combats this by being large, bright, and with the capability to zoom up to 200x.
This means you can easily read whatever it is you want to read while online with minimal fuss. If you’re somebody who uses high-strength prescription glasses, this is a fantastic feature.
Free Software Updates Forever
As time goes on software needs to be updated. This necessity comes about by discovered problems within the code of a program that need to be “patched”, by operating systems having faster versions of themselves available, or by software programs having updates that allow you to seamlessly access new features.
This can be a rather frustrating process to have to go about on your own, as it’s often unclear which updates are necessary, which are not, and how to go about with the updating process to begin with.
The WOW Computer takes all this guesswork away. It gives you free software updates forever and does so in as easy of a format as possible.
US-Based Customer Support
It’s frustrating to have a technical problem with a product, to call the helpline of the manufacturer, and then to discover you can’t understand a word the company contractor is saying. With the WOW Computer, that’s not a worry.
All the customer support teams are located within the United States.
The Cons of the WOW Computer
Alright, we’ve looked at the potential good qualities of the WOW Computer. To give you a much better founded understanding of your purchases, let’s look at the cons.
Price
As mentioned, the price of the WOW Computer is exponentially higher than a lot of the other computers out there on the market. We’re talking 3-4x the price of many other computers out there.
Operating System
Linux is a fantastic operating system when it comes to privacy and virus protection. But it’s a different operating system. Most people out there have spent all of their computer time in the past running with Windows or with Apple products.
If such is the case for you, Linux can be a significant learning curve.
Concerns of Reliability
If you comb through the reviews of the WOW Computer (which appears to be just another name for a Telikin computer), you’ll see many negative reviews. People seem to have had issues with poor customer service, lack of memory, and other problems with the hardware.
iPad Alternative to the WOW Computer
WOW Computer isn’t the only computer out there. There are other options out there as well with very similar features.
An iPad
A simple iPad can easily be used by even the most technologically illiterate user. They have a large screen, are a touch screen, and are about as intuitive as it gets for a computer as well. You can easily pick one up just about anywhere for $400 (more for newer models), they have a time-tested proven track record, and help support for an iPad is everywhere!
- WHY IPAD — All the essentials in the most affordable iPad, with a beautiful 10.2-inch Retina display, powerful A13 Bionic chip, and an Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. Work, play, create, learn, stay connected, and more.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
If you end up stuck with an iPad, in today’s world you can virtually ask anybody for help with using it and they’ll know what to do. You don’t have to call anybody, just find somebody at the coffee shop, church, family reunion, or wherever, and it’s virtually guaranteed they’ll know what to do to fix the problem for you.
You can easily download whatever apps you’re wanting to download (such as games, news sources, and so on), it’s got a host of accessories such as cases, stands, and the like available to it, and it truly is a great product.
I have worked in the medical field with seniors for the better half of a decade and has shown countless seniors how to use an iPad. They are truly fantastic products for seniors that give few to no problems.
If you have a senior who might struggle with learning an iPad (many adults do), a simpler alternative might be the GrandPad. We have covered a review of the GrandPad before. Check it out.
Where Seniors Can Learn to Use a PC
If you’re looking to learn how to use a computer, I would begin by consulting a local senior group. There are often regular postings in newspapers for “How to Use a Computer for Seniors” meetings throughout towns, and they very well may be a good place to start.
Bookstores such as Books-a-Million often have several books on the shelves which will teach you how to use a computer as well.
Here is what this author recommends, however:
First, buy yourself an iPad. It doesn’t matter if it’s not the newest model. Just find something affordable and get that.
Next, follow the prompts once you turn the thing on. You’ll truly be surprised with how intuitive the thing is to use.
Finally, should you get stuck on something, ask a friend or neighbor. While a traditional laptop/computer can truly be a bear for such a person to fix after a senior has clicked through every tab and option available, an iPad is easy.
Should somebody become stuck on an iPad, it’s often a very easy solution, and there’s little risk of the user having done any lasting harm to anything.
Honestly, buy an iPad and go from there. (There are books available at Books-A-Million on how to use them as well.)
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a senior-friendly computer, this author does not recommend the WOW Computer. Despite having an impressive list of features, this author does not believe that they are justified by the high price.
Instead, I highly recommend looking into a simple iPad.
An iPad has a touch screen, is very user friendly, will let you send messages, images, and videos, will let you play games, will let you read email, and will let you do video chats with people as well. In short, you can do everything a normal computer can with an iPad, and in an incredibly easy-to-use format.
Hopefully, this will shed some light on your purchasing decision for you here.
What are your thoughts? Do you have a WOW Computer? What have been your experiences with such? Do you regularly utilize an iPad? Let us know in the comments below!
42 comments
i have a wow i bought in 2009 or earliar and i need chrome for flash book how do i get that i lost my best games when i lost chrome help
Thanxalot!!! No WOW for me.
Purchased a Wow for my parents ‘many’ years ago, Mom’s now 93 (has serious arthritis) and still uses it (yes the same device) everyday!
Most seniors (I didn’t say All!) don’t want to get into the tech they just want to use the computer for what it provides them in the easiest most trouble free way possible.
The Wow is simply a method of accessing your photos, emails, the web, etc… with no worries of upgrades, data loss, security, support, etc… (all windows, apple, & phone devices are constantly being updated…).
The real value with the Wow solution after years of experience has been the ease of use peace of mind and on those few occasions that questions have arose the easy phone call to support!
I am a 74 year old senior & purchased the wow computer about 3 years ago & have no problems with it at all. I love that all of the virus protections, etc are already automatically put in & that it is run on the Linux system that is much more secure. I really like the easy to use help icon above that has the complete technical book on line & also tips with easy answers & also I have had no problem with contacting customer service via phone or e-mail. However I am not a big techie & use it mostly for e-mail, shopping & research. It also has several pre-set icons or apps that serve my purposes. The only drawback that I see is the price & you can only use a HP printer with it, but all in all I find it much easier than my previous windows computer which I had several problems with re: viruses.
Nice article but an iPad is WAY too small for a senior! Even the GrandPad is small, what a tiny little thing. My 87 yr. old Mom could not play solitaire or watch her church services on an iPad. Sad the WOW is so expensive but it sounds worth it if you can afford it. I will look into other articles and options, but I need something with a large screen, mouse and keyboard.
My husband bought a WOW computer several years ago & I am still using it with help from their people anytime I call in. I wanted a computer that is free of hacking that I would not have to do my own searching & paying for a firewall, etc. I found it very easy to use & am now looking for a laptop that would be set up similarly.
I believe we are all gifted with different skills & so what works for one may not for another.
it is over priced junk, and they lock the computer if you don’t pay the monthly fee
Could you tell me if I’m watching every penny I spend can I get by without paying the $10.00 a month for the tech support? What would be your Pros and cons to it? Many Thanks
Bill
I recently inquired about the WOW. If I have understood correctly, it seems you cannot dictate documents (only emails) or use voice commands to navigate and operate the computer itself. For me, that alone is a deal breaker. Something good to know, however, is that if you buy it, you have 60 days to decide whether or not you want to keep it.—no questions asked, I was told, but since I have not actually gone through the process, I can’t say for sure, but if you buy it, make sure you test it in all possible ways during that trial period,
Oh dear, I thought I had found a good computer for my 80-year-old sister who is very easily confused by her apple computer. She is a poet and needs a decent word processing system and an easy way to get and send email, plus the usual access to the web. . The WOW salesman said they had a simple word processing system (not Microsoft Word), but now I wonder if this is true and that the whole thing is voice-activated. Has anyone had experience with their word processing? And is it voice-activated? An iPad wouldn’t work because it’s harder to type on. I also was told it was returnable for 60 days.
I thought about this for my parents, but after reading this I changed my mind. They have a computer with a very large screen now, so that is better than the WOW computer. Thank you for your review and comments on this.
Was thinking of getting a wow computer……not anymore. Thanks for the comments. Think I will check out the ipad. I need something simple and easy to use.
Young guy here. I build computers as a hobby.
This system it grossly overpriced and Linux isn’t something most people can come help with.
Buy an iPad Air. Play with it for an hour. Ask literally anyone for help if needed.
Thanx for your insights. Was curious. Since I’ve built several desktops over the last two decades, I was wondering what AARP was advertising. With your article, I now know. Next time I need a new computer, I may try using a LINUX OS. All I’ve ever installed has been Windows or MAC based. Building computers isn’t hard. Understanding software and code is hard for this 70+ senior. Have chosen PC MATIC as my virus protector. Very satisfied with their service.
I’m 85 and am easily bewildered by technology,but I purchased a WOW three years ago. I love it ! I subscribe to several NY newspapers and enjoy playing the games. I set it up on my dining room table. In the beginning I tried to do too much and failed, but I now spend the entire day on it. The ipad I bought two years ago is still in the box.
Just check Craigslist for a cheep or free WOW! system after someone else has already made the mistake of buying it for themselves or a loved one. Take it home and put Chrome OS Flex or PrimeOS on it instead. Your welcome.
Hi there. I have 2 Wow pc ‘s that were bought for 2 relatives, who have both passed. I’m interested in what you said about converting the system. Would that allow you to use it as a Window type pc? You can not down load on this type of PC. I too, am a windows fan. If I can’t convert it to a windows type, I am going to just sell them.
Hi Rusty. How does a Wow owner convert their wow pc to have the chrome? Will the Wow pc let you insert a windows system CD and it will just install it? Or are there steps to take before and/or after installation? I’m very interested in converting my 2 Wow pc’s to a regular windows system. If you know if a website that could help me I’d appreciate it. Thank you
To: J.J.
Follow an install tutorial on YouTube. Try more than one. That’s what I did. Good Luck.
Glad I stumbled on to this site-I was undecided about the Wow I am now decided AGAINST it and $1200. I’ll keep looking for the right thing! Thanks.
Just ordered a WOW computer a few days ago. Now I wish I had read your comments before. But I am going to try it. Will I be able to return it if I can’t figure out how to use it? Thanks.
You’ll have to check with the company, Esther. Let us know how it works out for you.
how can my,this,computer be updated?
I have a Chromebook and was not prepared to learn a new OS. WOW sounds even more difficult which tells me that it is not senior-friendly. Where is the “Truth in Advertising” law ever applied anymore?
I just purchased a wow. Hope I did not make a mistake
Let us know how it works out for you.
I really agree with your choice of an iPad for a senior. However all of the choices are too difficult for seniors. For example the iPad email has icons like upward arrows and downward arrows and other icons without any text to explain them.
In reading about the WOW computer I’ve made a few observations. First, I am a senior who did contract work around the country for several years and had to learn a new system every few months. Best experience, ever! It seems like the people who hate this computer are women, I wonder why that is? Hmm, I’m a woman and have had very few problems learning a new program or OS. Perhaps my brain is wired differently. Men have made comments about their wife, mother, etcetera. Cost: oh Lord! Do these people think seniors have so much disposable income that they can “throw” $1200 at a new computer it won’t be missed? It said you can’t add anything, I didn’t see anything about a printer.
My wife has lost much of her sight to Macular Degeneration. We have tried several Senior devices, and phones. Apple is the way to go. With the full size IPad and 1phone, Siri and zooming can do anything she needs. Siri will text, read, phone for her. She can enlarge the screen as necessary, at a reasonable cost.
I’m surprised you have only shown negative remarks about the WOW . I bought one for my wife knowing if I bought anything else she would have had a hard time learning it. She has slowly learnd how to do things with the computer that if using a Windows PC , she would have gave up. I don’t know a lot about computers but I’ve been using them since the 60’s and repaired some too.I find hers much easier to learn and use than a Windows based PC. or Android OS. The WOW came with a 22 inch screen versuss a 10 inch. mouse and keyboard and very good instruction manual. IT also has a camera and microphone. I will buy one for myself when the one I have is done. Her friends (2) are also buying one. Do you work for Apple or Google.? Thanks for your opinion though. It also has free help for 30 days and fee send back.
‘ which is an advantage for an older person.
Carl,
The article I read contained both pros and cons and seemed to be in favor of the WOW computer until the very end when the author mentioned some alternatives.
I am so glad that I read your questions and answers section and also the reviews which followed your article. I’m probably back to square one but will not be purchasing a WOW computer. This also confirms that I am better off by investigating before buying anything new on the internet. Thank you.
Worst decision I’ve made buying this fir my Mom. It is not user friendly to anyone who has used windows. You can’t add apps as it says you have all you’ll need. How do they know? 1200 boat anchor as far as I’m concerned. Upset with AARP for even allowing them to advertise.
Cancelled them too.
I was thinking of buying a wow in the future. these comments help me make up my mind to go for an hp instead
I puchased a wow computer when they first came out and have had nothing but trouble figuring out how to use it!?
The wow computer is not worth the money and it is a huge headache!
As soin as I cab affford it I’m going back to an HP. I never had the kind of trouble with an HP as I am having with this overly expensive wow cimputer!? The wow computer is more trouble than it’s worth!
Seniors, the wow cimputer is harder ti understand than any other cimputer on the market!
Stir ckear of the WOW COMPUTER
Thank you for the feedback. My elderly aunt was talking about getting one and I couldn’t understand the high cost.
am in the market for a laptop, keep seeing ads for the WOW computer in AARP, and just came online today to find some reviews, and found your site – YAY!!, thank you for a comprehensive review of the WOW, I will now be looking for an ipad
Glad you find it helpful.
You failed to mention Chromebooks as a viable (and much cheaper) alternative.
They are much cheaper, yes. Good point.
I purchased one for my wife 2 years ago. Just pulled processor & memory and threw remainder into trash.
It was an expensive experience.
When she ran into problems deleting emails which had built to 15k (that’s right 15k) system basically just to a crawl, often locked up!
Calls to tech support were stymied as well, coukd not surmount email deletion…
Often locked up browsing. When you could get into bank account, it would lock up!
Anyway, was replaced with a topline LENOVO w/28″ touch screen today
Thanks for the feedback, Dwight.