Looking for some ideas on how you would approach this. Basically my great aunt would like to get on the net, she's never used a computer and doesn't really want to, but she would like to be able to buy things online. My initial thought was to get her an Android tablet of some sort, preferably a 10" one because the larger screen size should be easier on her eyes, along with a stand and a keyboard. There's little she could do to mess up the Android OS, and the danger of getting a virus or other malware is almost nonexistent. The browser should work with most mainstream websites, and shouldn't restrict her too much.
My second thought was, I have an older laptop going spare, and perhaps either a LOCKED down install of Windows or some variant of Linux might work - I'm sure I've seen some installs out there which are basically like a kiosk, with just a few icons and no way to install anything. I need it to be as simple as possible, as resistant to accidental tampering as possible, and as secure as possible. The laptop has the advantage of a larger screen, and the ability to connect a separate screen if need be, plus I've never used a keyboard on a tablet (touch screen would not work for her) so I'm not sure how well they work. Also, can you even use a mouse on a tablet? If not, a tablet is no good really. Stupid questions perhaps, but I've never used a tablet beyond a little light web browsing and general playing around, I'm familiar with Android but not in terms of any additional hardware.
Any thoughts?A Bluetooth keyboard works fine, if the Android has Bluetooth.
Some, like Google PlayStation, are cheaper even than and old laptop. So you might sell you laptop and get enough to bu a low end Android. But make sure the thing will work with the Bluetooth keyboard. Buy it from a walk-in store where they will let your TRY before you buy.

This is NOT a recommendation. Just for information only.
http://www.nextag.com/keyboards-for-android/products-html
I recommend you buy for a local store where they will help with your project. If they don't help, walk to the next store. Everybody is selling this stuff nowadays. Well, here in California they are. In the drugstores. Hobby stores. Toy stores.I know a Bluetooth keyboard is an option, I'm more asking if a mouse would also be possible, and if a tablet would be suitable for someone who's never used basically any modern stuff before - no smartphone, no PC, nothing like that.
Cost isn't the ISSUE, I can pick up a tablet and accessories cheaply anyway, or I can repurpose the laptop. Makes no difference to me.
I can return items bought online if they don't work anyway, I won't be buying from a walk in store as they're all way too expensive for what they offer, would rather get a better product at a better price.Not sure about using a mouse on a tablet, even if you could get it to work it wouldn't be ideal as things like swiping between screens and zooming would be cumbersome if not impossible.

What about putting Chromium OS on the laptop - It'll just BOOT straight into the Chromium browser so that should be really easy for her to use, and almost impossible to break. http://chromeos.hexxeh.net/You can tell I haven't put too much thought into the tablet side of things hah, that's an excellent point.
Chrome OS could be worth a look, I'll put that on the laptop and see what it looks like.
She's basically only going to use the browser and possibly viewing some photos from her daughter & family in Canada, I can't see her doing much else really.Transferring the laptop to her seems like a better idea to me than the tablet. I think she'll like the larger screen more than a 10" screen. And, using a mouse with a laptop is an easy setup. I would also show her how to disable the touchpad. I have taught classes on basics of using Windows to senior citizens and one comment I've heard from a few students is that the touchpad is very sensitive. If you're typing on the keyboard, the slightest accidental touching of the touchpad can send the mouse pointer moving in unintended directions.

Regarding choice of OS, I'm not familiar with Google's Chrome OS so I can only concur that it might be a good option based on your evaluation. However, the following points might be PERTINENT. Do you anticipate yourself being her primary informal tech support person? Or, might she also have some interaction with other relatives, or friends, who are familiar with Windows but not with other OS?

If you decide to stick with Windows, I'm sure you'll be installing some protection apps. Although many of us experienced computer users may prefer free protection apps for personal use, I sometimes think paid versions are the better route for inexperienced users due to some added features that are available with paid versions. And, consider installing TeamViewer on the computer before transferring to her. Having it available in case she calls and asks questions might be very helpful. Quote from: soybean on September 05, 2013, 07:08:57 AM

Transferring the laptop to her seems like a better idea to me than the tablet. I think she'll like the larger screen more than a 10" screen.

I would also show her how to disable the touchpad. I have taught classes on basics of using Windows to senior citizens and one comment I've heard from a few students is that the touchpad is very sensitive. If you're typing on the keyboard, the slightest accidental touching of the touchpad can send the mouse pointer moving in unintended directions.

Regarding choice of OS, I'm not familiar with Google's Chrome OS so I can only concur that it might be a good option based on your evaluation. However, the following points might be pertinent. Do you anticipate yourself being her primary informal tech support person? Or, might she also have some interaction with other relatives, or friends, who are familiar with Windows but not with other OS?

If you decide to stick with Windows, I'm sure you'll be installing some protection apps. Although many of us experienced computer users may prefer free protection apps for personal use, I sometimes think paid versions are the better route for inexperienced users due to some added features that are available with paid versions. And, consider installing TeamViewer on the computer before transferring to her. Having it available in case she calls and asks questions might be very helpful.