Telikin Touch Screen Computer
The Telikin touch-screen computer features an all-in-one design optimized for seniors. It forgoes the Microsoft Windows operating system for a custom version of Linux [ouch] and is billed as “quite possibly the world’s easiest computer.” [Apple iPad likely deserves that title more.]
Telikin comes with several useful software applications pre-installed, so you can just plug it in, connect to the Internet, and you’re ready to go, according to the website, but it still requires someone capable of doing that. It comes in two sizes with a 18.6-inch or 20-inch display and slightly .
After power-on, the system presents a home screen designed for accessibility. Use the mouse, or tap the always-visible sidebar menu with your finger, to access the applications, which include video chat, email, photos, calendar, address book, weather, news, web browsing, games, calculator, CD & DVD player, file browser, word processor, and common utilities.
Beyond the video tutorial, help is available online by video chat with Telikin tech support or with a friend or family member. At $699 and $999 for the 18.6″ or 20″ models, it’s more expensive than a Windows PC with more features, but the objective of paying more for less is simplification. And while I still prefer an iPad2 for most seniors, some may prefer a desktop PC with larger display. If you’ve had personal experience with Telikin, we’d like to hear from you with a Reply below.
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telikin feature comparison |
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| 18.6” LCD touch screen | 20” LCD Touch Panel |
| Dual core 1.8GHz processor | Dual core 1.6Hz processor |
| 2GB Memory | 2GB Memory |
| 320GB hard drive | 500GB hard drive |
| CD/DVD optical drive | CD/DVD optical drive |
| 1.3MP webcam with microphone | 1.3MP webcam with microphone |
| 4 USB 2.0 ports | 4 USB 2.0 ports |
| 6 in 1 memory card reader | 6 in 1 memory card reader |
| Wireless 802.11 b/g/n | Wireless 802.11 b/g/n |
| Built-in speakers | Stereo speakers with SRS technology |
| Wired keyboard and mouse | Wired keyboard and mouse |
| 1 HDMI out | |
| $699 | $999 |
3:10 minute video intro below (also on YouTube)
6:43 minute video tutorial below (also on YouTube)
Editor Perspective
I’m not a fan of designing products on proprietary platforms for specific audiences and generally prefer universal design concepts. The cost of developing unique hardware and software applications are generally far greater than developing open apps for industry standard platforms like Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS.