Hastings Forum

Does anyone know of a good 'Tablet' or 'Kindle' for someone who has low-vision (macular degeneration).
I have only seen small 'Kindle's' so am not sure if they are big enough.
I believe 'I-pad' is bigger so may be useful and it can expand the text by spreading the forefinger and thumb apart while touching the screen (there must be a name for that).
Something 'Kindle' cannot do

E-ink device is supposed to be something useful but I know nothing about what that means.

My mother currently listens to 'audio-books' but would like to read (or do Cross-words) but the desk-top computer is a bit of a bother for her to operate regarding text sizes.

Hi Richard

I assume you mean read text from a web browser? All tablets will allow you to "pinch to zoom" on a web page. Whether they allow it while running other applications will be down to the programming of the app itself, not the device (ipad included).

Think of a tablet as a modern smartphone with an oversized screen. If you think mother would be capable of operating a smartphone (sight allowing) then she will be fine with a tablet. As usual I would suggest android rather than buying into the Apple ethos.

Hope that helps

Hi Geoff,

...not quite reading from a browser (although that may be useful) I was thinking mainly of reading books somehow, I know there is a Kindle but have been told that does not allow 'pinching' of text.
I guess the biggest screen available that allows book downloads and good magnification possibilities.
Browsing would be a bonus but not a first priority.

Hi Richard
A tablet or a Kindle would most likely serve your needs. Below is a link to help you decide what features suit your requirements best.
You can adjust the text size on both Tablet and Kindle. I think the largest Kindle model is a DX, the screen size has a 9.7" display with eight adjustable text sizes, perfect for large print reading

http://ebookfriendly.com/tablet-or-erea ... tionnaire/

Thanks Kevin, It will probably be necessary to get one of each and then I will use the one that is least useful for my mother.
Never easy to predict when a woman is involved in the proceedings !!

Thanks as usual Kevin, great answer

Yes!! many thanks to Kevin and Geoff, I will let you know how I get on.