Apple Facetime options question/help...
 

I need to find a VERY user friendly solution for mom (nearly 80) to be able to place video calls. I purchased her an Ipad several years ago that she only uses as a picture repository and that very rarely since I moved the pics to the TV. I could get her bare bones Internet access (NetZero, etc.) and probably use her Ipad, but that's really beyond her tech confort zone imo. So I'm thinking "smartphone" (Iphone?). I'm guessing there is a VERY user friendly "Facetime" interface? As you might have guessed...I don't know squat about about Apple products :). Point me in the right direction here fellows....

Not crazy about a relatively expensive Iphone solution for just an hour or two of video calling per month, but if I need to go that route, then so be it.

Is their an Android option that's less expensive with a super easy video call interface?

Thanks in advance....

Skype?

I would avoid a phone. Small screen may cause issues with eyesight / dexterity.

Skype on an iPad or Android tablet should do it.

You can get an android tablet with a gophone or similar pay as you go plan relatively cheap

Oh and net zero will likely not be robust enough for smooth video calls.

FaceTime is pretty simple. If you initiate the call she should just have to hit "answer". Dunno if it can be much easier. You should get her a wifi set up if not already (FT needs decent bandwidth). She doesn't even need to know it's there or how it works.

If she doesn't have an I-device you can use Tango. Similar if only slightly less intuitive.

Thanks guys...since she already has an older iPad, it would seem that getting her Internet access with a wifi setup is the way to go and that was my initial thought....but even the most basic issue with connecting would be a show stopper for her. That's why I was thinking smartphone, but no longer (thanks Scott). I think I'll "borrow" her tablet. FWIW, her "hitting answer" is exactly the type of easy solution I'm searching for....leaving the iPad constantly connected to (or connecting to wifi upon startup) to the Internet....am I thinking correctly? Thanks again...

You can get her a mifi device, $50-80. Then you can go fixed or pay as you go plans.

Once the ipad is set up, paired with it, it will remember the network and stay Perpetually connected.

Basically a one time deal.

Thanks! I haven't even looked at any type of plans, but that's why I mentioned NetZero earlier. I also see other $15/mo Internet connectivity options (AT&T I think)...so those won't "cut it" for Skype/Facetime etc. (even a crappy connection)? I don't mind a one time purchase whatsoever, but was attempting to avoid the higher $40-50/mo charges I typically see for Hotspot type access (and that's what I thought NetZero was). Any suggestions on device/plans?

Facetime is estimated to use 3mb per minute.

So 333 minutes (5.5 hours) is basically 1gb of data which is generally the smallest plan you can get, $15 per month on Straight Talk

Thanks Scott! I've done a bit of looking, and the Straight Talk option seems great, but probably even more than she needs. It would appear that I could get a NetZero hotspot with 500mb (plenty enough), but that's over a 3G/LTE connection. Is that the "robust enough" issue you referred to earlier? As usual, PPOT is my "go to" Internet source...I appreciate it :)

Honestly I have not looked at Net Zero as I remember them from the dial up days and did not realize they did wireless / cellular. Meaning I was thinking a dial up connection.

Facetime will work over 3G and that plan is 3G/LTE. LTE and 4G are essentially the same thing so whether she gets 3 or 4G really depends on coverage in her area.

Facetime and Skype are both available for the iPad - I have used both to video conference with my mom (80 years old) and my dad (94 years old!).

Facetime is an Apple product - and thus, is more integrated into the Apple iOS (contacts are automatically there).

Facetime is also simpler to use. Like most Apple products, "it just works." every time. Skype - not so much...

Downside to Facetime is that it requires Apple hardware on both sides -- so you need to have a Mac, iPhone, or iPad to use it to connect with your mom.

IMHO, if your mom already has an iPad, and you have an iPad/iPhone...etc. then Facetime is the best answer.

-Z-man.

The latest version of Skype is a step backwards IMHO.

Worst part is they are forcing the upgrade.

They will soon disable the previous version.

Thanks Z (and SM again)! I do believe that the other side of mom's calls will be an Apple product (I'm not the other caller)....gotta game plan for sure now!

Connectivity is your biggest issue. Once that's sorted there are options for the interface, Facetime, Skype even Google+ (Hangouts)

We have used Skype (on iPad and PC) a lot to connect with the BIL in Singapore (on Mac). Worked without problems. Facetime - not so much, tried it once and was frustrated by the crappy video and sound.