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Go Digital
Cell phones. Digital Cameras. MP3 players. Every time you turn around, your grandchildren seem to be pulling a  new miniature device out of their pockets. You have to admit, some of them do look intriguing. A cell phone could be a great convenience when you’re running late for an appointment. And it’s awfully hard to resist the instant gratification of owning a digital camera, while the idea of putting your entire CD collection on a device the size of a deck of cards is just too fabulous to miss. Even if you’re determined to take the plunge into these digital waters, the number of choices can seem overwhelming. Here’s some advice on choosing a digital device you’ll really use. A Senior-Friendly Cell Phone Service All the major cell phone networks offer simple, inexpensive cell phones, but none offers a phone created expressly for seniors. Enter GreatCall. GreatCall, which uses the Sprint network, has introduced the Jitterbug Dial, a phone built by Samsung that fits comfortably in the hand and features a large, backlit keypad and a bright, legible screen. The Jitterbug is easy to use—unlike with ordinary cell phones, you get a dial tone before you make a call—and can store up to 50 telephone numbers. In fact, GreatCall will load 15 contact numbers free of charge when you order your phone. Rate plans and more information are available at www.jitterbug.com. You’ll Never Go Back to Film Again Unlike cell phones, there are no digital cameras made expressly for seniors, but many have features designed to make them more user friendly. -
A viewfinder. As cameras have gotten smaller, many have abandoned the viewfinder. The LCD screen on the back works great indoors, but tends to wash out in bright light. Get a camera that gives you both.
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Antiblur technology. In the last few years, most camera makers have introduced antiblur technology, which compensates for shaky hands and the slow shutter speaks required by low light conditions. This is an innovation that’s worth paying a little more for. Before buying a camera, make sure that the controls are easy to use and the menu system makes sense to you. Remember, you don’t gain much from high megapixel cameras unless you plan to make poster-sized prints.
Stay Connected to Your Music You may be surprised to learn that there are other MP3 players besides the Apple iPOD. CNET, an online reviewing site, is equally enthusiastic about players from Samsung, Creative Zen, and SanDisk. If you want to store large quantities of music, get a player with a miniature hard drive like the Toshiba GigaBeat or the standard iPOD. If you want to use your MP3 player when you exercise, get a player with flash memory like the iPOD Nano or the iRiver Clix. You get more out of your MP3 player with accessories that will let you play your music over speakers or connect to your car audio system.
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