iPads and computers

NanaMacGeek how kind , thank you. The decision has been taken out of my hands, younger daughter bought a Mac for and son in law has gone to pick it up, I am sorry you have gone to trouble for me , so kind of you. I admit I am apprehensive about the Mac, had decided to take my time deciding. Again, thank you x

Annie, I remember you have asked about a Chromebook in the past as well as disliking Microsoft Windows 10. I'm not sure that trying different operating systems is going to help you. You could buy a separate keyboard to go with your iPad and you would, for most purposes, have the equivalent of a Mac. (Mac aficionados, please don't tell me the difference, I do know).

Do you think using a keyboard will help your hands? Have you tried 'splitting' the virtual keyboard on your iPad and just using your thumbs, would that help?

Before spending any more money, if I were you, I would try and get some help either by phone or through a home visit, a quick 'Google' brought up the following:-
www.abilitynet.org.uk/find-abilitynet-volunteer

It may be better to come to terms with Windows 10 and add some additional software that would make dictation simpler. These are just my thoughts for what they are worth.

Wondering if I should but an Apple Mac

NanaMacGeek, thank you, I have Siri, will read your link

Siri can learn how to deal with a Welsh accent, she'll need a lot of 'training' though!

Thank you jusoneed there is much there, some things would help with low vision. I shall try them all tomorrow

Now I am on my iPad I just found something called assistive touch which says it helps if you have difficulty using touch screen. Go to Settings, General, Accessibility and look down the list to Assistive Touch. Don't know how it works but may be worth a look.

Annie, you asked about Siri. Siri is an artificially intelligent assistant you can enable with the iPad. Siri can carry out your voice instructions, again another way of helping to communicate with mainly your voice rather than your hands. Here is another link about Siri:-
www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-siri-on-the-ipad-1994504

Is there anyone you know who could help you to try and set Siri up and use her?

Sorry, so busy trying to dictate, I didn't give you the right 'path' to turn on dictation. You need to go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Enable Dictation.

When you turn this on, you should see a 'microphone' symbol on your 'on screen' keyboard. You need to tap it to turn it on and tap the keyboard symbol to stop it. It's not easy to start with but it does work. It needs a bit of practice. Don't forget to call a full stop a period (Apple expect you to be American).

Hi NanaMacGeek, I haven’t got that choice, I do have Siri, is this the same ?

Hi Annie, I am dictating this on my iPad. It takes a bit of getting used to, it is the first time I have tried it. It may be worth trying. You would not have to touch the screen so often. Go to iPad settings, general, enable dictation.

ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/ipad-voice-dictation-commands-list-tips/

MiniMoon it’s what the GP and two physiotherapists say , hope you will resolve your problem x

Is it certain that it is arthritis that is causing your fingers to curl Annie? Or could it be Dupuytrens contracture? If it's the latter it can be fixed by injection or operation to release the ligaments.
I'm asking because I have the latter. Not severe yet but watch this space.?

And Siri doesn’t like Welsh accents ?

Both affected NotAGran. I am left handed and three fingers on left hand curved down into palm of hand , right hand the fingers are starting to curve in, hence the warning from the physiotherapist.

Could you use your other hand Annie ? Or are they both affected ?

I phoned Curry’s , seem an Apple Mac air is the answer, can use a mouse, save all on my iPad to it, needs a lot of thought , thank you all x

Being stuck in the house all the time and living alone my iPad is my only companion.

My Samsung tablet does not need any pressure on the screen. Also agree that trying a stylus might help.

Have you tried using a stylus, that might help with some of the hand movements.

Thank you jusnoneed, I have tried those, it’s the hours of stabbing at the screen which has caused my hand to become twisted, I have arthritis!

Is it just the holding it that causes you trouble Anniebach? Google ibeani tablet stand, it is a small beanbag cushion that you can prop the ipad on.
There are other stands available too.