When you do invest, you want simple and reliable technology that will make your life easier.
That's where our experts can help. When they review a product, one of the key things they look out for is how easy it is to use.
We've selected the best simple tech below or, if you're hunting for something in particular, try these links:
News, deals and stuff the manuals don't tell you.If you are shopping for a phone for yourself or an older relative that is - quite simply - just a phone, the hype around the latest apps and features can feel frustrating.
They are designed for basic mobile phone tasks such as making calls and sending text messages, with some going further and offering internet access via wi-fi or a 4G connection.
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Which? phones expert Amy Axworthy
'We test simple mobile phones that have extra accessibility features and are designed with ease of use in mind.
Choosing a simpler phone design can mean you end up paying less, as you avoid spending big on expensive gadgetry - such as hi-tech camera features.
Our Great Value handsets score 60% or more in our tests and are at least 20% cheaper than the average price for all mobile phones we review.
They might not have the very best cameras or displays, but they're solid performers and often have long battery lives, making them affordable gems worth considering.
If you are looking for something hi-spec but nonetheless easy to use, our experts say iPhones are known for their intuitive design, so don’t be put off from venturing into a store to test one, or see if a friend can talk you through theirs.
The drawback of iPhones is that they aren’t cheap, so consider if an older, less pricey device might suit you better.
Of course, mobile phones are all very well but landline phones are what many people grew up with - and continue to rely on.
The one drawback is that you can fall prey to nuisance calls - which is why it’s important to think about call blocking technology.
Which? expert on call blocking technology William O’ Connor
'Cordless landline phones typically come with a lot of anti-scam caller stuff built in.
'There are also a few models that let the user easily add numbers to a block list if the odd call does get through.'
See our reviews of the .Having access to the internet so we can pay bills, do shopping, watch films or connect with other people, has become incredibly important over the past few years.
But if you’re looking for a system that is easy to use, where do you start?
If you aren't comfortable splashing out, consider whether a refurbished model might suit you better.
Setting up a new tablet can also feel like a challenge, but our experts have some reassuring advice.
undefinedWhich? tablets expert Martin Pratt
'Tablet operating systems are now incredibly intuitive.
'Initial setup is a simple step-by-step operation.
'It's not really something you can get wrong because you can always adjust anything you've selected during setup in the settings later.
'The only thing I would recommend doing before starting the process is have your email address and password ready.'
All of the Which? Best Buy tablets and iPads we have tested currently score full marks for ease of use. Our let you filter to find the one that will suit your needs best.It can be difficult to understand the differences between tablets and laptops - the two have many similarities.
It depends, very much, on what your priorities are.
If you are looking for something light and portable so you can browse the internet, watch films and chat to family and friends, generally a tablet will be a good option.
However, if you are seeking a larger machine with a longer battery life and a more sizeable screen, you might want to think about a laptop.
If you do decide on a laptop, what kind of features will make it easier to use?
Which? laptops expert Michael Passingham
'Features such as backlit keys - which make the letters easier to read - a good responsive touchpad, a good number of ports for plugging in memory sticks and other devices, such as phones, and an easy-to-open lid can all make for a more straightforward experience.
Tackling a new device can be challenging, so having someone on hand to explain what some terms mean is always handy.
Which? Tech Support offers one-to-one technical advice for Which? Tech Support and Which? Computing members, so if you feel you’ll need some extra help with anything from fixing a laptop to setting up a new mobile phone, it would be worth talking to our membership team.
You've probably heard of smart technology - but is it something that could actually make your life any easier?
Basically, a smart home is one that has heating, lighting, security devices and other electronics that can be controlled from a distance, such as via your phone.
Smart gadgets are often designed to be uncomplicated and easy to set up.
You can start small - perhaps with something as simple as a doorbell.
Smart doorbells are a great security device that can tell you if a visitor has arrived or if there is suspicious activity taking place outside your home.
Which? smart doorbell expert Andrew Laughlin:
'You usually have to use an app with a smart doorbell - which will mean you will need a smartphone or tablet to operate it - but many also support voice control.
'Being able to see who is at the door and even answer it from your phone is much easier than a traditional doorbell.'
A smart speaker is simple to use and can be a really useful way to listen to music or find out information quickly - although being on first-name terms with an inanimate object can feel a little strange at first.
If you have a query - for example about the weather or travel conditions - you can simply ask your smart speaker, instead of searching on Google.
You can also use a speaker to time activities, such as baking a cake.
Popular models include Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.
According to our experts, once the speaker is set up - usually via a smartphone - it is very straightforward to use.
Which? smart speaker expert Oliver Trebilcock
'It’s just a small learning curve on how voice control works.
'Basically, every command needs to start with the wake word: 'Alexa' for Alexa smart speakers, 'Hey, Google' for Google Assistant smart speakers - you quickly get the hang of it.
'For a non-technical person, the choice of voice assistant won't matter much. For Alexa, you can buy from Amazon through it, and Google Assistant obviously links best with Google services like your Google Calendar.
'But for a non-technical person, I would say Alexa is a little bit more intuitive to use.'
Ebook readers are simple electrical gadgets that are easy to get the hang of.
They give you access to millions of books, magazines and newspapers and can store thousands of titles at a time.
You can find models that allow you to adjust the screen for brightness and even waterproof ones you can read in the bath.
They start from around £85 and go up to £350, with models like the Kobo Clara 2E (which scored four out of five stars for ease of use) and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2021 (which got five stars in our tests) falling in the lower-to-middle end of this price bracket.
undefinedWhich? ebook readers expert Amy Axworthy'You can store all your beloved books on a single device that, in itself, is lighter than a paperback.
'Kobo ebook readers allow you to borrow library books - so you can have lots of free titles on one device.'
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/the-best-tech-for-non-technical-people-aEm007v49Tbr