Thank you everybody.
iPad will not work, you have to know my father, it will have to be something stationary. Desk top probably would have worked even better. But I will stick to a notebook.
Any ideas about that?
I agree with a full size computer and not a tablet for beginners. Your dad will like a desktop the best, but a good 17" Laptop would also work quite well for them. If they do not know how to use Windows, an Apple computer might be the best bet for ease of use?
A notebook is also a very good idea. But they are small. Small and old age do not mix well.
They will also need an internet connection. Using a wifi network in their home is the best possible way to accomplish this.
Using a 3g type service might get very expensive and in many ares the signal is just not good enough.
I would use cable or DSL for the ISP. With cable being my first choice.
Someone mentioned a router for $20.00. I have never seen one that cheap.
A third party router will run at least $100 for a decent model with firewall. The ISP may provide a wireless modem/router with a new account.
Buy them the computer and the router (unless the ISP provides one). Make sure they have internet service and set it up for them. Show them how to use it.
Dell has a service (Dellconnect I think?) where they (Dell) can take control of the computer should they need assistance. This will be free during the initial warrantee period. After the warrantee is up, you can buy more warrantee or just help them yourself.
I hope you are close enough to be able to assist them. A new computer for someone who has never used one will have a GIANT learning curve.