Thanks for your comment, Megan. Please let us know how the Chumby works out for you guys.

Happy to help! Let me know how it works out.

Hi Barb, thanks for you comment!

I have a couple of suggestions for you. The first requires some do it yourself skills, but will let you make a remote with exactly the functions you need. You can find the instructions here:http://www.instructables.com/id/Senior-Remote/

If you don't feel like making your own, there are a couple of commercial options available. I found the Slicker Clicker which looks like it could be good for someone with cognitive impairment. I haven't tried it yet, but here is a link to the device:http://www.kiscompany.com/

For my dad, I am about to try the Flipper Remote. It is a large button, well labeled senior friendly remote that I hope will be allow him to have some degree of control over what he wants to watch, without confusing him. You can find more information here:http://www.flipperremote.com/ -- I have a flipper remote on the way and will be posting a review after my dad has had a chance to use it for a few days.

Please let me know what you end up with. I'd be happy to publish a review if you find a solution that works.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you guys.

It sounds like you guys are pretty savvy tech-wise. If you and/or your mom would ever like to submit a guest post on your experiences with the Kindle, with computers and IM, or any other related topics, please let me know. I'm hoping to start posting experiences from our readers in addition to my dad's.

Rie, Thanks for the comment. Its so great that your mom is able to enjoy reading again.

When i got my dad his first cell phone, I thought keeping it charged would be the hardest part, but he has done a great job remembering to plug it in every night when he goes to bed. But I find that with the kindle, since it only needs to be charged so infrequently, that routine hasn't developed. I usually just plug it in for a couple hours once a week to keep it powered up.

I realize this post is a year old but I just wanted to take a second to compliment you on it. We use a Wii for both excercise and mental stimulation in my house, and it's been GREAT for myself, my fiancée, AND my dad. The smile on his face when he crushes us at Wii golf can't be beat.

@KRobinson, After returning the Logitech remote, did you find one that worked better for you parents? I would absolutely love to hear from others about the solutions they have found.

Thanks, Sukhjit. In addition to facebook it can also take pictures from Flickr, and, I believe, videos from youtube (possibly other sources too, i haven't experimented with video much.

I could see him using wikipedia if I opened it up and started him there. Once he has a site open, I can see him reading, and following links. I can imagine him opening up a website and searching for content, but I guess anything is possible. Baby steps!

Peter, I'd love to compare notes when your dad gets his iPad. My 79 year old pop is about to jump headfirst into the brave new world also.