SimplicITy PC January 2010

Simplicity PC

The goal of the Simplicity computer is to make computing more accessible to everyone, especially older users who’ve never used a computer before - but does it succeed?

The Simplicity PC is a standard desktop PC, and is available as either a complete system or a standalone unit (with no mouse, keyboard, speakers or monitor). Overall, these supplied accessories were of a good quality, and well suited for a basic home computer.

Once the Simplicity PC is switched on, it's a different experience from a standard Microsoft Windows PC. Simplicity uses a different operating system called Linux – there’s no cost to install this on a computer, so you would expect the PC to be cheaper than if it included Microsoft Windows.

Linux can be altered to suit different needs, and can run on slower computers than Microsoft Windows - it's often used on netbooks, where computing power is in short supply. This version is supplied with a specific program, called Square One, which makes it especially easy to carry out basic tasks.

Valerie Singleton PC

The Simplicity PC's interface is called Square One

Once you switch on the computer, you’re treated to the first of a series of video tutorials from Valerie Singleton, explaining how to set up and start using your computer. These were well presented and gave a welcome human touch.

They start from a simple level. If you've used a computer before you'll will already know much of it, but this is useful for the computer-phobic. By the end, you'll have a good idea of what the Simplicity will be able to do. 

The Square One interface is well-suited for anyone with poor eyesight, with large, well-labelled buttons. From here it’s possible to start programs to carry out word processing, web browsing and checking email.

When you set up the PC, you automatically get an email address (you’ll need to have an existing internet connection, and you'll also need to connect your PC to your router). It generally worked well, but there were occasional delays on incoming emails.

The web browser is basic and works fine, but the large button bar meant the area displaying the actual page was a little small. We found that the word processor lacked many of the main functions you’d expect from normal office suites such as layout and formatting options. And it was much trickier to install a printer than you’d expect on such a simple computer.

It's possible to leave the comfort of Square One and enter a more standard Linux desktop – that can be daunting for newcomers and it’s not obvious how to return. Linux has some powerful features built in, but they can be complex to use – certainly not suitable for novice users. We were treated to some worrying technical error messages during our testing, for instance.

Simplicity PC review

This computer is a good idea, but with some reservations. The hardware is fine, though not cheap especially considering the absence of Microsoft Windows. A comparably priced PC from one of Which?'s recommended PC brands would pack more computing power

The interface and the tutorials are well designed and suitable for the target audience; the applications themselves are OK for carrying out basic tasks, but limited. And the underlying Linux operating system, though powerful and stable, will be daunting if you leave the safety of the Square One program.

We'd expect the software to improve as new versions are released, however, and future models are likely to be better. At the moment though, potential buyers should think carefully about what this computer offers compared with a Windows PC or Apple Mac that’s been well set up by an expert friend. These options would mean users become familiar with a more common operating system.

The Simplicity PC range is available to buy from Discount Age, with prices starting from £455 for a complete system.

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