AARP, Intel design a tablet for the ‘technology-shy’

Although AARP has long believed that new technology can improve the quality of life -- with things such as family video-chats -- many senior citizens say they aren’t confident in their ability to navigate a new device. AARP and Intel designed a tablet for first-time users, pre-loaded with video tutorials, a 24-hour-a-day helpline and basic applications such as e-mail, video-chat and games. The RealPad, which runs on an Android operating system, is sold by Walmart.com for $189. The RealPad is part of a larger trend in Intel’s mobile-device technology business: customizing tablets for specific populations, said Arjun Batra, a program manager at Intel’s mobile and communications group.