My brother in law is a decorated marine who suffered a spinal injury this week. He will be treated (as per the military requirements) in a VA hospital several hours from his family and home. Although the family has a PC, during this long term recovery/rehab they will need a laptop for use on the road, at the hotel, and even, as permitted in the hospital.

In thinking through their requirements, this is what I come up with -

1) price is a concern. the military will continue to pay my brother, but my sister will be taking a huge hit paywise. however, none of us are computer literate - so a purchase that includes softwear (and even the loading thereof) would be great. and obviously, we need to get this purchased ASAP.

2) weight - it should be light enough to be easily carried, held on the lap, etc - but not necessary light enough that they are paying a premium for the {lack of} weight.

3) it appears that he will be paralyzed from the waist down - so when he uses the laptop, it will be balanced on his lap in either the bed or the wheelchair. An easy to open laptop, with a larger keyboard would be best, I would think.

4) memory - it will primarily be used for email, i'net, etc at this time. however, my sister is a landscape designer, so I am hoping in the next few months she could do some design work (if not the actual site work); which would require the download of some graphic type programs. I do not think they require excessive memory, but.....

5) they do not want a MAC. they both feel that they are somewhat literate on windows, and the idea of learning a new system with all they are already going through is just too much to comtemplate.

As FT does not allow double posts, I am going to ask for recommendations here, and then take those and ask for further input from the travelers with disabilities forum.

I do not have the experience/knowledge to research this for them, and with all that must be done so quickly, I need to rely on my FT "experts" for help. Please know it is appreciated - and truly needed.

TIA -