Consider a user-friendly operating system tailored for your dad's comfort with technology.
Consider a user-friendly operating system tailored for your dad's comfort with technology.
It doesn't require a GPU if the CPU includes built-in graphics. I believe it should ultimately depend on your dad's preferences—portability or a desktop setup. If budget allows, it's his decision. For a desktop, the Mac Mini is a solid option; for something portable, the iPad or MacBook Air would work well.
If he's never used a Mac before, skip it. These devices cost a lot and aren't as user-friendly as they seem from iOS or from someone with IT experience. Windows is more familiar to many and better suited for what you mentioned he intends to use. I created a Ryzen 3200G setup for my grandma—it was very affordable and functions well for her. I secured it tightly so she can only browse the web and run basic apps. This prevents her from installing anything that could slow down her system (similar to what happens on MacOS). A well-configured PC with clear guidance works perfectly.
Consider adding another iPad choice. If you're setting up a desktop, just accept the challenge and familiarize him with Linux. For someone completely new to computers, focusing on simple tasks that don’t need advanced programs makes more sense than teaching Windows. Since Linux is free and open source, and some distributions are more reliable, it could be a better option than Windows, which has more security risks and less trustworthy software.