My mother had a Compaq desktop with Windows XP for a couple years before it died. During that time I usually got calls every other week with issues, worries about viruses, locking up, confusing with the interface, and on and on. Finally after the desktop died completely I convinced her to get a very basic iMac. It came with a printer, and she could be happier. The setup was minutes, and I showed her a few basics on how to navigate. Since then she has never called me for issues especially worries about viruses. It has been well over two years now and close to three without a problem. I would wholeheartedly recommend a Mac to any senior.

I am a consultant that also uses both technologies,
1) Home is DSL that has a consistent 4 - 4.4Mbit, and
2) Sprint EDO card for mobile that gets from 700kbit to 2 Mbit (average is 1.2Mbit).

Using the EDO cards in lieu of hotel high cost Internet saves lots of money. In fact I get better speed with the EDO card than the hotel's notoriously slow Internet...that is no doubt. At home I would rather have 4 - 5Mbit speed....it really makes a difference and speed is an addiction.

I also have to comment that it is certainly nice to go anywhere and have the EDO card instead of always fighting to find a WiFi spot that does not charge. Most airports still do not have free WiFi, and even all the coffee spots still charge although not as much as airports.