The mighty alphasmart

[Tricanthos]

So here's my new writing tool. The alphasmart neo2. Im sure some of you have heard of these. Its been a big help so far. Because it keeps me focused on writing and less chance of getting distracted. Makes txt. Files that are uploaded via USB cable. Has anyone else used these?

 

[The Judge]

I've not heard about it, but I'm a luddite where such things are concerned.

I'll move this thread over to General Writing Discussion, though, as that seems a better location to catch the writers amongst us than here in SFF Lounge.

 

[zmunkz]

Wow, that is hardcore. I don't think I could use that, I constantly need to jump between my notes files, my previous chapters, and so froth. I do like the idea of unplugging, though I suppose I could just turn of wifi on my laptop to get the same effect.

 

[Tricanthos]

I thought so too zmunkz, but it was too easy to turn on the wifi and "just check this one thing" or get pulled into some other task. This little guy allows my brain to let go of those options and redirect that energy into piercing the murky depths of the story via LCD. It's altogether a different writing experience.

 

[Steven Sorrels]

I've seen one of those before but never had the opportunity to give it a proper test run. Does it allow for scrolling back through or just what you've got on the screen at that moment?

 

[Kerrybuchanan]

I know a guy who does all his writing on something similar. He's published now and doing well, so there has to be something to it!

 

[Tricanthos]

Steven, it does allow you to scroll back. I've stopped trying to edit on it though. It's doable but the screen makes it challenging. It does have spellcheck that works ok (and a thesaurus supposedly) but I find it easier to get the raw stuff out first. Do the best I can with spacing and spelling etc. then do all the fancy stuff once I upload the file on my laptap. By the way this thing takes 3 AA batteries and it lasts about 3 weeks. Not bad.

 

[RX-79G]

I like the idea in some ways, but it costs the same as a Chromebook. It should be $50, not $150.

 

[Tricanthos]

I bought mine for $28 dollars on amazon. I would never pay that kind of money for something like this. There are nicer versions of this sort of thing anyway. And maybe I might get one down the road if this guy works out. But yeah you can find cheap used ones.