As a professional writer, finding the right tool for the job can be daunting. Each day “distraction-free” writing apps are introduced into the market. But what benefit is separating writing from editing and formatting, but not from the chaotic internet?
You’ll be shocked that some tools were not created with effective writing in mind. Even if you disconnect your computer from the internet, there are higher chances of distractions from downloaded music or old photographs.
It was inevitable for entrepreneurs to revive standalone word processors to curb inevitable writing distractions, and hence Freewriter and AlphaSmart. The two are less bulky and allow you to write from anywhere.
Freewrite is a writing machine that helps you maximize your productivity by writing up to 2X more and quickly achieving a writing flow. You don’t have to worry about saving and syncing with Freewrite, as it automatically syncs your work to Dropbox, OneDrive, or Evernote.
You can choose between Traveler, an ideal writing companion to travelers, as it is light and offers distraction-free drafting, or a smart typewriter with modern conveniences, including a backlit E-ink screen and a mechanical keyboard for excellent drafting sessions.
On the other hand, AlphaSmart is a portable device that helps you build distraction-free writing habits. The device features an ergonomic design with a slim and light 100-hour battery life to keep you writing comfortably and longer.
AlphaSmart exists in three models: AlphaSmart 3000, a good choice for children and adults, built with school-age children in mind. The second model is the AlphaSmart Neo, which can hold over 200 pages with an LCD screen 50% larger than the AlphaSmart 3000.
The third AlphaSmart model is Dana, a favorite to new writers interested in the AlphaSmart digital typewriter line. Unfortunately, the brand was discontinued in 2013, though the products are still in the market.
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AlphaSmart also automatically cloud-syncs your work so you can focus on writing and editing later. Its blue-light-free LCD reduces eyestrain, while the quiet and satisfying mechanical keyboard reduces finger fatigue. LCD screens are also easier to refresh than E-ink screens.
While Freewriter and AlphaSmart may seem to have similar functionalities, each device has unique features that make them tick differently. Below is a detailed review of how they compare to help you understand and make a better choice.
Freewiter vs AlphaSmart – Comparison
i) Design and Portability
Freewriter and AlphaSmart are intriguing writing companions with beautiful, purposeful designs to elevate your writing experience. The devices are lightweight, so you can carry them wherever you go.
Freewriter’s design features tools that create a distraction-free writing experience as you would with your hand, but with upgraded satisfaction and convenience.
In a world full of constant connectivity and notifications, Freewrite provides a rare drafting sanctuary to help a contemporary writer attain and stay in a flow state.
Both AlphaSmart and Freewrite feature a minimal form factor and are visually aesthetic. Freewrite is plastic with a matte finish and contrasting deep blue keys to give a unique and unisex visual character. On the other hand, AlphaSmart is only available in one color, black.
Freewrite is covered with a shell of a black aluminum chassis at the top that frames the device’s screen and keyboard.
At the bottom of the device is a plastic panel with four rubber feet to keep Freewrite sturdy when placed on a table or desk. The black panel has a swing-out plastic handle to help you carry the device like a briefcase.
Freewrite has two switches on either side; one for selecting folders by toggling between A, B, and C writing folders. The other switch is the WiFi selector to help you turn WiFi on and off or set up a new connection.
AlphaSmart was designed to strip away distractions that come with writing on a computer. The device came to accompany writing on the computer from how it functions. However, it became a disruptive innovation that revolutionized writing among writers and students.
AlphaSmart was intended for students, and according to its founder Ketan Kothari, the device has helped students stay focused on the go much as they would on a laptop, but it functions like a digital typewriter.
AlphaSmart is not rechargeable or precisely beautiful if you want an attractive design and color. It only has a single font option, which could still work if that’s all you want for now.
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The AlphaSmart Neo model has a built-in dictionary tool to complete spell checks and help you create a quality written piece. The device counts every word you type so you can keep track of your work.
Freewrite is slim and featherweight, about 1.6 lbs, so you can draft from anywhere, be it morning meditations, midnight musings, or inspirations. AlphaSmart is also lightweight, weighing 2 lbs.
Freewrite’s most outstanding features include Postbox access, a cloud application configuring your device, accessing documents, and enabling third-party syncing. Its new display technology features an E-ink panel with a front light for easy reading.
Freewrite also has a universal keyboard that supports writing in over 60 languages and over 85 keyboard variants. The device has a warranty of 90 days to protect you against manufacturer defects.
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ii) Writing Experience
Freewrite has outstanding features that make it the right tool for the job. The device combines old-school aspects like the mechanical keyboard and zero notifications with modern elements such as automatic cloud-syncing to create prolific writing experiences.
The device follows the cardinal writing rule, where writers first focus on writing down their thoughts and then edit later to yield better results and increase productivity.
Freewrite’s outstanding design makes you feel good about your work. At the same time, the mechanical keyboard, E-ink display, and extra large battery allow you to focus on your craft without fatiguing your eyes, wrists, or mind.
AlphaSmart is a long-lasting word processor, thanks to its long battery life. Its keyboard has a small display. Hence, you may need to download your work onto your computer or print it out to see larger fonts and access more editing features.
Some writers refer to AlphaSmart as a computer writing companion since it has fewer features and depends on computers to effectively execute their work.
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Image: H0OK vis Flickr
Earlier AlphaSmart versions were only compatible with Macintosh, but later versions can easily be plugged into a PC or Mac using USB ports.
Students or youngins with writing disabilities mainly use AlphaSmart, and its portability has also made it a favorite among people who participate in novel writing. Overall, AlphaSmart gives a hassle-free writing experience even with significant typing.
Freewrite’s features are designed to help novelists, copywriters, and screenwriters make the best of their skills. Its drafting tools offer immense value to users by enhancing productivity, increasing focus, and improving creativity.
iii) Connectivity and Syncing
The modern writing tool has an internal flash storage that can hold up to one million words. The built-in WiFi simplifies your work transfer when you are ready to edit using the software of your choice.
Like with many hand-held devices, I anticipate that any data or application stored in RAM can be lost whenever the battery dies.
This is also true with AlphaSmart. However, its built-in word-processing app safely saves data in Read Only Memory, so nothing is lost when the battery dies, except for anything that you load externally through an SD card or Hotsync.
AlphaSmart is not a modern tool hence does not connect to the internet. You must connect the device to your computer to transfer or back up your work.
If you are writing about your trip, you may have to visit an internet cafe and transfer your work to the email. Despite its lack of internet connectivity, AlphaSmart works fine.
Freewrite is designed to work both online and offline. You don’t have to worry about saving your work, as the device automatically saves it to the cloud for later editing. The device connects to your Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, or iCloud through WiFi.
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Freewrite has a type-C USB port to charge the device or connect it to the computer to transfer files. Since the device syncs your work to cloud storage, you can quickly move from drafting to editing on Word and its extended features.
While Freewrite offers better syncing and connectivity, it doesn’t give you access to any usable features connected to the device. For instance, you cannot access your email or calendar even if you have already sent drafts to your address.
You cannot browse the internet or do any other activity but write. The device does not also allow you to use its cloud syncing capability to upload new files or update the documents folder you are working on your computer. All file transfers are one-way.
On the brighter side, The above principles make Freewriter a market leader in offering distraction-free writing experience.
iv) Battery Life and Power Management
AlphaSmart and Freewrite have a longer battery life, making them better transit companions. Freewrite has a 100-hour battery life, while AlphaSmart outsmarts it with a 700-hour battery life.
Image: Cesar Cardoso via Flickr
AlphaSmart uses AA-size batteries, which are way above what an ordinary laptop can provide. You’ll get your battery percentage every time you power your device on, so you don’t have to guess how much battery life is left.
AlphaSmart also has an internal battery that can preserve text in memory when your AA batteries die or are being changed.
The best part is that you can change the internal batteries using the star-shaped screws for the Neo2 version or regular Phillips screws for the AlphaSmart 3000 model.
The AlphaSmart model was often sold with a set of rechargeable batteries. In reality, this set was only made of three AA NiMH batteries connected to a mate and placed under the battery cover.
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Freewrite’s Smart Typewriter and Traveler have a lithium-ion battery that doesn’t require special care. However, there are things to do to prolong their life, including avoiding deep discharges and charging them when they are partially discharged.
If you wish to store your Freewrite device for a while, consider charging it thoroughly before storing it. Freewrite batteries can last you up to four weeks on a full charge. Freewrite consumes more power when connected to WiFi.
Therefore, ensure that you only connect it to WiFi when you want to send or sync your drafts.
v) Price and Value
Freewrite succeeds at what it is meant to do, allowing you to write from anywhere you are without distractions comfortably. Its price is hard to swallow, but its unique nature and quality eventually justify it.
The lightweight and portable Freewrite Traveler retails at $499. This version has an E-ink digital screen for distraction-free writing and WiFi cloud syncing. The Smart Typewriter version is a dedicated writing machine for authors and goes for $649.
Despite the price, which is relatively higher than AlphaSmart, Freewrite devices are sold in thousands. It is an excellent solution for professional writers looking to spare extra hours of focused writing, worth every dollar.
If you feel Freewrite is not for you but still wish to write on the go, I encourage you to browse through various e-commerce platforms to find an AlphaSmart digital typewriting device at a price that fits your budget.
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The AlphaSmart Neo Handheld word processor will cost you $159.95 on Amazon. However, you can get AlphaSmart at a relatively lower price on eBay. Though cheaper, they are still good at their job and worth investing in.
But the reason for AlphaSmart’s low prices is that they are no longer making them. The production of AlphaSmart branded devices was discontinued in 2013, but there is still a robust second-hand market for these handheld tools.
AlphaSmart has also been phased out of the school systems to give room for Chromebooks and tablets. The devices have flooded e-markets such as eBay from as low as $20 in their three prominent models, AlphaSmart Neo, AlphaSmart Dana, and AlphaSmart 3000.
vi) User Reviews and Feedback
Many users are satisfied with Freewrite. They believe the digital typewriter does an excellent job, especially since it allows you to scribe even when not connected to the Internet.
In a review on the Wired website, Freewrite Traveler is rated 8/10, with users hailing it for its portability and ease of use. Users are also happy with the device’s arrow keys that let you edit mistakes, and it’s an E-ink screen that is exciting to look at.
In a separate review by a CNN writer, Freewrite is praised for its incredible writing experience, thanks to its unique keyboard that feels like a mix of a mechanical keyboard and a typewriter.
The writer adds that the device has a beautiful and modern device and feels sturdy and well-built. File connectivity is also seamless.
Users are dissatisfied with Freewrite’s lack of writing modes. There are no specific modes for writing formats like poetry or script writing. It lacks a dust cover or case to offer protection.
On the other hand, many users praised AlphaSmart as one of their best devices. In an independent review on Inverse, a user hailed the device for offering an effortless typing experience better than any computer.
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Image: Glen Sun via Flickr
Visiting Amazon, you’ll be amazed at the number of five-star reviews on AlphaSmart. Many users credit the device for being user-friendly for writers and kids, and while it might feel old, it is still a great device.
Another source points out AlphaSmart as an excellent digital typewriter that shines in the area of battery life. Especially the AlphaSmart Dana model, the source states that the device can be held for 12 hours and 9 minutes before issuing a low battery alert.
While I can go on and on to mention the good things users said about AlphaSmart, a handful still expressed dissatisfaction with the device.
Since the device is available primarily as a second-hand tool, there are cases of users receiving the device with missing pieces.
Some users also experienced hazardous incidences of battery leakage after receiving a used AlphaSmart with exploded batteries.
Chances are high that some users may decide to sell the machine off after a long period of not using it, hence increasing cases of the device not working once it reaches a customer.
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Recap – Freewrite vs AlphaSmart
Both casual and pro writers will find Freewrite and AlphaSmart useful, especially if they are constantly distracted by the Internet or other stimuli. The devices promise a distraction-free writing experience and are extremely easy to set up and use.
Suppose you are looking for a digital typewriter with better features to fit different writing needs for both professional and aspiring writers. In this case, I highly recommend Freewrite.
Freewrite’s keys are soft and comfy to take you through longer writing sessions. Its screen is just the right size and is divided into the main screen and a secondary screen, which displays extra information, such as word count.
Overall, it is a complete joy using Freewrite if you are comfortable with a standard mechanical keyboard
The two devices are good at their job, and deciding which one to work with can be daunting. However, your choice of device should be determined by your writing preferences and requirements.
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