It is a great device, I haven't tried it myself but I get it's philosophy and why it looks and sounds this way. I just can't get my head around the price at all since they started to produce it. With this price I can buy a high end mechanical keyboard and an android eink tablet and have almost the same experience with even more features like reading books. It should be more affordable.
"Almost the same experience" is key with this product. If you aren't needing optimal probability, then another setup could certainly be considered. It's all in what will suit the individual need. It just so happens that these devices work very well for me.
I have both Freewrites (and the upcoming Alpha on pre-order) and agree 100%. They have become an indispensable tool. They’ve helped me become a more focused, more efficient, and freer writer.
I just received the Alpha, and it's my first Freewrite purchase. I'm just curious, how do you incorporate the different Freewrite products in your workflow?
@@BC-iu1bk You couldn't possibly need more than one. People might be able to con you into believing otherwise by conjuring up specific use cases for different models. They might even start to believe these things themselves. But the people buying multiple machines are mostly doing so because they like them, which is a good enough reason, I guess. In the end, you start to realize how precious and over-romanticized people are about writing, devoting all kinds of energy to images of rainy coffeehouses and cabins by the lake. Retreats. Writing groups. It all starts to become a bit tedious, dare I say nauseating, especially once you come to terms with the fact that, by its nature, good writing is lonely solitary work, not an excuse to get together with your friends. All these things, including the Freewrite (which I own and like), are really just increasingly sophisticated ways of procrastinating hard work that is rarely romantic and often outright distasteful. It's like chopping wood-rewarding work, but not exactly fun, at least not if you're doing it right. Even these videos and comments are welcome distractions, or am I the only one? What's more, for all the hubbub about mechanical keyboards, I find I can type faster, more accurately, and with less finger fatigue on the scissor keys (and non-laggy screen) of a MacBook. Your results may vary, particularly if you are on the (non-mechanical?) Alpha.
@@BC-iu1bk You couldn't possibly need more than one. People might be able to con you into believing otherwise by conjuring up specific use cases for different models. They might even start to believe these things themselves. But the people buying multiple machines are mostly doing so because they like them, which is a good enough reason, I guess. In the end, you start to realize how precious and over-romanticized people are about writing, devoting all kinds of energy to images of rainy coffeehouses and cabins by the lake. Retreats. Writing groups. It all starts to become a bit tedious, dare I say nauseating, especially once you come to terms with the fact that, by its nature, good writing is lonely solitary work, not an excuse to get together with your friends. All these things, including the Freewrite (which I own and like), are really just increasingly sophisticated ways of procrastinating hard work that is rarely romantic and often outright distasteful. It's like chopping wood-rewarding work, but not exactly fun, at least not if you're doing it right. Even these videos and comments are welcomed distractions, or am I the only one? What's more, for all the hubbub about mechanical keyboards, I find I can type faster, more accurately, and with less finger fatigue on the scissor keys (and non-laggy screen) of a MacBook. Your results may vary, particularly if you are on the (non-mechanical?) Alpha.
Every valid comment here from everyone I had the same. I was fortunate to buy one secondhand at a decent price, that if it were that bad, I didn't lose much. Well, after some testing, it was the best thing I could have used to write a book. I had all the laptops etc. but you could just never write fully focused. With this thing I turned out 300 pages in next to no time. And that was even breaking up chapters and everything else. I would not use any other way but this to write a first full draft. It's simple to paste this to word later on and then do the main editing and finalising there. Yes, the price and the small screen can be off-putting. But put that aside and think only productivity. Then it's worth the investment.
Absolutely! If you read about the different methods authors used to tune out the world and write when quills and typewriters were the ready tools. It isn't surprising with all of these extra distractions today that we need a new solution that matches the technology. The Freewrite really is a no brainer if you're trying to just get what's in your head on paper. Love hearing the feedback!
I wanted one so bad, but now that I see the one-second delay between the typing and what shows up on the screen, I now know that it would drive me crazy enough to throw it through a window haha.
They come up with updates quite regularly. I appreciate how supportive the company is. The delay hasn't been an issue for me personally because I'm more focused on just getting it typed. I don't even watch the screen at this point. But I can easily see where it might be a distraction.
I just ordered one through their site with a $34 off coupon code and $16 shipping a total of $632.55 after shipping/taxes. I am completely excited to use this as I prefer a raised keyboard, I often don't look when I type, and rather than have Grammarly blasting me with squiggly lines I hope to pump out first drafts and keep my creative flow without breaking it. This seems like the perfect tool for someone with ADHD like myself. I hope the connectivity with the wifi is good enough for backing up documents. Note: You gave the same reasons as me for desiring this machine. I will be satisfied with my purchase, I am sure of it. Also gives me more incentive to write cause now I'm more invested. I hope a cute girl will conversate with me because of my Freewrite, and end up falling in love and married. One could hope that is.
I use mine all the time for work and “play” writing. It really is a great tool for me to help me stay focused, to be creative, and I love typing on it.
I want to order this but one thing that is kind of putting me off is the latency between the time you type and you see the letters on the screen. Isn’t this annoying for you? How do you feel about this delay? Thank you for the review. Very useful.
I honestly wanted it to bug me. I had the opportunity to try the Traveller for a few weeks before deciding if I would buy a device. That lag between typing bothered me for the first 15 minutes, and hasn't bothered me since! I'm so focused on what is in my head I don't typically look at the screen as I type on a Freewrite. I tend to look at the keyboard. I love being able to do that and just get the words into the digital format I need. I have typos for sure, but not enough to bother me in working with the content later.
Have you checked out the Freewrite Lemon? Astrohaus should have made the plastic outside removable so you can change colors WITHOUT having to buy a brand new machine. 😮
@@bkddop The Freeerite is a drafting tool. Any formatting you would want you would have to space out yourself. It truly is a device dedicated to getting content in a digital file for you to edit in your favorite program.
Hello! Can I ask your something? Can a make bigger your font? It loooks soooo little! Especially because I wear 👓😎and I always need a bigger font to do everything 😅 Have a nice day!!
Is the lagtime about the same across the different devices? I could see that being annoying for such a purchase. On my MacBook, i have a "Winston app" that looks and sounds like an old school typewriter. I hope that another company comes in and makes these niche devices for half of the price. I would definitely get one then.
They just released an update that is supposed to get rid of the lag. I actually like the lag as it keeps me focused on just getting my ideas down instead of being worried about if I typed "adn" or "and." 😆 I haven't installed thr update yet. I honestly wouldn't care for a half the cost product as the finishes on this one are just so well done. I love the keyboard.
I 100% see the purpose and utility of this but for the cost I just couldn’t justify it. You could buy a fully restored vintage typewriter and a good quality scanner to scan your pages in for 100-200 less than this.
Good point! You do lose on portability. Having the wifi connectivity with the Freewrite allows for me to get notes/copy to my collaborators as quickly as possible.
So I am a writer who does not type I write longhand with this to be beneficial to me and putting my work together I write poems I'm writing a book and I write short stories
@@curatedavalon it's a little expensive but I'll see if I could save up to get it I do have some things published in print because I used to write with a group but they always printed and published Works quarterly but I'm not necessarily writing to for fame or Fortune I'm writing because I love to write and a book and poems is the imprint I want to leave on the earth when I'm dead and gone
If your poetry depends a lot on line control and experimenting with line length options, remember that this device discourages or even prevents even the most basic line length alterations or copy-paste functions. If you want a word processor for poetry, I’d strongly recommend the Pomera DM 100, which must be imported from Japan (eBay usually has some) but whose menus and typing can easily be changed to English, though certain punctuation keys are In slightly different places than a standard English keyboard. The device is most similar to Freewrite’s Traveler model, but has none of the fancy factor of Freewrite. I’ve written dozens of poems on my own DM 100 and also have the Freewrite Traveler, I find the Traveler, as I would any Freewrite device, to be explicitly hostile toward my poetry writing workflow.
Thanks for the interest! I work with people to refine their ideas and keep them consistent. This is especially effective for projects that require a lot of information and detail. It's easy to get wrapped up in the details and get stuck or overlook them all together. Especially, when you're just trying to get your ideas on paper! Depending on the needs of the author, I can be really involved in the process or just an occasional consultant.
@@curatedavalon Hello. Sorry if this isn't an appropriate question, but how do you market yourself, is it as a literary consultant, plot consultant etc? Do you have a website/contact type space?
Not that I am aware. The delay hasn't been an issue for me as I don't watch while I type. I just get it down and worry about possible typos in editing later.
@@curatedavalon Thank you for responding. I loved your review and will be subscribing! Hopefully I will be owning this device soon. i love the idea and love its simplicity.
Hi, I understand that with the English (UK) keyboard map selected therer is no way to generate a £ sign which seems odd given that the pound (£) is the national currency. Would I really have to mess about doing a find and replace, $ with £, in another word processor to achieve this simple character? If true it just seems crazy.
@@curatedavalonIndeed so, they confirmed that the English (U.K.) keyboard cannot generate a £ sign. This has been enough to make me decide not to buy this unit, it’s just unacceptable. Can you imagine if the English (US) version couldn’t generate a $ sign!
I thought I would be transferring files to my computer to print from this device fairly often, but haven't needed to do so based on the nature of how I use it. To cover all of the options I copied from their frequently asked questions below. Hope this helps! "Can you print from the devices? To provide writers with a consistent and hassle-free experience, Freewrite devices do not have a native method to send a draft directly to a printer, but there are multiple quick and easy ways you can get your document to a printer without the hassle of connecting a new device. We provide a dedicated [send] key on the keyboard for precisely this reason - you can email drafts to yourself and print from a computer or mobile device. You can also print directly from a computer by downloading your drafts from the cloud. And last, we have an optional subscription service called Freewrite Plus that enables you to send drafts directly to newer cloud printers that have dedicated email addresses."
@@curatedavalon thanks you so much. So there Is a button that allows you to send the written file directly to your email? sorry but I'm not English so I want to make sure I understand correctly. therefore it is a device that connects to the internet, and requires a wi fi connection
I would say that in the modern world it might be a little noisy. I've seen where people have done things to make it quieter. I haven't tried the "Alpha" model yet, but from the design, it may be quieter.
I don't have an issue with it. At first I thought it might be annoying, but after using the device, I ignore the screen almost completely and just type. I love that about the Freewrite. I am so much more focused on just getting it out of my head and typed out!
The Traveller is definitely the quieter one. The full size has the typical old school sounding keys. I've seen where people have dampened the sound using various techniques but it hasn't bothered me so I haven't tried.
When you're writing, you press the "spacebar" down for a second or two and the display will show your keyboard language on the top screen, and the battery life on the bottom display.
My Traveler arrived yesterday and I’m debating whether or not to return it and get the Freewrite Gen 3 instead. I love the size of the Traveler, but typing comfort isn’t great and it doesn’t have a light. I’m a little worried that the Freewrite is so big and clicky that it will draw unwanted attention.
@@suzyq2463 That's great!! i thought they all had lights? I'm so tempted to get the Hemingway one, but i'm worried about the cost and the lag that many report. Do you find a lag with the traveler?
@@MrDcrules The Traveler does not have a lighted screen,but that hasn’t bothered me as much as I thought it would. I don’t write in the dark anyway. I only notice the lag when I first start a document. After that I don’t notice it at all.
It works really well for me! I used a Traveller model outside for a few weeks before deciding to purchase a Freewrite for myself and had no issues with being able to see the screen.
It’s an entirely different creature. This is more for drafting. It’s a single use device (and one hell of a trick) so you’re not distracted. The Supernote is incredible as a tablet, more specifically for writing with a pen, reading news and Manga and tertiary, to to connect a mechanical keyboard to it and using something like Google docs or Word. Perfect for MoonReader and other Android apps. The Smart Gen 3 is for straight writing. A comparison to this is the Neo2, The Pomera Dm30 and even those are bad comparisons as those are ultraportables. A better comparison to your Supernote is the Boox Note Air 3
disappointing to see that this has that same ghosty slow response time as the traveler. This kind of thing should be extremely adjustable in a $600 word processor.
I wanted this though for 900$ where i am located there is no chance; the product is not worth the material for such cost, the barrier for entry is insane. I ended up wiping an old laptop, threw Free-dos on it, put a text only notepad on it and been using that instead. Not anywhere near as fancy or modern as something like this though i feel options such as typewrites or just older tech in general are far more practical options then this. Perhaps if you got money saved to shell out I'm sure something like this would be great, though is just far too expensive for me.
There is a delay in typing. I haven't found it to be an issue as I don't watch when I type. My goal is to get the material out of my head and into a digital form that can be edited later. So far it has worked very well for me and Freewrite is a well supported system. They update often.
That input lag would be atrocious on a 2005 Chinese phone, and inexcusable on something like this, centered around writing and priced as such. That's a shame, as it's quite an interesting device, from a design and specific usage standpoint.
@@curatedavalon The more options, the better, as far as I'm concerned. If they were going for a real typewriter effect (i.e. a delay between pressing a key and the mechanism hitting the paper), they could've added some sort of small animation to reassure the user it isn't a lag issue. That might be what they're going for.
@@thearousedeunuch That is an interesting idea! All of the e-ink tech I have personally used has some sort of delay. I suppose with future updates, that will get better.
@@curatedavalon It has to do with its low refresh rate, essentially. Also, if an e-ink screen "dies", whatever's on it at the time will stay there forever. Interestingly enough, e-ink displays are superb for handwriting; no lag that way. I get the feeling that they should've used a regular OLED display with a smaller e-ink one for handwriting. Best of both worlds.
I’m totally missing the point of this device. If a person wants to freewrite without editing in real time, it’s totally possible to do that on a computer or even on a tablet - it takes a little discipline, but so does sitting down to write.
Losing the intense computer screen light is a major plus. It may be a 15 minute writing session or 5+hours. That screen can really put some wear on your eyes just for preliminary work. One button touch to on is fantastic for quick thoughts. You don't have to wait for your computer to cut on and then get to the program and such. Being able to type in direct sunlight is another major feature. The cut down on distraction is helpful, but the long battery life might be the best feature. Not having to plug in a laptop constantly is quite freeing! All around it does exactly what it claims well. It has been the perfect solution for me! Love it.
@@curatedavalon OK - I guess it just doesn’t make sense FOR ME, buy YMMV. I’m not out to convince anyone one way or the other - I was just trying to understand. I’ve written on computers since the mid 1980s, and today’s laptops (with SSDs) start up from sleep mode instantly. The also have pretty long battery life - not as long as liquid ink display, but quite a few hours. I also write a great deal on an iPad with a bluetooth keyboard case, which is super convenient. Direct sunlight .. I don’t generally write outdoors, so that’s not an issue for me. I’ve never had a problem with sunlight indoors. I’ve seen other RUclips videos that advertise the lack of an internet connection or other distractions as the big plus, which didn’t make that much sense to me. This wouldn’t be for me, especially at the price they charge for it. But if it works for you, that’s great. Enjoy!
It lags. That's a problem, and why should that even happen. Too expensive. If you can't disipline yourself to work without distracting yourself, doesn't that mean you need to work on that problem.
The lag is consistent with the e-ink technology but is always improving. Thankfully the lag doesn't bother me in the least. I had fully expected it to but it hasn't been an issue. As for discipline in becoming oneself distraction-free. Centuries of writers suffered from the same issue. Some of the most popular and successful writers have not only had writing rooms but writing estates. All in trying to get away from distractions. We have a most disruptive world today and a device that helps remove some of it is aces in my book.
@@curatedavalon Thanks for addressing those points. I would agree about distractions, but I suggest that a state of mind is the key point. That "monkey brain" problem, not to insult monkeys. David Allen's books on Getting Things Done, which I like, is about clearing your mind, having a "mind like water", by organising the endless tasks, projects, deadlines - all of it into an external written system. When you have that, you know you can relax and start being effective. Best wishes!
@@g-r-a-e-m-e- I used to think this way, too. But when I read The Stolen Focus by Johann Hari, I leaned that there’s so much that goes into our ability to pay and keep attention, it was an eye opening book that I recommend to everyone who wants to heal their ability to Focus.
The Alphasmart Neo2 is THE BEST writing instrument for serious authors there is. Bar none! The Freewrite doesn't even come close. The latter has mediocre battery life and is tethered to the dreadful internet for uploading documents. The Alphasmart saves everything in its indestructible case and sports a good 700 hours of battery life. You hit the on button and you're instantly ready to go!
I love it when authors/writers find what works for them! I have enjoyed the additional features of the Freewrite for my personal use. The screen and keyboard are a good fit for me. The Freewrite also stores about 100,000 words and boasts the same battery length as the NEO2, but that can vary based on the settings you use. It is so nice to have options for writers in this digital age!
A computet's screen emits a frequency because of the framerate it uses. Based on some research, i've found that brain-injured persons would have a difficult time looking at computer screens, but not on E-inks. So with this, E-inks don't generally emit anything harmful to people.
Emits what? A frequency is a measurement, you can't emit a frequency, that's like saying it emits a speed. Do you mean it emits a certain frequency of EMR?
Ugh! Maybe I'm in the minority but that latency in typing vs. letters showing up on the screen would drive me crazy. Its like when MS Word MS Outlook starts to crash and freak out and when your typing shows up after a few seconds. This would feel like that situation constantly. This device feels so much like a first world privilege bullshit...whereas a poor person in a poor country might be abel to write on paper or a used typewriter or heck even a $200 laptop running microsoft word....here we need a "dedicated e-typewriter" to help get rid of distractions. Sigh!!
Historically writers have been trying to get rid of distractions for centuries. Whether quill, fountain pen, typewriter, or e-ink typewriter. Which tells me that simply being distracted is not so much the problem as needing the tool that allows you to work, and well.
This seems like an outstanding idea that has been fairly poorly executed. I had intended to purchase one of these in the 3rd generation, but after reading several buyers' reports on Amazon about the numerous failures and breakdowns, I'll be looking elsewhere. It would be terrific if someone could produce an Alphasmart Neo2 with an excellent mechanical keyboard and a larger, beautiful e-ink screen with ZERO possibility of connecting to the internet and ZERO cloud storage. Give us double SD card slots and we'll order several. This machine in its existing form has too many glitches, a poor battery life overall (i.e., the number of charge cycles until the lithium ion battery fails and no longer charges), and IFFY reliability. For $700, most of us could do better.
That is exciting that you're writing a book! Thanks so much for reaching out! I am currently booked for the next few months with current projects. I work primarily with science fiction and some fantasy.
@@curatedavalon Thank you for getting back to me! I’m writing a semi dystopian fantasy if that fits the bill.Currently in the early stages still getting through the first draft.I was hoping to run back in for the second draft after flushing out more. Is there any way to get on the waitlist? If not totally okay too!
So sorry I missed your reply! RUclips comments can be tricky to see sometimes. I'd love to discuss the possibilities further! If you're on Instagram that's an easy place to private message.
It is a great device, I haven't tried it myself but I get it's philosophy and why it looks and sounds this way. I just can't get my head around the price at all since they started to produce it. With this price I can buy a high end mechanical keyboard and an android eink tablet and have almost the same experience with even more features like reading books. It should be more affordable.
"Almost the same experience" is key with this product. If you aren't needing optimal probability, then another setup could certainly be considered. It's all in what will suit the individual need. It just so happens that these devices work very well for me.
@@curatedavalon
Each person has it own experience I understand this product will make us focus on our jobs
I have both Freewrites (and the upcoming Alpha on pre-order) and agree 100%. They have become an indispensable tool. They’ve helped me become a more focused, more efficient, and freer writer.
Awesome!!!
I just received the Alpha, and it's my first Freewrite purchase. I'm just curious, how do you incorporate the different Freewrite products in your workflow?
@@BC-iu1bk You couldn't possibly need more than one. People might be able to con you into believing otherwise by conjuring up specific use cases for different models. They might even start to believe these things themselves. But the people buying multiple machines are mostly doing so because they like them, which is a good enough reason, I guess.
In the end, you start to realize how precious and over-romanticized people are about writing, devoting all kinds of energy to images of rainy coffeehouses and cabins by the lake. Retreats. Writing groups. It all starts to become a bit tedious, dare I say nauseating, especially once you come to terms with the fact that, by its nature, good writing is lonely solitary work, not an excuse to get together with your friends. All these things, including the Freewrite (which I own and like), are really just increasingly sophisticated ways of procrastinating hard work that is rarely romantic and often outright distasteful. It's like chopping wood-rewarding work, but not exactly fun, at least not if you're doing it right. Even these videos and comments are welcome distractions, or am I the only one?
What's more, for all the hubbub about mechanical keyboards, I find I can type faster, more accurately, and with less finger fatigue on the scissor keys (and non-laggy screen) of a MacBook. Your results may vary, particularly if you are on the (non-mechanical?) Alpha.
@@BC-iu1bk You couldn't possibly need more than one. People might be able to con you into believing otherwise by conjuring up specific use cases for different models. They might even start to believe these things themselves. But the people buying multiple machines are mostly doing so because they like them, which is a good enough reason, I guess.
In the end, you start to realize how precious and over-romanticized people are about writing, devoting all kinds of energy to images of rainy coffeehouses and cabins by the lake. Retreats. Writing groups. It all starts to become a bit tedious, dare I say nauseating, especially once you come to terms with the fact that, by its nature, good writing is lonely solitary work, not an excuse to get together with your friends. All these things, including the Freewrite (which I own and like), are really just increasingly sophisticated ways of procrastinating hard work that is rarely romantic and often outright distasteful. It's like chopping wood-rewarding work, but not exactly fun, at least not if you're doing it right. Even these videos and comments are welcomed distractions, or am I the only one?
What's more, for all the hubbub about mechanical keyboards, I find I can type faster, more accurately, and with less finger fatigue on the scissor keys (and non-laggy screen) of a MacBook. Your results may vary, particularly if you are on the (non-mechanical?) Alpha.
You also have a capitalism-obesity.
Every valid comment here from everyone I had the same. I was fortunate to buy one secondhand at a decent price, that if it were that bad, I didn't lose much. Well, after some testing, it was the best thing I could have used to write a book. I had all the laptops etc. but you could just never write fully focused. With this thing I turned out 300 pages in next to no time. And that was even breaking up chapters and everything else. I would not use any other way but this to write a first full draft. It's simple to paste this to word later on and then do the main editing and finalising there. Yes, the price and the small screen can be off-putting. But put that aside and think only productivity. Then it's worth the investment.
Absolutely! If you read about the different methods authors used to tune out the world and write when quills and typewriters were the ready tools. It isn't surprising with all of these extra distractions today that we need a new solution that matches the technology. The Freewrite really is a no brainer if you're trying to just get what's in your head on paper. Love hearing the feedback!
Great filming! This is the best view of the device out of all the reviews I have watched. Thanks.
Thank you!
I wanted one so bad, but now that I see the one-second delay between the typing and what shows up on the screen, I now know that it would drive me crazy enough to throw it through a window haha.
They come up with updates quite regularly. I appreciate how supportive the company is. The delay hasn't been an issue for me personally because I'm more focused on just getting it typed. I don't even watch the screen at this point. But I can easily see where it might be a distraction.
I just ordered one through their site with a $34 off coupon code and $16 shipping a total of $632.55 after shipping/taxes. I am completely excited to use this as I prefer a raised keyboard, I often don't look when I type, and rather than have Grammarly blasting me with squiggly lines I hope to pump out first drafts and keep my creative flow without breaking it. This seems like the perfect tool for someone with ADHD like myself. I hope the connectivity with the wifi is good enough for backing up documents.
Note: You gave the same reasons as me for desiring this machine. I will be satisfied with my purchase, I am sure of it. Also gives me more incentive to write cause now I'm more invested. I hope a cute girl will conversate with me because of my Freewrite, and end up falling in love and married. One could hope that is.
How do you people afford these prices? That’s literally my rent
That is amazing! I hope you love it. I am still loving mine.
I use mine all the time for work and “play” writing. It really is a great tool for me to help me stay focused, to be creative, and I love typing on it.
That's great!
I want to order this but one thing that is kind of putting me off is the latency between the time you type and you see the letters on the screen. Isn’t this annoying for you? How do you feel about this delay?
Thank you for the review. Very useful.
I honestly wanted it to bug me. I had the opportunity to try the Traveller for a few weeks before deciding if I would buy a device. That lag between typing bothered me for the first 15 minutes, and hasn't bothered me since! I'm so focused on what is in my head I don't typically look at the screen as I type on a Freewrite. I tend to look at the keyboard. I love being able to do that and just get the words into the digital format I need. I have typos for sure, but not enough to bother me in working with the content later.
I really want one. I have a MacBook Pro and an iPhone and an iPad Pro and they do EVERYTHING. BUT. I love the fact that this device does ONE thing.
Absolutely! It is amazing to just turn off the rest of my brain when I turn this device on! One simple function.
Have you checked out the Freewrite Lemon? Astrohaus should have made the plastic outside removable so you can change colors WITHOUT having to buy a brand new machine. 😮
That would be fun! A little more gimmicky of a product but a lot of fun!
@@curatedavalon And a whole heck of a lot LESS EXPENSIVE! 😂
Interesting device. I hope you'll show what the output looks like when you print out your work on paper.
I can do that! There are a few ways of going about it. I can upload to say Google Docs or move it over to my computer.
Sounds like a great tool. I’m sorry to hear about your finger. Hopefully feeling returns eventually.
Thank you!
is there any script writing format in this?
@@bkddop The Freeerite is a drafting tool. Any formatting you would want you would have to space out yourself. It truly is a device dedicated to getting content in a digital file for you to edit in your favorite program.
Hello! Can I ask your something? Can a make bigger your font? It loooks soooo little! Especially because I wear 👓😎and I always need a bigger font to do everything 😅 Have a nice day!!
Yes! The font size is adjustable. I'll post a few quick photos to demonstrate.
well, can I transfer the arquive to another device?
I transfer to my laptop when I need to via usb.
Is the lagtime about the same across the different devices? I could see that being annoying for such a purchase. On my MacBook, i have a "Winston app" that looks and sounds like an old school typewriter. I hope that another company comes in and makes these niche devices for half of the price. I would definitely get one then.
They just released an update that is supposed to get rid of the lag. I actually like the lag as it keeps me focused on just getting my ideas down instead of being worried about if I typed "adn" or "and." 😆 I haven't installed thr update yet. I honestly wouldn't care for a half the cost product as the finishes on this one are just so well done. I love the keyboard.
Thank you again!!!! Do you have a case or protective sleeve for this? Great reviews!!!!
@@MrDcrules I recently purchased the case and should have a review up in a week or so. I do like it! Very protective.
I may use this device just for journaling. I’m glad it has a light, unlike the traveling model.
@@MrDcrules It would be excellent for that! I've been thinking about using one of the folder features to just have a running diary tab.
I 100% see the purpose and utility of this but for the cost I just couldn’t justify it. You could buy a fully restored vintage typewriter and a good quality scanner to scan your pages in for 100-200 less than this.
Good point! You do lose on portability. Having the wifi connectivity with the Freewrite allows for me to get notes/copy to my collaborators as quickly as possible.
how has transferring documents from their thing onto your own computer for editing?
I've just been uploading to Google docs and it has worked well for my purposes. I just turn the wifi on when I want to.
So I am a writer who does not type I write longhand with this to be beneficial to me and putting my work together I write poems I'm writing a book and I write short stories
This has helped me move out of longhand when my clients need it. So incredibly helpful!
@@curatedavalon it's a little expensive but I'll see if I could save up to get it I do have some things published in print because I used to write with a group but they always printed and published Works quarterly but I'm not necessarily writing to for fame or Fortune I'm writing because I love to write and a book and poems is the imprint I want to leave on the earth when I'm dead and gone
Thank you🖊️🖋️🖊️🖋️✒️✏️✒️📝
If your poetry depends a lot on line control and experimenting with line length options, remember that this device discourages or even prevents even the most basic line length alterations or copy-paste functions.
If you want a word processor for poetry, I’d strongly recommend the Pomera DM 100, which must be imported from Japan (eBay usually has some) but whose menus and typing can easily be changed to English, though certain punctuation keys are In slightly different places than a standard English keyboard. The device is most similar to Freewrite’s Traveler model, but has none of the fancy factor of Freewrite. I’ve written dozens of poems on my own DM 100 and also have the Freewrite Traveler, I find the Traveler, as I would any Freewrite device, to be explicitly hostile toward my poetry writing workflow.
@@SuperTrainStationH thank you for sharing an alternative solution and giving some insight on pros and cons. if all comments could be this helpful!
Would you say that this would be good for journaling? Thank you
I think so! It would be easy to type in a date and then just let the thoughts flow. I have a folder where I just keep running thoughts.
I want to hear more about your job. Are you an editor or something? It sounds really interesting
Thanks for the interest! I work with people to refine their ideas and keep them consistent. This is especially effective for projects that require a lot of information and detail. It's easy to get wrapped up in the details and get stuck or overlook them all together. Especially, when you're just trying to get your ideas on paper! Depending on the needs of the author, I can be really involved in the process or just an occasional consultant.
@@curatedavalon Hello. Sorry if this isn't an appropriate question, but how do you market yourself, is it as a literary consultant, plot consultant etc? Do you have a website/contact type space?
I am waiting for a larger screen and color.
Are there any Freewrite products that don't have a delay in the characters showing up on the screen?
Not that I am aware. The delay hasn't been an issue for me as I don't watch while I type. I just get it down and worry about possible typos in editing later.
@@curatedavalon Thank you for responding. I loved your review and will be subscribing! Hopefully I will be owning this device soon. i love the idea and love its simplicity.
Hi, I understand that with the English (UK) keyboard map selected therer is no way to generate a £ sign which seems odd given that the pound (£) is the national currency. Would I really have to mess about doing a find and replace, $ with £, in another word processor to achieve this simple character? If true it just seems crazy.
I haven't tried swapping as I'm in the U.S. That would be a great question for their customer service.
@@curatedavalonIndeed so, they confirmed that the English (U.K.) keyboard cannot generate a £ sign. This has been enough to make me decide not to buy this unit, it’s just unacceptable. Can you imagine if the English (US) version couldn’t generate a $ sign!
@@PedalBikerUK I suppose so, although I've never once had the need to use the symbol.
Your fingers were covered in ink. I hope you're able to get ink marks off of the keys if there were some.
It must have! I haven't seen any.
Hey, can i ask you a question? I was wondering if and how Is possible to transfer the files to a PC and then print them..thanks you
I thought I would be transferring files to my computer to print from this device fairly often, but haven't needed to do so based on the nature of how I use it. To cover all of the options I copied from their frequently asked questions below. Hope this helps!
"Can you print from the devices?
To provide writers with a consistent and hassle-free experience, Freewrite devices do not have a native method to send a draft directly to a printer, but there are multiple quick and easy ways you can get your document to a printer without the hassle of connecting a new device.
We provide a dedicated [send] key on the keyboard for precisely this reason - you can email drafts to yourself and print from a computer or mobile device. You can also print directly from a computer by downloading your drafts from the cloud.
And last, we have an optional subscription service called Freewrite Plus that enables you to send drafts directly to newer cloud printers that have dedicated email addresses."
@@curatedavalon thanks you so much. So there Is a button that allows you to send the written file directly to your email? sorry but I'm not English so I want to make sure I understand correctly. therefore it is a device that connects to the internet, and requires a wi fi connection
@@elenabite4953 Yes! When I turn on the wifi button everything uploads to the desired platform and I get an email.
It Is quite expensive, so I'm trying to collect informations before buy It! Thanks you👌👌
@@elenabite4953 Always a smart move!
How would you compare this to the Hemingway model? Thx!!!
I haven't had the pleasure of seeing the Hemingway model in person, but as far as I know the functions are the same.
Is this appropriate to bring to class to take notes? Or is the noise loud and distracting?
I would say that in the modern world it might be a little noisy. I've seen where people have done things to make it quieter. I haven't tried the "Alpha" model yet, but from the design, it may be quieter.
How do you feel about the small screen?
I don't have an issue with it. At first I thought it might be annoying, but after using the device, I ignore the screen almost completely and just type. I love that about the Freewrite. I am so much more focused on just getting it out of my head and typed out!
How loud are the keys when typing? I'm debating between this and the Traveler.
The Traveller is definitely the quieter one. The full size has the typical old school sounding keys. I've seen where people have dampened the sound using various techniques but it hasn't bothered me so I haven't tried.
Where is the battery level displayed?
When you're writing, you press the "spacebar" down for a second or two and the display will show your keyboard language on the top screen, and the battery life on the bottom display.
Can you password protect your documents?
I haven't tried that to see, but I think the Alpha model has password capability.
My Traveler arrived yesterday and I’m debating whether or not to return it and get the Freewrite Gen 3 instead. I love the size of the Traveler, but typing comfort isn’t great and it doesn’t have a light. I’m a little worried that the Freewrite is so big and clicky that it will draw unwanted attention.
The Traveller is definitely more low-key for writing in public. I receive a lot of questions from people as to what it is. I love the device though!
How is it going now? Did you return it?
@@MrDcrules I returned the Typewriter and kept the Traveler and I’m very, very happy with it. Use it every day!
@@suzyq2463 That's great!! i thought they all had lights? I'm so tempted to get the Hemingway one, but i'm worried about the cost and the lag that many report. Do you find a lag with the traveler?
@@MrDcrules The Traveler does not have a lighted screen,but that hasn’t bothered me as much as I thought it would. I don’t write in the dark anyway. I only notice the lag when I first start a document. After that I don’t notice it at all.
Good review. I want one.
Hi! What generation is this? 2nd gen or 3rd gen?
This is the 3rd gen.
There needs to be a dark mode with an inverse screen color.
That would be neat.
How is the screen outdoors?
It works really well for me! I used a Traveller model outside for a few weeks before deciding to purchase a Freewrite for myself and had no issues with being able to see the screen.
It is e-ink, so basically the best for viewing outside. Imagine Kindle Paperwhite-type screen. What turns me away is its small size, though.
...also, I wonder how using this would compare to using a Super note A5x e-ink tablet to the Freewrite?
I'm not sure.
It’s an entirely different creature. This is more for drafting. It’s a single use device (and one hell of a trick) so you’re not distracted. The Supernote is incredible as a tablet, more specifically for writing with a pen, reading news and Manga and tertiary, to to connect a mechanical keyboard to it and using something like Google docs or Word. Perfect for MoonReader and other Android apps. The Smart Gen 3 is for straight writing. A comparison to this is the Neo2, The Pomera Dm30 and even those are bad comparisons as those are ultraportables. A better comparison to your Supernote is the Boox Note Air 3
Did you buy yours second hand?
I purchased directly from the company.
@@curatedavalon oh, you probably could have got a much better deal if you bought a used one.
Would be nice if you use a wireless mouse.
disappointing to see that this has that same ghosty slow response time as the traveler. This kind of thing should be extremely adjustable in a $600 word processor.
Thankfully, it doesn't bother me. It actually keeps me from watching the words so I can focus on just typing more.
I wanted this though for 900$ where i am located there is no chance; the product is not worth the material for such cost, the barrier for entry is insane. I ended up wiping an old laptop, threw Free-dos on it, put a text only notepad on it and been using that instead. Not anywhere near as fancy or modern as something like this though i feel options such as typewrites or just older tech in general are far more practical options then this. Perhaps if you got money saved to shell out I'm sure something like this would be great, though is just far too expensive for me.
There are delays when typing? For $500??
There is a delay in typing. I haven't found it to be an issue as I don't watch when I type. My goal is to get the material out of my head and into a digital form that can be edited later. So far it has worked very well for me and Freewrite is a well supported system. They update often.
@@curatedavalon Sure. But personally, not at THAT price, though. Kinda ridiculous.
That input lag would be atrocious on a 2005 Chinese phone, and inexcusable on something like this, centered around writing and priced as such. That's a shame, as it's quite an interesting device, from a design and specific usage standpoint.
It's a good thing it doesn't hinder me in the least. I love how we have so many options for different preference.
@@curatedavalon The more options, the better, as far as I'm concerned. If they were going for a real typewriter effect (i.e. a delay between pressing a key and the mechanism hitting the paper), they could've added some sort of small animation to reassure the user it isn't a lag issue. That might be what they're going for.
@@thearousedeunuch That is an interesting idea! All of the e-ink tech I have personally used has some sort of delay. I suppose with future updates, that will get better.
@@curatedavalon It has to do with its low refresh rate, essentially. Also, if an e-ink screen "dies", whatever's on it at the time will stay there forever. Interestingly enough, e-ink displays are superb for handwriting; no lag that way.
I get the feeling that they should've used a regular OLED display with a smaller e-ink one for handwriting. Best of both worlds.
I’m totally missing the point of this device. If a person wants to freewrite without editing in real time, it’s totally possible to do that on a computer or even on a tablet - it takes a little discipline, but so does sitting down to write.
Losing the intense computer screen light is a major plus. It may be a 15 minute writing session or 5+hours. That screen can really put some wear on your eyes just for preliminary work. One button touch to on is fantastic for quick thoughts. You don't have to wait for your computer to cut on and then get to the program and such. Being able to type in direct sunlight is another major feature. The cut down on distraction is helpful, but the long battery life might be the best feature. Not having to plug in a laptop constantly is quite freeing! All around it does exactly what it claims well. It has been the perfect solution for me! Love it.
@@curatedavalon OK - I guess it just doesn’t make sense FOR ME, buy YMMV. I’m not out to convince anyone one way or the other - I was just trying to understand. I’ve written on computers since the mid 1980s, and today’s laptops (with SSDs) start up from sleep mode instantly. The also have pretty long battery life - not as long as liquid ink display, but quite a few hours. I also write a great deal on an iPad with a bluetooth keyboard case, which is super convenient. Direct sunlight .. I don’t generally write outdoors, so that’s not an issue for me. I’ve never had a problem with sunlight indoors. I’ve seen other RUclips videos that advertise the lack of an internet connection or other distractions as the big plus, which didn’t make that much sense to me. This wouldn’t be for me, especially at the price they charge for it. But if it works for you, that’s great. Enjoy!
@@dinosilone7613 All of the technology we have today to choose from is amazing. You can truly find what works for you.
Hello! What does your account mean? ❤
The name of my account? Curated Avalon is Curated Paradise. I find and collect my everyday paradise.
It lags. That's a problem, and why should that even happen. Too expensive. If you can't disipline yourself to work without distracting yourself, doesn't that mean you need to work on that problem.
The lag is consistent with the e-ink technology but is always improving. Thankfully the lag doesn't bother me in the least. I had fully expected it to but it hasn't been an issue. As for discipline in becoming oneself distraction-free. Centuries of writers suffered from the same issue. Some of the most popular and successful writers have not only had writing rooms but writing estates. All in trying to get away from distractions. We have a most disruptive world today and a device that helps remove some of it is aces in my book.
@@curatedavalon Thanks for addressing those points. I would agree about distractions, but I suggest that a state of mind is the key point. That "monkey brain" problem, not to insult monkeys. David Allen's books on Getting Things Done, which I like, is about clearing your mind, having a "mind like water", by organising the endless tasks, projects, deadlines - all of it into an external written system. When you have that, you know you can relax and start being effective. Best wishes!
@@g-r-a-e-m-e- I used to think this way, too. But when I read The Stolen Focus by Johann Hari, I leaned that there’s so much that goes into our ability to pay and keep attention, it was an eye opening book that I recommend to everyone who wants to heal their ability to Focus.
The Alphasmart Neo2 is THE BEST writing instrument for serious authors there is. Bar none! The Freewrite doesn't even come close. The latter has mediocre battery life and is tethered to the dreadful internet for uploading documents. The Alphasmart saves everything in its indestructible case and sports a good 700 hours of battery life. You hit the on button and you're instantly ready to go!
I love it when authors/writers find what works for them! I have enjoyed the additional features of the Freewrite for my personal use. The screen and keyboard are a good fit for me. The Freewrite also stores about 100,000 words and boasts the same battery length as the NEO2, but that can vary based on the settings you use. It is so nice to have options for writers in this digital age!
@@curatedavalonThe battery on a Freewrite is rated for 14 straight hours of writing...The Neo=700 hours.
A computet's screen emits a frequency because of the framerate it uses. Based on some research, i've found that brain-injured persons would have a difficult time looking at computer screens, but not on E-inks. So with this, E-inks don't generally emit anything harmful to people.
Emits what? A frequency is a measurement, you can't emit a frequency, that's like saying it emits a speed. Do you mean it emits a certain frequency of EMR?
Get the M-based MacBook if ye don't want to charge yer laptop every few hours. Like, seriously.
I have an HP Spectre that I love for doing computer work and final edits.
Ugh! Maybe I'm in the minority but that latency in typing vs. letters showing up on the screen would drive me crazy. Its like when MS Word MS Outlook starts to crash and freak out and when your typing shows up after a few seconds. This would feel like that situation constantly. This device feels so much like a first world privilege bullshit...whereas a poor person in a poor country might be abel to write on paper or a used typewriter or heck even a $200 laptop running microsoft word....here we need a "dedicated e-typewriter" to help get rid of distractions. Sigh!!
Historically writers have been trying to get rid of distractions for centuries. Whether quill, fountain pen, typewriter, or e-ink typewriter. Which tells me that simply being distracted is not so much the problem as needing the tool that allows you to work, and well.
This seems like an outstanding idea that has been fairly poorly executed. I had intended to purchase one of these in the 3rd generation, but after reading several buyers' reports on Amazon about the numerous failures and breakdowns, I'll be looking elsewhere. It would be terrific if someone could produce an Alphasmart Neo2 with an excellent mechanical keyboard and a larger, beautiful e-ink screen with ZERO possibility of connecting to the internet and ZERO cloud storage. Give us double SD card slots and we'll order several. This machine in its existing form has too many glitches, a poor battery life overall (i.e., the number of charge cycles until the lithium ion battery fails and no longer charges), and IFFY reliability. For $700, most of us could do better.
Sounds like you've got a great plan! Looking forward to your product in future. In the meantime I'm enjoying my Freewrite.
Not my plan. It's what I wish the Freewrite people had created instead of the unreliable, error-prone device they produced.@@curatedavalon
@curatedavalon I’m currently writing a book and was wondering if I could get in contact about your services if at all possible?
That is exciting that you're writing a book! Thanks so much for reaching out! I am currently booked for the next few months with current projects. I work primarily with science fiction and some fantasy.
@@curatedavalon Thank you for getting back to me! I’m writing a semi dystopian fantasy if that fits the bill.Currently in the early stages still getting through the first draft.I was hoping to run back in for the second draft after flushing out more. Is there any way to get on the waitlist? If not totally okay too!
So sorry I missed your reply! RUclips comments can be tricky to see sometimes. I'd love to discuss the possibilities further! If you're on Instagram that's an easy place to private message.
@@curatedavalon It’s no problem at all! I am! I’ll send a dm soon, same picture on my profile by the way, just so you know it’s me