Astrohaus Freewrite | Review
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2017
- Hi,
This time I'm talking about a new concept that I love. For two weeks I've been working on a new computer, a Freewrite from Astrohaus. What is it? A modern typewriter. And it is fabulous!
Now - if you think you would like one, you can get a discount of 5% from the purchase of your Freewrite or Traveller. Just hit the link here: getfreewrite.com/?rstr=MJecks When you go from there to the payment page, you should see the discount applied. Apparently I’ll get a small sum, which will help keep this channel going as well!
Meanwhile, if you want a FREE (yes, FREE) short story, go to this page michaeljecks.co.uk/titles.html and click on THE BOY’S REVENGE! Hope you like it too! It includes the first few chapters of BLOOD ON THE SAND so you can try before you buy!
Don’t forget: if you have your own specific ideas for videos, do please leave them in the comments section below, or message me on one of the links. I'm often on Twitter and the other social media, so you should be able to track me down!
To find out more about me and my books, look at: www.michaeljecks.co.uk
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Don't forget to like and subscribe, and I'll see you in my next video.
Cheers for now!
Mike
Filmed and Edited by Katie Jecks
This video is not sponsored. 
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Having you sit there undirected makes for a simple and calm view.
Looking through your video's it's interesting to see your path going from one writing tool to the next. The focus on hardware (if I just regard the MacBook as packaging for software that is as-thin-as-it-gets), through fountain pens to dedicated computers like this Freewrite, is interesting. The mental and the physical are always related in us, simple biological beings. Maybe we forgot about that when we set out to design machines like the ultra-thin laptops that came into fashion.
I think you're right - the Apple is a good example of design form over usability. The Freewrite looks (well, it is) a lot more clunky - but that doesn't matter. The fact is, it's a great deal more usable as a result. Perfect application of design.
A very helpful review of the FreeWrite. Thank you for sharing your honest experience as a writer with this device.
Glad it was helpful! I am still using it for almost all my drafting work. It really is a brilliant tool, especially when I'm travelling - not that I'm doing much of that just now!
I loved this review!! Just ordered mine two days ago
Really glad you liked the review. I really hope you find it as useful (or essential) as I have. It's such a flexible tool, whether you want to have it on a table in front of you, sitting up with it on your lap, resting with your legs up - and so much more effective than any laptop I've ever earned!
Best of luck, and keep safe!
How interesting. Off to watch your "One Year On - Astrohaus Freewrite". I saw on their website that they've got an upcoming model called Traveller. Thanks for sharing this - it's always interesting to see what tools writers use to boost creativity.
They have promised me a Traveller to test, but it's taken them an age!
Fantastic review and fantastic channel. To favourite.
Many thanks, Miguel. I appreciate the comment!
Mike, Thank you for your review. I was questioning the purchase of the Freewrite, but I think you convinced me to purchase it.
Very glad to hear it. I hope you find it as much of a boon as I have!
That little dude sounds amazing. So much like the device disappears when reading in my kindle oasis. No distractions.
It is a fantastic device, it really is. So much easier to type on than most other devices from personal experience, and much more cost-effective than typical computers which do so much that I have no need for!
Charming tool and perfect framing!
Many thanks, Caterina! You're really kind.
writerlywitterings It's a pleasure :-)
Great straight to the point review!
As for questions, a bit off topic, but during the review you mentioned a keyboard that has Cherry MX Blues. Since all of which is basically for typing, by any chance have you ever heard of LK-Libra Orange switches? They're basically Cherry MX blues but somehow better.
The keyboard(s) they're found in are called the "Bloody B975". It looks and sounds absolutely appalling in name and in terms of how the keyboard looks, but in terms of feel, no question about it, its very underrated. It can be found on Amazon UK.
"Unicomp" keyboards are also very good which are based off a old school design known as the buckling spring. Its a key switch specifically made to be a excellent typing experience. But it it notoriously loud by modern keyboard standards. A typewriter is louder however, if that's any indicator.
Edit: The reason Unicomp keyboards are super important, is because, they aren't "IBM like", instead, they literally are just producing IBM keyboards, just under the Unicomp name. They're under the radar because unlike Cherry MX, Unicomp basically has no outside advertising, and their existence is only known through word of mouth within the keyboard community.
To make a long story short, IBM gave their keyboard tooling to a company called Lexmark, then Lexmark gave the tooling to Unicomp. So technically, Unicomp keyboards *are* IBM keyboards.
Sorry for the very off topic question(s)! But once a question is in my head, sometimes absolutely nothing else can be done but to ask it lest I want to be stuck with it floating around and about.
Just thought I'd share both of these key switch options as typing is a very serious activity and I wish nothing but the best equipment possible for those who do take it as such. At least, when they're at a computer.
As for typing with the Freewrite, I'll have to make a mental note of one, as one might be useful to me in the future. Though for portability reasons, I might have to look into the "Traveler" model instead. This review however, did provide valuable information of the main features that will more a less be present in the Traveler model (at least from my understanding of it).
I tend to like to type "journal entries" of sorts but it is very easy to be on a word processor on a computer and getting side tracked by heaven knows what! Hard to recollect what one has done over the day or possible over the year(s), when new, unnecessary information is gained while in the process of recollection which threatens to overwrite said recollections!
Many thanks for your comments/questions, Spearra.
I have to admit, I've not heard of LK-Libra or Bloody B975, but I'll keep an eye open next time the keyboard starts to fail - as it likely will before long!
On the Freewrite, I would imagine that the Traveller would be really handy for those who want a less serious typing device. Why "less serious"? Because for someone like me (and obviously you too) the benefit of increased portability is lost because of the lightweight nature of the device and the keyboard. I cannot really function with flat keys on scissor switches. I just find them horrible to type on, and that slows me down. Likewise, I suspect that the Traveller's skinny design would make it so much less comfortable to work on that I'm much happier with the Freewrite. I find it as easy to carry as any laptop, but infinitely better to type on, as I mention in the review.
BUT - I have no doubt that many, many people will find the Traveller much more suitable for their purposes. After all, a typewriter that fits into a pocket has to be a good idea.
Just not for me, I'm afraid!
Wow, , Truly ,I was very skeptical about this type writer, i must say you presented quite nice explanation (quite long but still).
Im young , grown up with computer,still i find it uncomfortable to write long projects...
Will consider this solution.
Thanks for the review.
Sorry, Christmas got in the way of responding! Thanks for the comments. If you do look at a Freewrite, let me know how you get on. I've found it really superb.
This video was my distraction from writing. Yet, I'm glad it did.
Glad it was helpful/interesting! Still using it very happily.
The only issue I have with distraction free writing is if I do make a mistake I like to fix it while it's fresh in my mind or it will either bug me or I might not remember. The Macbook Pro is far more lap worthy than an Air and runs cooler. The only thing I don't like about it is it's limited compatibility...no 32 bit applications and harder to find free solutions. Other than that it's much more hassle free than a pc. It runs cooler, longer, and without all the other random issues. In Canada with shipping and import costs the Gen 3 Freewrite is now over a thousand dollars for the base model....the Gen 3 is the only one that has the WASD keys enabled to my knowledge.
Sorry to take so long to respond - ill health and deadlines!
I am a solid iMac user, and have been for twenty-odd years. However, the Freewrite is my preferred tool when travelling. I love the concentration I can achieve with it, no matter where. And I have to admit, I can understand your desire for editing on the fly, but I find that it's much better for me to be able to write and keep writing on. As soon as I load the document in the Apple, it's going to highlight any typos, so I can quickly find the errors.
Hi there, thanks for your review. I am awaiting my Freewrite in the mail as we speak, and I'm really looking forward to trying it out. My question is about the clacking of the keys. I love this old-fashioned sound and will be happy to hear it in my home office. What about in cafes or other public spaces? Have you noticed that the louder clacking bothers people near by? Does it make you self-conscious?
:-)
Hi, I have an ancient Toshiba PC laptop with VISTA! Death is looming and I'm needing a new computer. This laptop has raised keys and I've used it for over 8 years. I need a computer with a keyboard that is similar to the IBM electric typewriters I used to learn to type, but I need LONG battery power because I write hours as a time in diners and other public places. I've hesitated getting a Mac and not sure I'm up to learning a new system. I also love a large monitor - it's easier on the eyes. I am a writer. Thanks for your advice. PS I have been looking at the Free Write device--the keyboard is enticing!!, but I need to do editing, etc. Should I consider buying TWO devices? Thanks again!
Hi, Richard, and thanks for the comment. I used to have a Tosh, which was brilliant until someone sent me a virus that destroyed a third of all my work - including two month's worth of the book I was writing at the time on a tight deadline. That was when I moved to Apple.
My own view, for what it's worth, is that the Freewrite is a fabulous tool for input. I can get much more done, purely because when I have the Freewrite on my lap, I don't have email, twitter etc, and cannot flip windows. However, as soon as you have the basic draft, you need a full WP computer. So, for editing, for inserting, everything to do with tightening up your text, you will need some sort of computer. I presently have a 27 inch iMac. But they are ridiculous prices now, and I suspect it'll be my last Apple. All I really need is a decent small computer and Scrivener, which is my go to book writing software, and then a decent word processing editor so that I can track changes and comments from my editors.
So, for my money (because I have very little), I would go with a Freewrite to input, but also buy an inexpensive laptop. The keyboard alone on the Freewrite justifies the expense! And then, when you have some royalties come in, buy a separate keyboard for the laptop. I use a Filco from Keyboardco.com, who supply a range of IBM-like keyboards.
One thing I would say, is that the little e-ink screen on the Freewrite is much easier on the eyes than my Apple iMac's screen after a few hours of typing. For editing, a decent screen will help, but so long as a large section of a page is displayed well, that's the main thing.
Hope that helps a little!
“Your kids just got ran over”... ya, that Only takes 25 minutes of distraction!! Of course 😹 and if I get that device my kids being ran over won’t distract me At all, Ever again! 🤣👍🏻 great invention!
Thanks for the comments, Chris!
This thing is just the kind of thing I need. I love my fountain pens but God help me my handwriting is horrid and slow. I get distracted when using a pen, with a good keyboard my findgers go on autopilot and my mind forms the words unhindered. I stumbled on this video while looking for vintage notebook/word processors like the Tandy TRS-80 Model 100 or Quickpad. Unfortunately these are hard to work with in today's world if you want to transfer data, which of course I need to do for final editing and submission. I wish this thing weren't so ... pretentious-looking, bulbous/retro/steampunk beyond the necessary, but I get it. Might jsut need to get one of these.
I'm exactly like you. I am so much happier with keys in front of me. I adore pens and pencils (see my video today) but the Freewrite is just a dream for creative writing. You may not have seen, but they have a new version which is a pocket-sized "clamshell" style machine they're calling the "Astrohaus Traveller". I am hoping to get a review model very soon and will upload a review as soon as I can.
I stumbled on the Indiegogo page after watching your video and poking around the net. Isn't it cute? I wrote them to ask about some things that worry me, just looking at it. One: they have no audio of the keys, how loud/quiet are they? That usually gives a good indication of the tactility. Also, the loudness of the original design would make me self-conscious in public, so I am hoping for a quieter keyboard. If they are scissor switches, of course, they will be quieter, but how quiet? On the other hand, are they "too quiet", meaning no tactility to speak of? Hard to spring the money for something I won't see until next June without knowing more. The cool sale expires today (45% off if you back it by today).
My second question for them concerns the clamshell. From every angle, it looks to me like the face of the display side impacts the key cpas when closed. I asked them for updated photos or engineering drawings showing they have solved that. Nothing worse than the little marks from the keys all over the display surface.
tusk fu I know what you mean. My own feeling is, the Freewrite is perfect because of its size, weight, and keyboard. For me, a scissor switch keyboard just won't do it. I tend to wear out keyboards in 24 months if they're flat, Apple/laptop style keyboards. I'm currently using a Cherry MX keyboard (FIlco - there's a review of it on RUclips somewhere) and it's already almost 18 months old and fine. The Freewrite keyboard is louder than a laptop, but it doesn't turn heads. It ain't very loud - it's just a bit louder than a laptop. But the real answer is, if you want a serious, heavyweight typing machine, I'd go Freewrite, if you want a good note-taker that you can carry on you all day, go for a Traveller. The thing is, if you're typing solidly, you want something robust and the Freewrite is the machine for you. If it's more intermittent, and something that has to be light, the Traveller may be better. I'm looking forward to testing it to find out!
@@marka.200 Hmm, I don't know how the Traveller works, and as you say, the pictures are difficult to read. However, the two screens are actually one single e-ink unit, so the screen itself is recessed into the lid/top section. I think it unlikely that they would shut the lid so that all the keys were compressed, to be honest, so I would guess that the e-ink screen is perfectly safe. However I would always cover the keys with a thin micro-fibre cloth to protect the screen from dirt and grease I'd left on the keys - just as I always used to with my Apple G4 laptop many moons ago!
Have you had a look at the AlphaSmart word processor? Can only be bought second hand now but very impressive and great for us writers!
Yes - but this is infinitely better. It's more comfortable, it's better weighted to sit solidly on your lap, the screen is ideal for all conditions, and, of course, it's still manufactured and supported. I have tried Alphasmarts, but I couldn't use them for long. There's no way I could type 3,000 words on a train journey as I do with my Freewrite.
@@writerlywitterings Thanks that is very interesting. So that keyboard is so much better than the alphasmart. Good to know. For something completely different. Do u use the Nisus pro WP?
@@gordonclarke1210 Yes, I do. I have used Office in the past, as I have Word, Wordperfect, Wordplex, Wang etc, but Nisus Pro (I am still on version 2) is ideal for me. Office is fine, but very expensive because of the additional packages - I have no need for the mail, presentation or spreadsheet packages. Nisus does all that other packages do, but at a fraction of the price.
@@writerlywitterings Thanks. Perhaps u could do a vid on Nisus. The things u like, the things u don't etc. There are 2 versions of Nisus WP, I have a demo of the std version so would b interested in hearing what u think of the Pro.
@@gordonclarke1210 Be very happy to. I might have to do a quick piece on comparisons between Nisus and Scrivener, too, thinking about it.
I have a question - on the homepage they say battery life 3-4 weeks with "normal usage" which they define as 30 minutes of writing per day. That sounds SO weird to me. A measly 30 minutes of writing per working day. BUT do they mean having the machine ON for 30 minutes or do they mean 30 minutes of actual typing, only using battery while actually, physically writing, and then being in a sort of battery-saving mode while you are thinking between sentences?
I would treat that comment with the same suspicion that I'd treat a car manufacturer's comments on fuel consumption! Personally I've never run it down completely while using it. If I use it hard in a day, I check the battery and when it's down to a quarter or so, I'll recharge it. It's like any other type of kit, in that it will run down and need to be topped up. Even though I've had it for a year, I've not really checked into exactly what the battery life is, to be honest. But when I was using an Apple Bluetooth keyboard I never checked that either. I tend to just use the tools and recharge when the batteries get low. However, as a writer, I tend to be using the Freewrite for more than five hours a day regularly, and not having to recharge for a couple or days or more. The e-ink screen and lack of internet means you get much more use out of it than you would from a standard laptop. However do sit down and think hard about how you would use it. The Freewrite does mean no editing. Absolutely no editing whatsoever. I personally love this. I stay in creative mode as I write, and all the typos and edits get sorted at edit stage. While I'm typing, if there's a glaring issue, I just put in a couple of XXs or stars, and these leap off the page at me when I'm editing. My own work process tends to involve editing and checking in the morning as I do emails, and the rest of the day is for typing new scenes, so afternoon and evening. That works well for me - it doesn't suit everyone! Hope that helps a little!
Helps a lot actually.
I am not too, too susceptible to chasing various diversions while I work but I kinda warm to the potential discipline of formulating my thoughts more tightly moment-to-moment, like I suppose I would back in the analog type-writing days, but still with some of the modern, time saving advantages.
The only potential downside to me would be the issue of catching late-arriving but important associations to something written only a few paragraphs back. Not fixing typos or word-uglies, but catching relevant content or adjusting the rythm or intonation to home in on a certain groove or mindset, if you like. I like to stay in the moment and only double back a little, when absolutely necessary for that sort of thing. But that could be just done as an analogue note on the side and added later on an editing device I guess.
The reason I am concerned with battery life is that I'd like to combine hiking and writing, so power sources may not be readily available for days or even weeks. Walks were always a big part of my process but I'd like to get all the way away, or sometimes write or do research in certain chosen locations or environments.
I can draw whatever I like, but my actual handwriting sucks and I am not going to log a wet typewriter around in the wild and redo the whole thing from scratch later on - and I most certainly do not want to face the choice of whether or not to burn my own work to make it through a cold night on some desolate mountain. That'd be taking vintage just far enough, for my purposes.
Anyway thanks the reviews and your considerate reply
A couple of points - the battery in the Freewrite is not a huge item - by which I mean that you can probably recharge it from a phone recharger battery, if you have one. I don't know how long it would last for - I haven't tried it - but I'll bet you'd get a good recharge from a 5000 milliamp mobile phone charger? If I'm right, I would think that you'd get at least some 15 hours of writing from the Freestyle battery and a recharge or two. And if you're walking, you won't be writing all the time. That may well be all you need. Second, if it's going to be damp - "wet typewriter" - your Freestyle will last about as well as my MacBook Air did after my daughter dropped a glass of water on the keyboard - no time at all!
Thanks man - yeah I went over some of those considerations.
It's true that you don't full working days hiking unless you make bases along the way. It's a valid point, and really something that would have to go into creative process planning for me.
I am sure I could come up with a system for general protection from damp situations - actually I think you nailed with the hard cover, I'd just add some sort of waterproof, air-tight seal. A little involved perhaps but no biggie, I build stuff like that all the time.
But it's true it's maybe not that rugged of a unit, and it would be a shame to kill it due some simple, but rather likely mistake. And risky in terms of the work potentially lost (unless uploading). I don't normally carry battery packs, but that would be one way of extending usage, I am sure.
But it's possible that I should consider the cheaper, if less appealing, option of getting something like the cheap, old alphasmarts for that purpose. It's light-weight and I wouldn't be too bummed out if it broke down, I'd just loose the ability to work in that particular way. I doubt writing on one of those is any more unpleasant than say sleeping on rock ;).
But hey - sorry for you, your daughter AND the Macbook-turned-dive-computer o.O
That's a very interesting review ... can you print it out from there ?
You cannot print direct from the Freewrite (yet - I believe it is in planning stages for a later update) but I wouldn't want it, to be honest. Much easier to use it as an input only device, and then edit it on the computer to print from there. Personally I'm using it to input books, and when the specific scenes are written, I throw them into Scrivener or Nisus and edit them there before printing. But it's still really ideal for input. A great device.
How is it now in March of 2018? Do you still use it as much as you thought you might? Are you still happy with it? I'm considering buying one myself and would like to know your long term thoughts.
The short answer is, I love it and wouldn't be without it. Whether I am using it at home at a desk, or on my lap, or on a train, or just out and about, it is perfect.
I was trying to think exactly what it was that appealed to me so much the other day, and I think it is all the ergonomics. It balances firmly. When I tried to use my Apple MacBook Air (which is beautiful), I could never use it happily on my lap. The keyboard's short travel was not comfortable for sustained work, and the feel of the computer made me convinced that at any moment the thing would overbalance because of the weight of the screen. When I travelled by train, I could only use my MacBook if I managed to get a seat with a table. The usual airline format seats were impossible, because the MacBook's screen couldn't be used open properly. The seat back in front meant the computer's screen was always less than vertical. It couldn't be used.
With the Freewrite, none of that happens. I can sit with it on my lap, or on airline style seats without problem. The last time I had to take the train, I managed 3,000 words or so - which is probably more than I have managed with all my previous laptops put together. The screen is easy to read, the keyboard is so good I'm selling my two Apple bluetooth keyboards, and the feel of it is superb.
I'm not bothered about the lack of internet. I am very happy that all the Apple bloatware is not there, so I am not paying for spreadsheets, presentation software and all the other stuff I don't really need and never use. The Freewrite has everything I need. Sure, sometimes I think a mild text-editing function could made sense - but then I type another thousand words and think, "What the hell! This works fine!"
As you can tell, some eight months after getting it, there's no regrets. I'd buy it again in a blink of an eye.
That's great to hear! I've just purchased it today and am seriously looking forward to distraction free and comfortable writing. Thanks for writing back so quickly, your thoughts are incredibly helpful and make me feel even more confident about the purchase. I've been watching lots of your videos today and love the channel and have just subscribed. Keep up the great work!
That's great to hear. Hope you get as much use out of it as I'm getting!
Have you ever tried and AlphaSmart Neo?
Help! Brand new and at first four paragraphs written. I have tried everything and it stays on T.Cable error with exclamation .
:-)
If they'd release one of these with MX blue or green, I'd be first in line
I can't disagree, but I have to admit that these browns aren't bad either. Still, if they could make a model with blues, or just provide an option for blues, I'd be happy to buy that.
Oh don't get me wrong, browns are wonderful. I use browns and clears more than any other. But if I'm wanting to mimic a typewriter, the louder and the clackier the better
Tom May got to agree with that!
Personally, i think if they want to use a tactile key that is typist friendly, they should use clears. Infinitely more satisfying to type on, and the non-linear spring pressure encourages better habits, like not bottoming out the keys, which means you can type longer before fatigued, in spite of the heavier weight springs. However, i do agree that many typists will much prefer blues or greens.
Personally, I don't really like browns as all, they seem to have compromised everything.
Richard Smith I love MX Clears, but only on double shot spherical keycaps.
Nice idea.
But I prefer an older 10"-12" laptop with a small SSD and a tiny Linux version installed (e.g. Lubuntu, Tiny Linux, etc.). Disabling all unwanted apps (which are not to many out of the box) and you got almost a felling of using an early 90's PC with Win 3.0 or GEOS on it (or even an older Macintosh).
And it's much cheaper than £500...
:-)
Can I retrieve my drafts via my iPhone?
Yes. Your drafts are copied to whichever storage system you want - I use Dropbox - so you can retrieve from there, whether it's to your desktop, laptop, Apple or Android!
Hi, what camera you use to make video is?
I use a Nikon D7100. Very good, reliable, excellent quality. However my daughter just bought herself a Nikon D5300, which is more than adequate for my needs, really - you should take a look.
Yes! Thank you verry much.
If the whole point of the machine is to not edit, then why even put a backspace key?
While typing, using a backspace is essential for correcting misspelling as you type, giving an opportunity to retype, change words while you're working. For many authors like me, the words are coming so quickly that it's essential to have a chance to go over the same few words several times. I need to rewrite entire sentences up to thirty times on a new book. Backspace is needed for that.
@@writerlywitterings Seems the device could benefit a lot from just some basic direction keys like the alphasmart neo 2, which is significantly cheaper and has a very long battery life. Thanks for the review, I've been thinking of one of these and now I have a better idea of its limitations.
It has been a few years, do you still like your Freewrite?
Yup - in fact, I have some reviews to write, and I'm just leaving my desk to sit outside with the Freewrite, because it gets me away from emails, Twitter and all the other things that get in the way of writing! I absolutely love it for any drafting, writing down notes, ideas, letters - just anything that is basically a draft and which I can edit and print later. Tomorrow I'm embarking on a new novel, and that will be on the Freewrite again!
I was not sure if I really wanted one until I saw your review and the one year later. :) You helped me decide. Thank you.
@@lorileighogara9515 My pleasure, Lori. If you click the link in the second paragraph, you get a discount, too.
If you'd not said you weren't being directed by your daughter I'd not have known the difference.
To be fair, the main task she has is the hard one of cutting and editing once I've stopped wittering! Thanks for watching and the comment.
Are they red or blue switches?
I can never remember which is which. They have no 'click' as the key is depressed, but instead go smoothly down. From a quick look at the Cherry site, I guess they must be MX Reds, since they have no tactile response but go straight down smoothly. Hope that helps!
@@writerlywitterings Thank you, yes it does.
@@bkr_vids I have to admit, I usually use a Filco keyboard which has keys that click, so I think they're blues, and I always preferred them, because they give that little hint of tactile feedback ... but I'm starting to feel that the Freewrite keys are almost better ... If I had the choice I would have stuck to the tactile versions, but I'm surprised at how pleasant the Freewrite is for typing!
Heaven forbid that your kid being run over should distract you from your work for fifteen minutes!
Yes. Five minutes max!
PS - but keep that to yourself as I'd not want to offend your daughter whatsoever, she must have taught you well!!
She saw it already. Beware!
US$500 for a device which doesn't even allow editing? Yeah, that's a hard pass from me
Yup. It isn't for everyone.
macbook is a false comparison. Alphasmart neo is the elephant in the room
Bob Usualis Not in the UK, where Alphasmarts are not available. However, I believe Alphasmarts aren't available any more in the US either now? For that reason I was comparing the Freewrite with the device that almost all writers will use first, ie a laptop. I personally use Apple, so had to compare with that.
I'm in the UK and you can buy Alphasmart Neo's quite cheaply on Ebay. The shipping tends to make the overall cost about £50. Lots of these used to be used by US schools who are now replacing them and selling them. I have two, the Neo and the Neo2.