Your eyes are a lot better than mine because I struuuggle with the Alpha screen, and I'm so spoiled by how easy the Neo screen is to read that I could not get over it and didn't end up keeping my Alpha. I love the design and the feel of the keyboard and the screen made me sad. Also - that advice at the beginning of FINISH is what I am always telling people, too. The ability to finish is more important than anything else for people who are trying to get off the ground and into publishing! I feel like people have a hard time accepting that lol. Great video.
I always think it's better to just let the words flowing through your fingers into the keyboard. I NEVER look at what I'm typing. Of course if you don't touch-type, then that becomes impossible.
Great review; but also YOU’RE fantastic! You have such charm and the vulnerability you show is a nice touch. Going to watch your other videos to get a bigger dose of your personality ❤️
What a great review and it's very close to my own thoughts on all four devices. I like my smart typewriter to be on my desk so I can sit down and write large, complex projects. My Traveler is great for doing the same thing but on the road. I recently took my Traveler to my out-of-state writing residency and it performed beautifully. I have used my Alpha for essays and some flash fiction pieces because, as you said, it's really only meant to work on one thing. I fly right through those drafts because the tactile "chunk" of the keys is so satisfying my hands don't want to stop typing. I've used my Alphasmart in a similar way, but I am building an idea to write chapters in each folder for another project. Between these four devices and my typewriters, I have so many works in progress, I have to sort all my ideas out on a huge white board! Thank you for the great review of the Alpha!
I really enjoyed watching your comparison. I have been doing my homework on the Freewrite. I believe that I am going to invest in one fairly soon. Thank you so much!
Welcome and thank you for visiting the channel. On the whole, I think the Freewrite typewriter is by far my favorite. If you like the sound of MX Brown keys when you type, it's the best way to go.
Hey sis, how ya doin'? Fine, I hope. Um, I own an Alphasmart Neo 2 and I LOVE using it! I wish the company that made 'em would continue making NEWER, MORE IMPROVED models. The Alphasmart Neo 2 sounds like a BETTER option than those Freewrite Alphas. I can get SIX lines of text onscreen at once on my Neo 2! That's because I use the smallest sized font. PLEASE, tell us MORE about your WRITING PROCESS.
I must express my ADMIRATION for you because you're a PUBLISHED WRITER! I write my own FICTIONAL STORIES but I'm NOT a PUBLISHED writer, like you are! Your product review of the Freewrite Alpha is making me STRONGLY CONSIDER the idea of buying one for myself. I do overnight custodial work at my local airport. If I may ask, WHAT is your full-time job? HOW do you make time for writing? Do you write FICTION or NON-FICTION? Which GENRE of writing do you mainly write in?
Dang, the Alpha ONLY shows THREE lines of text on the screen at once?!! I can get SIX lines of text on my Alphasmart Neo 2! And the Alpha ONLY features THREE folders for your documents? The Alphasmart features EIGHT folders for different documents! It sounds to ME like the Alphasmart is a much BETTER buy! I wouldn't be able to do much with just THREE lines of visiable text.
Thank you for your review. I like the “get to it, get through it”, option. My mind is always on so many different things! This makes me consider it the Alpha even more. 😊 Keep praying, He will see you through! ❤❤
Thank you for this message. I can SO relate to thoughts being everywhere. That’s why I’m an ideal Freewrite customer. I truly understand the value and art of finishing.
Great review. I purchased my AlphaSmart Neo 2 for $35 in 2016 and have changed the battery maybe twice since. It keeps me from being distracted by emails and other online chatter. I like the folder options so that I can work on different aspects of what I'm writing about at the same time like developing my characters on one folder, the outline on another folder, etc. I believe that if you don't have the self discipline to keep writing it won't matter which device you use because you'll find a way to procrastinate anyway. I love your sense of humor and your energy and you are spot on when you say that the single most important thing once you start something is to FINISH it. Thanks for doing this video and I may consider purchasing the FreeWrite Alpha or one of their other word processors after checking reviews on them. One thing that would be useful to me on the AlphaSmart Neo 2 that the FreeWrite Alpha has is the cloud functionality. I enjoyed watching your video and look forward to watching your other reviews. I just subscribed.
You can get to previous documents using new+pg dn and can scroll through using pg up and pg dn as long as you are holding the new button! I think that's pretty convenient as long as you don't have too many files. I do miss having 6 lines of text like on my Neo, but the small font has 5 lines for me. Did you get the firmware update? I think you have to get it manually.
Oh my goodness, where did you find the snoopy decal on your wall? Also, thank you gor reviewing these typewriters! Very helpful! I am still stuck in the decision-making stage…
Thanks! I have read the instructions now and have gotten comments. The other tools were much more intuitive. I still prefer the typewriter and traveler.
I found a nice clip on book light with 90 hours that pairs well with my Alpha when I am using it in a low light area (most of my non desk areas which is where I plan to use this the most). The light works great, I found with with brightness and color warmth options. I still love my Alphasmart Neo2, but the keyboard on the Alpha and the comfort of it on my lap make this my new favorite, and when I am wanting to sit at a desk I still have my Smart Typewriter.
If I am not mistaken- the Alphasmarts were originally used to complete school assignments for those in Special Ed (I grew up using them, AND got in trouble more times than I can count for using it for my own ‘personal’ writing projects as I got older!) I love the idea of the freewrite clouds, but the tiny screen (particularly if I had to use a larger font!) on the Alpha would be a no for me. Traveller would work better.
Alpha has access to multiple documents by using the NEW+Pg Down keys. I can flip through my recent documents. To me, the Alpha's ability to sync with the cloud is the whole selling point over a Neo. For the Neo, I was always worried about something happening to the device and then all my words would be gone. Note: Replacing the batteries of the NEO keeps the files as long as you do it in a minute, or two.
Great video. I was deciding between the two and this helped. I ordered the Neo with the Neo2 software installed. The new will help with planning and research and if I need to get to it and get through it I'll download all other documents off the device so I don't feel tempted. Also saved $400-$500 because the shipping alone on the freewrite was $100 from the website plus the price difference. The Neo was still high priced for what it is but this will be great for me. I'll wait until a more affordable eInk option is available
The AS NEW is THE BEST tool for writers ever! You can lie in bed in total darkness, and the moment the sentences start flowing, grab your NEO, hit the ON button, and start typing away with zero visual distractions. It will reliably save your work, and the batter life is incredible, even more than the 700 hours stated, but of course that will depend on the reliability of your batteries. When you get up the next morning, connect it to your computer and hit the SEND button to upload all you have written in the darkness of night.
@Xingqiwu387 thanks!! Also because I write a combination of books and scripts (11th year of the shows) will help me flick between the two documents. Blessed to be able to afford it at $130USD Prices sure have shot up.
@@ExplorationB Alphasmart NEOs are absolutely fabulous, indispensable tools for writers. If you know how to touch-type, turn off all the lights around you at night, grab your Neo, hit the on button, and type away! You'll be astonished how many pages will just flow unhindered from your thoughts into the keyboard. And they are incredibly reliable! Congrats on the purchase and the progress in your new book.
Do you have any alternative recommendations for carrying cases with the typewriter? I just got mine yesterday and am on the hunt for one. I have not heard good things about the case they sell.
I bought a 17 inch laptop cover (Amazon basic) which worked great…then I bought the Freewrite cover on sale. Either works okay but the former didn’t really come with a handle. That’s what I like about the latter.
Great talk; I do not have much warm for the Alpha (or freewrite products in general) since the screen is like a calculator and I don't really write in burst, but are concerned about editing too; but I understand why people like it.
I bit the bullet and bought the Freewrite Alpha after wearing out my third Alphasmart Neo2. Alphasmart had incredible products and the only thing that needed changing was the ability to transfer onto a usb or via wifi and not line by line. Loooong streams of text took forever to upload! That was the only thing wrong with them.The issues they have now are just old age--the screens are degrading and some of them flat out died. I paid $299 for my new Alphasmart Neo2 back in 2007, which was hella pricey back then. Did I get my use out of it? BEYOND and I mean WAY BEYOND its cost! I suspevt the Freewrite Alpha will be an interesting evolution on the idea, and I believe it will serve me just as well.
I hope you like it. It’s really not the same tool. It’s a similar tool, not as many features as the AlphaSmart. It will take some getting used to but will serve you well.
You can transfer files directly between Neo and PC via USB using the official Neo Manager program. That's what I always do instead of the SEND crawling.
@@T_U3721Is this Manage software already on the Neo 2? I’ve been using the “Send technique” and would love to use the method you are talking about. Thanks for any help you can offer on this!
I always use a notebook and pen when flying. Fewer electronics in a carry on is always easier to deal with. I don’t own a freewrite but am seriously considering the Traveler.
I wish they could make something new that was as good as the neo. Not having more than 1 file is crazy. and no arrow keys. It sounds way harder and more distracting than just using the neo or a computer. such a shame as it could have been so cool.
My Alpha automatically syncs to Folder A in Postbox, I didn’t have to do anything. The font sizes have 5 lines (small), 3 lines (medium), and 2 lines (large). You can switch to different documents on the device by pressing the [new] and [pg dn] keys. Then you can use [pg up] and [pg dn] keys while holding down [new] to pick which document you want to work in. I prefer the font they had before the firmware update. Now I find it really hard to read unless I use the large font, which isn’t practical. The screen on my Neo is much easier to read.
Hi, very nice review! I was also going to tell you about the NEW + PAGE UP/PAGE DOWN to navigate your documents because you got me really scared! I almost regretted having bought the Alpha, after you said that opening a new document would make the previous one unaccessible on the device (my Alpha will come in the mail in a few days). Actually I was pretty mad, until I checked on the Freewrite website. I really think you should make a correction about this in another video, as it most surely will discourage many people from buying the Alpha, when I reality the Alpha could be very helpful to them (and quite cheaper than the other models) with the same functionalities except for the unique folder choice. Hope you are having better days 🙏💕 Take care!
So, you're saying that the Alphasmart Neo 2 is much more VERSATILE writing machine than the Alpha? Yeah, that's what I figure. I'm glad that I've bought myself an Alphasmart Neo 2 from Amazon just before Christmas last year. The Alpha doesn't appear to offer much----aside from its ability to up load your documents to the Cloud. I would much rather keep my Alphasmart Neo 2 writing aid.
Yes, I would say it is more versatile. I would also say versatility isn’t always a plus for writers. Having devices that encourage you to finish has been helpful for me.
Great video! I’m interested in purchasing the Alphasmart Neo 2, but am wondering whether I can sync it to my MacBook Pro running MacOS Sonoma (the latest OS). If you could please let me know whether the Neo 2 will be compatible with my current OS, I would hugely appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
I have a Neo 2 and all Apple for my home systems. I am still searching for the right cord. I ordered one. I’ll let you know. USB B to USB C doesn’t work. I think the USB A to B cord with a B to C converter may work. I’ll find out later.
Thank you so much for the reply! I ended up purchasing a Neo2 on eBay late last night after scanning the Reddit forums for additional information. The device I picked up comes with a USB-B to USB-A cord. So, I think if I were to use a dongle that is USB-A to USB-C, I should be okay. Time will tell. Would love to hear about your experience once the cord you ordered arrives. Thanks again.
So my cord arrived and it works like a charm! And this is a M2 Mac air. I used a usb a to usb b cord and then a usb b to usb c adapter because mine only takes usb c. When I plugged it in it prompts me to set up a keyboard. I did that and hit send on my doc and it typed it in. I’ll post a demo the with my next episode but you should have yours by then. Actually got me excited to use my alphasmart again.
Thank you for the update. I’m glad that the cord you ordered did the trick. I’m very excited to receive my Neo2, and am glad that you have a renewed interest in the device. Will be on the lookout for that video.
Main problem with neo 2 is unreliable battery and storage other than that it's amazing. I bought the alpha and a really dig it but miss some of the Neo features such as dedicated arrows and more font options.
Be sure to also change the CMOS battery in the Neo, it is a little CR2032 watch battery that keeps the memory alive when the main batteries die or when you are changing them. Most Neos still have the original CMOS batteries in them and they are long dead.
@@Rogue428 unfortunately I changed mine multiple times and still lost work... in fact work was gone and the battery charge was showing full. I really dug the device but too unreliable.
I hear you. I'm using Freewrite's Alpha now for on the go. And I use the Alphasmart Neo too. I got a USB C to USB B cable and I send my documents to a docx document on my phone for a kluged cloud backup. I'm paranoid about losing work too. If they had included an SD card slot (and a lit screen) on the Freewrite Alpha it would have been perfect. @@thommccarthy1139
Right. I mean, that's the kicker. The price. If the funds had available to invest in gadgets was constrained, it be ... I dunno. I think I'd save up for the Freewrite typewriter or catch it on sale, but it would be the only thing I own. Out of all my devices, that's my favorite day to day. Even having them all, the Freewrite beats the NEO for ME.
Hey! Thanks for the review. Just to know that I got this right. You have to pick a folder to store your document and you cannot create a new document and switch between documents (even though they are in the same folder?). Or is it just you cannot switch between folders? D:
@@KLBrady-WriterGadgets Yes, I went to reddit and users were complaining that there is no folder switching. However, by your comment I gather you can have multiple documents stored in the device? (many thanks for replying I appreciate it!)
Didn't fall in love, huh? I'm going to try and post again tomorrow...but I'm not sure my feelings have been altered much by another couple weeks of use. It's not an intuitive tool, even like the other Freewrites. That's probably my biggest beef.
@@KLBrady-WriterGadgets my main complaint about this entire line of devices has always been the same - horrifically overpriced for what they are and what they do. There are far better alternatives available, for far less $$$. The only real plus, honestly, is the key quality, but for me at least personally that isn't enough to justify the price. My current daily writer is a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 that I paid $100 used, that I setup to run FreeDos and the 40ish year old Leading Edge Word Processor DOS program. Running FreeDos the Surface works only as a word processor, there's nothing else available, but has a full sized screen and close to all-day battery life. That plus my AS Dana, ($50), covers all my writing needs, but to each their own...
Your eyes are a lot better than mine because I struuuggle with the Alpha screen, and I'm so spoiled by how easy the Neo screen is to read that I could not get over it and didn't end up keeping my Alpha. I love the design and the feel of the keyboard and the screen made me sad.
Also - that advice at the beginning of FINISH is what I am always telling people, too. The ability to finish is more important than anything else for people who are trying to get off the ground and into publishing! I feel like people have a hard time accepting that lol. Great video.
I always think it's better to just let the words flowing through your fingers into the keyboard. I NEVER look at what I'm typing. Of course if you don't touch-type, then that becomes impossible.
Thanks to your very complete video, I made up my mind and purchased an Alphasmart Neo2.
It’s a great tool. You will get a lot of use out of it.
It just arrived, and I really like it!
Great review; but also YOU’RE fantastic! You have such charm and the vulnerability you show is a nice touch. Going to watch your other videos to get a bigger dose of your personality ❤️
Thank you!!! People like you make me wish I had time to do a million videos. Lol
What a great review and it's very close to my own thoughts on all four devices. I like my smart typewriter to be on my desk so I can sit down and write large, complex projects. My Traveler is great for doing the same thing but on the road. I recently took my Traveler to my out-of-state writing residency and it performed beautifully. I have used my Alpha for essays and some flash fiction pieces because, as you said, it's really only meant to work on one thing. I fly right through those drafts because the tactile "chunk" of the keys is so satisfying my hands don't want to stop typing. I've used my Alphasmart in a similar way, but I am building an idea to write chapters in each folder for another project. Between these four devices and my typewriters, I have so many works in progress, I have to sort all my ideas out on a huge white board! Thank you for the great review of the Alpha!
Great comment. I love hearing about how writers incorporate these tools into their workflow. And that clearly other gadget junkies exist! 😂
I really enjoyed watching your comparison. I have been doing my homework on the Freewrite. I believe that I am going to invest in one fairly soon. Thank you so much!
Welcome and thank you for visiting the channel. On the whole, I think the Freewrite typewriter is by far my favorite. If you like the sound of MX Brown keys when you type, it's the best way to go.
Hey sis, how ya doin'? Fine, I hope. Um, I own an Alphasmart Neo 2 and I LOVE using it! I wish the company that made 'em would continue making NEWER, MORE IMPROVED models. The Alphasmart Neo 2 sounds like a BETTER option than those Freewrite Alphas. I can get SIX lines of text onscreen at once on my Neo 2! That's because I use the smallest sized font. PLEASE, tell us MORE about your WRITING PROCESS.
I must express my ADMIRATION for you because you're a PUBLISHED WRITER! I write my own FICTIONAL STORIES but I'm NOT a PUBLISHED writer, like you are! Your product review of the Freewrite Alpha is making me STRONGLY CONSIDER the idea of buying one for myself. I do overnight custodial work at my local airport. If I may ask, WHAT is your full-time job? HOW do you make time for writing? Do you write FICTION or NON-FICTION? Which GENRE of writing do you mainly write in?
Dang, the Alpha ONLY shows THREE lines of text on the screen at once?!! I can get SIX lines of text on my Alphasmart Neo 2! And the Alpha ONLY features THREE folders for your documents? The Alphasmart features EIGHT folders for different documents! It sounds to ME like the Alphasmart is a much BETTER buy! I wouldn't be able to do much with just THREE lines of visiable text.
Thank you for your review. I like the “get to it, get through it”, option. My mind is always on so many different things! This makes me consider it the Alpha even more. 😊
Keep praying, He will see you through! ❤❤
Thank you for this message. I can SO relate to thoughts being everywhere. That’s why I’m an ideal Freewrite customer. I truly understand the value and art of finishing.
Get to it and Get through it 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Great review. I purchased my AlphaSmart Neo 2 for $35 in 2016 and have changed the battery maybe twice since. It keeps me from being distracted by emails and other online chatter. I like the folder options so that I can work on different aspects of what I'm writing about at the same time like developing my characters on one folder, the outline on another folder, etc. I believe that if you don't have the self discipline to keep writing it won't matter which device you use because you'll find a way to procrastinate anyway. I love your sense of humor and your energy and you are spot on when you say that the single most important thing once you start something is to FINISH it. Thanks for doing this video and I may consider purchasing the FreeWrite Alpha or one of their other word processors after checking reviews on them. One thing that would be useful to me on the AlphaSmart Neo 2 that the FreeWrite Alpha has is the cloud functionality. I enjoyed watching your video and look forward to watching your other reviews. I just subscribed.
You can get to previous documents using new+pg dn and can scroll through using pg up and pg dn as long as you are holding the new button! I think that's pretty convenient as long as you don't have too many files. I do miss having 6 lines of text like on my Neo, but the small font has 5 lines for me. Did you get the firmware update? I think you have to get it manually.
Thanks so much, and thanks for the way you relay information like you are giving tips to a friend!
Anyone with an addiction to writing gadgets is a friend of mine. 🙃 Thank you for the comment!
Oh my goodness, where did you find the snoopy decal on your wall? Also, thank you gor reviewing these typewriters! Very helpful! I am still stuck in the decision-making stage…
I understand the decision making process. I have SO MANY tools. I got Snoopy from Amazon. Just search snoopy typewriter and a couple will show up.
You should replace the coin battery inside the alphasmart to keep your data safe. Maybe once every other year.
To get to older documents hold the left NEW and press PGDN to look at previous documents and press it again to switch to one of those documents.
Thanks! I have read the instructions now and have gotten comments. The other tools were much more intuitive. I still prefer the typewriter and traveler.
@@KLBrady-WriterGadgets Love the freewrite typewriter.
Thanks for this video! You are the best.
Very interesting review. Thanks for uploading.
I found a nice clip on book light with 90 hours that pairs well with my Alpha when I am using it in a low light area (most of my non desk areas which is where I plan to use this the most). The light works great, I found with with brightness and color warmth options. I still love my Alphasmart Neo2, but the keyboard on the Alpha and the comfort of it on my lap make this my new favorite, and when I am wanting to sit at a desk I still have my Smart Typewriter.
Yeah…I like typing on the Alpha too. I’m still testing out all the features. It would take a lot to beat my Freewrite typewriter.
If I am not mistaken- the Alphasmarts were originally used to complete school assignments for those in Special Ed (I grew up using them, AND got in trouble more times than I can count for using it for my own ‘personal’ writing projects as I got older!) I love the idea of the freewrite clouds, but the tiny screen (particularly if I had to use a larger font!) on the Alpha would be a no for me. Traveller would work better.
Alpha has access to multiple documents by using the NEW+Pg Down keys. I can flip through my recent documents.
To me, the Alpha's ability to sync with the cloud is the whole selling point over a Neo. For the Neo, I was always worried about something happening to the device and then all my words would be gone. Note: Replacing the batteries of the NEO keeps the files as long as you do it in a minute, or two.
Great video. I was deciding between the two and this helped. I ordered the Neo with the Neo2 software installed.
The new will help with planning and research and if I need to get to it and get through it I'll download all other documents off the device so I don't feel tempted. Also saved $400-$500 because the shipping alone on the freewrite was $100 from the website plus the price difference. The Neo was still high priced for what it is but this will be great for me. I'll wait until a more affordable eInk option is available
The AS NEW is THE BEST tool for writers ever! You can lie in bed in total darkness, and the moment the sentences start flowing, grab your NEO, hit the ON button, and start typing away with zero visual distractions. It will reliably save your work, and the batter life is incredible, even more than the 700 hours stated, but of course that will depend on the reliability of your batteries. When you get up the next morning, connect it to your computer and hit the SEND button to upload all you have written in the darkness of night.
@Xingqiwu387 thanks!! Also because I write a combination of books and scripts (11th year of the shows) will help me flick between the two documents. Blessed to be able to afford it at $130USD Prices sure have shot up.
@Xingqiwu387 just got my alphasmart neo and omg have written so many pages in a day. They are amazing- can't wait to finish this book
@@ExplorationB Alphasmart NEOs are absolutely fabulous, indispensable tools for writers. If you know how to touch-type, turn off all the lights around you at night, grab your Neo, hit the on button, and type away! You'll be astonished how many pages will just flow unhindered from your thoughts into the keyboard. And they are incredibly reliable! Congrats on the purchase and the progress in your new book.
Do you have any alternative recommendations for carrying cases with the typewriter? I just got mine yesterday and am on the hunt for one. I have not heard good things about the case they sell.
I bought a 17 inch laptop cover (Amazon basic) which worked great…then I bought the Freewrite cover on sale. Either works okay but the former didn’t really come with a handle. That’s what I like about the latter.
Great talk; I do not have much warm for the Alpha (or freewrite products in general) since the screen is like a calculator and I don't really write in burst, but are concerned about editing too; but I understand why people like it.
I bit the bullet and bought the Freewrite Alpha after wearing out my third Alphasmart Neo2. Alphasmart had incredible products and the only thing that needed changing was the ability to transfer onto a usb or via wifi and not line by line. Loooong streams of text took forever to upload!
That was the only thing wrong with them.The issues they have now are just old age--the screens are degrading and some of them flat out died.
I paid $299 for my new Alphasmart Neo2 back in 2007, which was hella pricey back then. Did I get my use out of it? BEYOND and I mean WAY BEYOND its cost! I suspevt the Freewrite Alpha will be an interesting evolution on the idea, and I believe it will serve me just as well.
I hope you like it. It’s really not the same tool. It’s a similar tool, not as many features as the AlphaSmart. It will take some getting used to but will serve you well.
You can transfer files directly between Neo and PC via USB using the official Neo Manager program. That's what I always do instead of the SEND crawling.
@@T_U3721Is this Manage software already on the Neo 2? I’ve been using the “Send technique” and would love to use the method you are talking about. Thanks for any help you can offer on this!
I always use a notebook and pen when flying. Fewer electronics in a carry on is always easier to deal with. I don’t own a freewrite but am seriously considering the Traveler.
I wish they could make something new that was as good as the neo. Not having more than 1 file is crazy. and no arrow keys. It sounds way harder and more distracting than just using the neo or a computer. such a shame as it could have been so cool.
My Alpha automatically syncs to Folder A in Postbox, I didn’t have to do anything. The font sizes have 5 lines (small), 3 lines (medium), and 2 lines (large). You can switch to different documents on the device by pressing the [new] and [pg dn] keys. Then you can use [pg up] and [pg dn] keys while holding down [new] to pick which document you want to work in.
I prefer the font they had before the firmware update. Now I find it really hard to read unless I use the large font, which isn’t practical. The screen on my Neo is much easier to read.
Thank you! You and another commenter let me know about the functionality. I’m going to do a hands on demo that covers that.
Hi, very nice review! I was also going to tell you about the NEW + PAGE UP/PAGE DOWN to navigate your documents because you got me really scared! I almost regretted having bought the Alpha, after you said that opening a new document would make the previous one unaccessible on the device (my Alpha will come in the mail in a few days). Actually I was pretty mad, until I checked on the Freewrite website. I really think you should make a correction about this in another video, as it most surely will discourage many people from buying the Alpha, when I reality the Alpha could be very helpful to them (and quite cheaper than the other models) with the same functionalities except for the unique folder choice.
Hope you are having better days 🙏💕 Take care!
👍🏼👀✨
So, you're saying that the Alphasmart Neo 2 is much more VERSATILE writing machine than the Alpha? Yeah, that's what I figure. I'm glad that I've bought myself an Alphasmart Neo 2 from Amazon just before Christmas last year. The Alpha doesn't appear to offer much----aside from its ability to up load your documents to the Cloud. I would much rather keep my Alphasmart Neo 2 writing aid.
Yes, I would say it is more versatile. I would also say versatility isn’t always a plus for writers. Having devices that encourage you to finish has been helpful for me.
Great video! I’m interested in purchasing the Alphasmart Neo 2, but am wondering whether I can sync it to my MacBook Pro running MacOS Sonoma (the latest OS). If you could please let me know whether the Neo 2 will be compatible with my current OS, I would hugely appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
I have a Neo 2 and all Apple for my home systems. I am still searching for the right cord. I ordered one. I’ll let you know. USB B to USB C doesn’t work. I think the USB A to B cord with a B to C converter may work. I’ll find out later.
Thank you so much for the reply! I ended up purchasing a Neo2 on eBay late last night after scanning the Reddit forums for additional information. The device I picked up comes with a USB-B to USB-A cord. So, I think if I were to use a dongle that is USB-A to USB-C, I should be okay. Time will tell. Would love to hear about your experience once the cord you ordered arrives. Thanks again.
So my cord arrived and it works like a charm! And this is a M2 Mac air. I used a usb a to usb b cord and then a usb b to usb c adapter because mine only takes usb c. When I plugged it in it prompts me to set up a keyboard. I did that and hit send on my doc and it typed it in. I’ll post a demo the with my next episode but you should have yours by then. Actually got me excited to use my alphasmart again.
Thank you for the update. I’m glad that the cord you ordered did the trick. I’m very excited to receive my Neo2, and am glad that you have a renewed interest in the device. Will be on the lookout for that video.
You should write your writing tools like an ebook manual
Main problem with neo 2 is unreliable battery and storage other than that it's amazing. I bought the alpha and a really dig it but miss some of the Neo features such as dedicated arrows and more font options.
Same here. Especially storage. But I wanted this Alpha to be a little more like the NEO, for better or worse.
Be sure to also change the CMOS battery in the Neo, it is a little CR2032 watch battery that keeps the memory alive when the main batteries die or when you are changing them. Most Neos still have the original CMOS batteries in them and they are long dead.
@@Rogue428 unfortunately I changed mine multiple times and still lost work... in fact work was gone and the battery charge was showing full. I really dug the device but too unreliable.
I hear you. I'm using Freewrite's Alpha now for on the go. And I use the Alphasmart Neo too. I got a USB C to USB B cable and I send my documents to a docx document on my phone for a kluged cloud backup. I'm paranoid about losing work too. If they had included an SD card slot (and a lit screen) on the Freewrite Alpha it would have been perfect. @@thommccarthy1139
i like the freewrite travelor but i like he prices of the neo more. i have two.
Right. I mean, that's the kicker. The price. If the funds had available to invest in gadgets was constrained, it be ... I dunno. I think I'd save up for the Freewrite typewriter or catch it on sale, but it would be the only thing I own. Out of all my devices, that's my favorite day to day. Even having them all, the Freewrite beats the NEO for ME.
Hey! Thanks for the review.
Just to know that I got this right.
You have to pick a folder to store your document and you cannot create a new document and switch between documents (even though they are in the same folder?).
Or is it just you cannot switch between folders?
D:
The big thing is you can’t switch folders on the device. You can switch in the postbox folder.
@@KLBrady-WriterGadgets Yes, I went to reddit and users were complaining that there is no folder switching. However, by your comment I gather you can have multiple documents stored in the device? (many thanks for replying I appreciate it!)
Can’t switch between folders on the device, but you can switch between documents using the NEW and PG UP PGDN buttons.
I like the phrase, "Get to it and get through it." It's catchy like Nike "Just Do It"
Any pointers on how to make it actually send my work on thr alpha. It is my first one and it doesnt seem to work well at all
I’m going to do a full demo-sat or sun it should be posted.
thank you so much! Hope you will do a video soon that's hands-on with the device.
I will. That will be my next one. No later than the weekend of the 17th-ish. I didn’t want to delay this one.
So, we have a $350 ugly clone of a decades old design that still works perfectly well (and for a fraction of the cost)?
Stick with the NEO/Dana...
Didn't fall in love, huh? I'm going to try and post again tomorrow...but I'm not sure my feelings have been altered much by another couple weeks of use. It's not an intuitive tool, even like the other Freewrites. That's probably my biggest beef.
@@KLBrady-WriterGadgets my main complaint about this entire line of devices has always been the same - horrifically overpriced for what they are and what they do. There are far better alternatives available, for far less $$$. The only real plus, honestly, is the key quality, but for me at least personally that isn't enough to justify the price.
My current daily writer is a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 that I paid $100 used, that I setup to run FreeDos and the 40ish year old Leading Edge Word Processor DOS program. Running FreeDos the Surface works only as a word processor, there's nothing else available, but has a full sized screen and close to all-day battery life. That plus my AS Dana, ($50), covers all my writing needs, but to each their own...