A different kind of screen time: A classic AlphaSmart word processor is still wonderful

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It seems like a good time to cut back on internet use and increase creative output … and my $50 secondhand 2007 AlphaSmart Neo old-school / likely-from-a-school word processor is definitely helping with these aims!

If you’re not familiar, these tough and portable word crunching keyboards were created by former Apple employees in the early 1990’s to be an affordable computer emulating option for classrooms. They run on AA batteries for months (at least, base on my use) and save text to a meager but usable ‘dollop’ of internal ram. Folks eventually or frequently attach their plastic AlphaSmart device to a computer with a cord — the Neo model uses a printer USB cable — and press SEND to to watch the stored text type into an open Word file or email message, where editing and formatting can be done and saved.

Although they are no longer manufactured, AlphaSmart word processing keyboards such as the Neo have gained popularity as simple, rugged and frugal distraction-free writing machines. An earlier model, the AlphaSmart Pro, helped me get over writer’s block as an undergraduate, and it was also one of the few laptop options available that I could afford (with the bonus of being Mac/IIGS and PC compatible).

I wish I would have kept my Pro, but the Neo has a better feel, I think, as well as a bigger screen, which allows for some font size adjustment. I’m using my AlphaSmart mainly for taking notes during online meetings, reflective writing and goal-tracking, as well as to outline some of what I’m reading. It’s a pleasure to grab the AlphaSmart, click it on (one button, with nearly zero boot delay), and just WRITE (er, type), worrying about formatting and what’s happening on the interwebs some other time.

I also bought a micro USB adapter so that I can transfer my Neo writing to an Amazon Fire tablet or an Android phone if needed. Once connected to these devices or a laptop, my AlphaSmart doubles as a USB keyboard — pretty cool!

I am by no means an AlphaSmart power user, and there’s an avid community of fans on YouTube. I went with a Neo model based on video reviews, and I’m happy with this retro choice. It’s good to be back offline!