low-tech

This is about as low-tech as you can get:

 

neo

It’s a Neo Alphasmart — a very simple writing instrument. It runs on AA batteries and takes no special set-up. You turn it on and start typing. I don’t even have a carrying case for mine. I just shove it into my book bag and go. On a recent trip to Alberta for library readings, I was able to write 2000 words on the airplane with this little unit. And I took it with me to Ukraine and wrote my blog entries each day, even on the bumpiest roads. It saves by the keystroke, so even if it gets knocked around, the work is still there. And it is so easy to transfer files from the Neo to your manuscript. I just opened my ms and set the cursor to where I wanted my new text to appear and then plugged in the dataport. Even a luddite like me can do it.

I love my alphasmart. I’ll be packing lightly when I tour Alberta for Children’s Book Week but I’ll be throwing this in my shoulder bag.

Author: Marsha

I write historical fiction, mostly from the perspective of young people who are thrust in the midst of war.

11 thoughts on “low-tech”

      1. Marsha,

        Alphasmarts _are_ cool, aren’t they! We use them in my school and the kids love them. Way easier than laptops. The kids always have a hard time at first believing they auto-save. Hee hee. Julie brought hers to Surrey and was a crazy note-taker!

        –Rose

        1. They are great, Rose! I took it with me on Book Week and got a fair bit of writing done. I’ll be posting my week on my blog shortly — did it all on the alphasmart. And I got a couple thousand words of my WIP done as well.

          For keeping one focused on writing, there’s nothing like an alphasmart!

          1. Alphasmart

            Haven’t borrowed one yet, but I will. It will take some time to get used to it — I love my laptop.

            –Rose

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