This is about as low-tech as you can get:
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.
You always have the coolest stuff, Marsha! I want one of those!
You would love it, Maggie! Just think of all the places you could write!
Cool beans!
Helene B
You could take it to all your girls’ lessons!
Cool. I’ve seen these advertised in writing magazines but didn’t know anyone who had one. Until now. 🙂
Must put on Christmas list.
They’re awesome. No distractions.
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
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!
It’s easy to be a crazy note-taker with an alpha smart. Have you borrowed one to try it yet, Rose?
Alphasmart
Haven’t borrowed one yet, but I will. It will take some time to get used to it — I love my laptop.
–Rose
Re: Alphasmart
I use my laptop most of the time too, Rose, but the alphasmart is fantastic when traveling.