Why I Use a 24-Year-Old Digital Typewriter in 2024

Today's video is all about distraction-free writing tools, and how I've regained some focus with writing thanks to a 24-year-old device called the Alphasmart 3000. Let me know what you think in the comments!

Links:

My dumbphone - Cat S22 Flip

The mic I use:

The camera I use:

Lens:

*Disclaimer*
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[ZzTriplett]

This is what I learned to type on in school. What a throw back!

[taylorharbin]

I had a lot of joint problems as a youngster, so taking notes was difficult. I got one of these through a PT supplier and used it for a few years in college before laptops got lighter and more portable. Had to give it back, but recently bought one on FB for old times’ sake. As a new father it’s very nice to have something so quiet even though I like using my old manual typewriters. The AlphaSmart is just easier to pick up and put down at a moment’s notice.

[this.is.séquences]

I bought a real typewriter recently and it was the best idea. The sound, the noise, all of that gives me so much the desire to write. Some people like me need to have a gear they want to see and use, and be inspired by.

[JosephDickson]

I'm currently using the Freewrite Traveler I bought in February and love it. Admittedly if you have an iPad, keyboard, turn off the WiFi, and spell check features, Apple Notes will get the job done as a distraction free writing tool. However, nothing beats a quality pen and notebook.

[ltltornado]

As someone who uses the, "backspace" key a lot, this is more appealing than a typewriter, lol. The Freewrite looks so cool and sleek, but I don't love that everything is automatically uploaded to their cloud. What if you don't want a tech company automatically owning or having access to all your private thoughts? Your solution is perfect.

[wendyvancamp]

The alphasmart 3000 was my first digital keyboard and I wrote a novel on it. At the time, I wanted to join some write-ins in my local area but I could not afford a laptop. I bought the 3K on ebay for 20 bucks. It was so useful, I ended up buy a Neo2 the following year and have written on it for years. I prefer the comfort and file size of the Neo2, but keep the 3K as a backup. When you want to write without distraction at the coffeehouse or in the park, nothing is better. I enjoyed your video and it brought back many memories.

[tejitopiamusic]

I bought one of these to try make me write more. it did nothing. now i write everyday on my laptop using gdocs. these things remind me of a midcurve take on productivity. i used to think tools would help me do the work. when in reality gear doesnt matter. you could buy a shit laptop from facebook marketplace and write entire novels on them. do the work, fuck the gear.

[babytigerbeats]

I bought an AlphaSmart Neo 2 in 2006 to help me write a novel I was working on. The novel didn’t work out, but the writing process really benefitted! I truly loved writing on that thing, as the small screen kept me focused on moving forward and limited my ability to edit and be fussy. I have an especially fond memory of bringing it with me on a multi-day retreat to a hotel room a la Maya Angelou for some serious drafting time. I don’t have any memory of what became of it in these intervening 19 years (!) but it made such an impression on me that I’ve looked at Freewrite’s offerings with some interest. (I ultimately decided to refurbish a typewriter I own with the money instead.) This kind of thing clearly doesn’t work for everybody, but for those who do respond to it, it can be wonderful.

[PaperTownpoet]

Dang this brought back memories, wish I still had mine from when I was in school. my hand writing was so bad they gave me one of these.

[michaelgarbett]

You should do another video on this one! Maybe get a neo or free write to compare

[GlenfinnanForever]

I absolutely love my Alphasmart Neo 2. Gave it a custom paint job and use it any time I just want to sit down and write without being tempted to surf or watch YouTube. They are brilliant. Batteries last forever. Plenty of memory. Super light. They go anywhere.

[saffirechanning]

I actually OWN an Alphasmart Neo2 model, which I LOVE using! It was much CHEAPER than those Freewrite standalone word processors, which cost a FORTUNE! Those things are just TOO EXPENSIVE for my personal budget. That's WHY I ended up buying an Alphasmart Neo2

[thescape]

I remember using one of these in elementary school. Always wished we got to keep them.

[teresajones]

I’ve used my Dana over the years to work on novels. Mine allows me to also save on a memory card if needed. Love using this device when I have a hard time focusing on task at hand and need no distractions.

[Diecastinator]

I grew up with an alpha smart. I used them as a kid. We had a pretty limited amount of computers in the town I grew up in in elementary school. I bought my own alpha smart 3000 same model as yours for probably 20 bucks on eBay almost 15 years ago. I just thought they were cool. I have a traditional typewriter too. I don't really use it much but it's just kind of a cool tool to have. I dig your video.

[jorschachblatant]

I understand the point, but you made it so above and beyond that it is so funny... Prime OP move.

[scottzimmerman]

Dig this. Pulled the trigger on one of these over ebay today - optimistic🤞. But the price/demand has gone up 🙄

[Luncheon]

Great review! And the analog typewriter at 2:34 takes me back to the nostalgia of the pre-internet world 😊

[harrisonfisher]

I use a 50s imperial typewriter. Its probably quite far away from yours in many regards (ink ribbon, noise) but for taking notes fast and writing without distraction its perfect

[adamwragg]

That's brilliant! I love that these are a thing, I'd never heard of them before! Love it 👌