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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Thoughts on the Alphasmart Neo?

As mentioned in a number of the Alphasmart Neo is a portable word processor that was originally designed for students. It's attracting some attention because it's so single-mindedly focused on typing words into a file---and that is it. No iTunes, no AIM, no Mine Sweeper. It's also portable, allowing you to sync up via USB when you get home.

So two things.

1. Who all out there owns one or has used one? Would you recommend it to others? Who is it best suited for?
2. In terms of finding patterns: if we think of the Neo as one (radical) tool for reducing distractions while writing, what would a similar tool look like for other kinds of creative work? What about designers, artists, and songwriters? Or is this kind of interruption problem peculiar to writers? (I for one think it is not). Will we all eventually end up back on pen and paper if we want to get anything done?

Whatcha think?

S_G's picture

Alpha Smarts

I think Alpha Smarts are great for first drafts and brainstorming. They aren't "Precious" ...they are cheap, light and rugged. At the school I work at we have AlphaSmart Pros, and 2000s and 3000s...no Neos yet. The 2000s were great because they came with ibeam for free! That was an add-on with the 3000.

I used one when I was writing my thesis...the laptop did have distractions...and when one is procrastinating anything can be a major distraction!

 
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