I would like to share with my readers about a beautiful writing tool. Now, understand that when I say ‘beautiful’ I am not talking about aesthetics. I suppose it could be considered sleek, but really, it is just a small screen and a keyboard with the minute amount of memory that is required by a device whose sole purpose is word processing. This device is the Neo2 by AlphaSmart.
I found this device by a roundabout journey. I had heard about the Raspberry Pi, a device which is a handheld device similar to a blackberry that could be made to suit. What I found by research, however, was that one needed to know a bit about the workings of computers and creating their own, because … well … that is the point.
Disappointed, but not willing to give up on the idea, I searched for dedicated word processors. I found lots of websites talking about the Neo by AlphaSmart. These websites sang the praises of this device, saying it was perfect for writers. Some sites explained all the benefits for writers by the downfalls the device had, most of which were only downfalls for the more tech addicted and dependent.
One thing I will say right now is that AlphaSmart has moved away from the original idea in their newer devices. This is why, after a bit of research, I opted for the Neo2, an older model.
Why is this a good device? Let me explain what it is. This is a keyboard, and little display screen, dedicated to word-processing. It does nothing else. There is no internet connection of any kind. It connects to a computer by a cable and transfers the work over to the computer for editing. The Neo2 is only for writing down your thoughts as they come to you, and this can help force a writer’s obnoxious internal editor to sit down and shut up.
No internet connection is a boon. All the internet does for a writer when they are trying to get the actual fingers to keyboard writing done is to distract them with all the real world things that could be done; all the salacious gossip, the endless fail compilations, and cute animal clips that seem to use up an exorbitant amount of time for the bulk of society.
“What about research for my book?” You ask. “I need the internet to do research.” The internet is helpful for that, but there is a time and place. While you are trying to follow a creative flow and get all you can down in writing is not the time. Research is a trick of your inner critic. “But that can’t be right, because what about …” Your critic says. “Better look that up and make sure you are writing it correctly. You don’t want any plot holes.” This would be correct. What is not correct is the idea that you always need to do that research immediately. Jot down notes on the research you need to do, and set aside time to do research and only research. Don’t confuse the tasks of research and writing. They work together, but are not the same.
One site mentions a lack of editing ability with the Neo2. True, editing is slowed down due to the lack of a pointing device. However, there are keyboard shortcuts that allow maneuvering around your text. Simply use the Neo2 and its shortcuts frequently, and it will become second nature. Yet, as mentioned before, less ease of editing is a benefit to the writer because when the inner critic decides to share their doubts with you, you can simply say, “Can’t edit now; have to wait till later.” This can reduce interruption of a good flow of ideas.
Some people might say that the Neo2’s screen is too small. It is small, holding four lines of text that hold forty-two characters each. This might be a problem in the case of regaining a creative flow when you return to your writing after a break. Using the keyboard shortcuts effectively helps make this easier and once the flow is resumed, the smaller screen, again, helps to silence our critic.
The Neo2 powers up within ten seconds, at least that is what my device can do. This super-fast boot time allows the writer to settle to typing right away whenever they have ideas come to them.
Also conducive to the quick recording of ideas are the buttons for loading eight separate files. You can write on eight sections of your book as the mood hits you. You can work on multiple books. Like me, you could have files for: different sections of two books of your aspiring series, another novel, parts of a fanfic series you are working on, notes from books on writing, general notes, and a file for this blog post. I also like to use it when transcribing my audio recordings.
The Neo2 does allow for spell check. Understand that this is rudimentary and should be checked over again by something a bit more advanced. There is also a thesaurus setting. Again, it is basic but helpful in a pinch.
One of the biggest downfalls is that these incredibly useful tools are no longer made. Mine cost between 100 and 200 dollars on Amazon because they are getting harder and harder to find and one must find them used. AlphaSmart now makes versions that connect to the cloud. This might be fine for some users, however, there are others that prefer the ability to have absolutely no internet connectivity. I would ask my readers to spread the word and see if we could put enough bugs in enough ears to get some individual or company to recreate this no connectivity tool.
Without Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth one might wonder how this device might transfer the files to a computer for better editing and storage. This is a simple matter. There is a cable designed to connect the device to a computer via a USB port. Then, the user simply opens the word-processing software of their choice, uses the Neo2 to open the file they want to transfer, and presses the ‘send’ button. The Neo2 ‘types’ the words from the file into the blank document on the computer. This can take a little bit of time. It is not as fast as a simple file transfer because the text is transferred word by word. However, the user need only choose a time when they will not be in immediate use of the computer. There is bound to be such a time, on occasion. The Neo2 also displays the percentage transferred on its screen.
Someone brought up the fear that since the Neo2 is no longer sold new, it might only connect to old systems. I tested this out, just in case. I tried it out on an XP and a Windows 8. On the XP, I used WordPerfect, and Notepad. On the Windows 8, I used Microsoft Word, WordPad, and Notepad. All worked well. I cannot, of course, guarantee that the device will work with every program on every system, especially as some of the used models might be in varying states of repair, however, this test does give a concept of what the Neo2 can do.
As far as comfort goes, it isn’t ergonomic, but it fits well on a lap or a table and typing with it on your lap is less awkward than with a laptop computer since there is no flip-up screen to throw off the balance.
There is no backlight on the screen. It can’t be used in the dark. However, this is not really advisable on screens with a backlight anyway, due to eyestrain. Also, the screen has little glare due to it being an older style screen.
It does not need to be recharged. It takes three AA batteries. This is quite convenient for the most part since, depending on the quality of the batteries, it can last from two to several months. Obviously, I would suggest that the user keep some spare batteries nearby whenever they take their Neo2 somewhere, but I haven’t had an instance where it got close to dying without my being able to get to batteries. On start up, the device displays a power indicator which, I find, gives ample warning.
When I replaced the batteries for the first time, I moved all my work over to my computer but left part of the files on my Neo2. After I replaced the batteries, I compared the files on the keyboard to the files on my computer and noticed no loss or corruption in the files that were left on the keyboard.
I failed to move the files over the second time, when I let the power drain so far that the device wouldn’t even turn on. As I had nothing to compare to when I replaced the batteries, I had to gage by memory whether the files were intact. As far as I could tell, the files seemed fine. However, I would not recommend letting the batteries run out completely without backing up the files, just to be safe.
As an whole, there is little negative to say about this tool and benefits abound. I would recommend this device to anyone who wants to up their writing game.
As you search for tools to make writing faster and easier, remember to enjoy the wonder.
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