Hmm.
It's hard for me to weigh up stuff. I'll just provide some things to think about instead.
It's true that the Alphasmart isn't so light. I have to admit that I haven't taken it with me on trips. This is a crying shame because unlike anything else it really helps me concentrate.
An alternative could simply be a modern smartphone with an external bluetooth keyboard and a stand to put the phone on while typing. In theory.
I say in theory because I find that really distracting. I'm just not displined for that. Maybe you're better than me though? Maybe you can put the phone in offline, do not disturb mode or maybe you can use a separate phone or tablet that doesn't have Google Play Services but does have that bigger screen for typing.
However, do you really need such a big screen for typing? Not with a type first, edit later flow like you would with an Alphasmart. For that you could have only 10-15 big words on the screen instead.
Do you really need that eink screen for typing? That aliexpress link you posted has no mention of bluetooth. I recommend bluetooth 4 - using that for tethering my phone instead of WiFi has made a massive difference to battery life.
We really need a modern, sleaker, and yet as simple as Alphamart. Bluetooth, old style LCD display, cheap. How hard is that? It's just a caching bluetooth keyboard.
Curious to see what you decide on. I'm kinda interested in something like this long term myself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by vagabondvivant
I came across the Alphasmart and normally would've jumped right on it, but what I didn't mention in the OP is that I travel a lot (and for long stretches when I do), so I'm trying to keep my load minimal.
Since I already carry an e-reader (Kindle 10th gen in this case), it's worth it to add a 6oz folding bluetooth keyboard to my pack for the ability to write outdoors. A 2+lb Alphasmart, however, is another story.
That said, I found the Likebook Air on Aliexpress and it looks like it might be exactly what I want — an e-reader and e-writer in one. If it is, then it'll replace the Kindle in my pack and bring me one step closer to leaving my laptop behind completely. |