02-09-2020, 10:51 AM | #1 |
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Best ereader for writers?
Hi there, I hope someone can help me.
I'm a writer looking to set up a relatively distraction-free writing environment. I don't like the aesthetics of the AlphaSmart (screen too small) or Freewrite (fugly), so I'm imagining an ereader which I can sit on a shelf at eye-level above my desk while I type. Essentials: * Connects to a bluetooth keyboard (like a generic Amazon one) * Storage (cloud or SD) OR the ability to easily transfer files * Text editor app Nice-to-have: * landscape mode * Google Docs * Screensaver * Light * Other apps * Affordable (money is tight right now, but this isn't urgent, so I could save up) Things that don't matter to me: * Battery life (it'll spend most of its life on my desk, so I can plug it in often) * Weight (I won't be holding it much) * Audio (won't be listening to music or audiobooks) * Screen size (even a 6 inch is better than an Alphasmart) * Web browser (I don't need it, and it wouldn't be much of a distraction in black and white e-ink) * Games I'm fairly tech savvy, so could teach myself to sideload/jailbreak. Happy to sacrifice out-of-the-box functionality for price. After hours of research I think my best option is a Boox Note Pro... anyone got any other ideas? Thanks in advance! |
02-09-2020, 01:45 PM | #2 |
C L J
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Personally, I like Alphasmarts and have two Neos. I also have a small 12" laptop (an old Lenovo Thinkpad X200) which I bought cheaply from ebay and use specifically for writing, never connecting it to the internet.
Maybe a tablet, a Kindle Fire for example, might work? But you might be better off with something Android. I'm not sure if the Fire is. |
02-09-2020, 02:49 PM | #3 |
the rook, bossing Never.
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Use a decent non-glare laptop and LibreOffice Writer to write. Or Kate on Linux (Notepad++ on Windows) if you want to type and later format.
Only use an eReader via calibre (Docx ->epub) to proof read & annotate. Copy back via Calibre. The Kobo Libra is best value for that, Kobo Utilities in Calibre to read back annotations. The eInk is ghastly to edit on. Also a decent size one costs more than a decent matt/glare-free laptop. |
02-10-2020, 03:50 PM | #4 |
C L J
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Device: Sony e-reader 505, Kindle PW2, Kindle PW3, Kobo Libra2
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I'm not sure if they've started manufacturing it yet, but the Freewrite Traveller might suit you. However, it's hellishly expensive.
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02-10-2020, 04:05 PM | #5 |
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An iPad with a keyboard cover would be very good for what you want.
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02-10-2020, 06:45 PM | #6 | |
the rook, bossing Never.
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Quote:
For writing a 15" to 17" laptop lets you have a 2nd window with notes on characters, plot, places etc. |
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02-10-2020, 07:13 PM | #7 | |
Resident Curmudgeon
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Quote:
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02-12-2020, 03:38 PM | #8 |
C L J
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I quite like my small, compact 12" Lenovo writing laptop. The size keeps me focussed, and is still big enough for programs like Scrivener etc.
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02-13-2020, 06:55 AM | #9 | |
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Quote:
1. A writing device that will also double as a handheld reader (in which case I echo the tablet advice others have given) 2. Just a writing device (in which case I agree with using a real computer with an external keyboard for ergonomics), or 3. An e-ink display (which you haven't mentioned)? Whatever device you get, you're the one who controls the distractions. Last edited by meeera; 02-13-2020 at 07:21 AM. |
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02-13-2020, 07:10 AM | #10 |
Resident Curmudgeon
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I suggest a Microsoft Surface Pro for your writing and reading.
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02-23-2020, 07:59 PM | #11 |
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Scrivener
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