AlphaSmarts: Budget-Friendly No-Distraction Writing Tools. Better than

This video takes a detailed look at the features of three AlphaSmarts (3000, Neo2, and Dana), how they compare with the Freewrite features, and helps you decide which one works for your writing workflow and your budget.

[@huubvanharen3698]

If you accidentily deleted a file on the Neo2 you can recover it with Shift-Ctrl-Cmd-Option-R. This is a big secret, because it's not in the manual!

[@T_U3721]

That's a wonderful tip! I immediately stick this command at the back of my Neo2.

[@caramel7149]

thankyou! great advice

[@legotrekker]

This is the best review and comparison of the different Alphasmarts on youtube. Your personality and voice are so relaxing too. Thank you so much for this video, you helped me pick the Alphasmart Neo 2 the device I'm going to take to my call center job where most electronics aren't allowed on the floor but where we have tons of downtime we're allowed to do anything we want in!

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

neo is a great choice. My fav of all the alphasmarts.

[@brooke_2436]

Thank you so much for this video!! I had never even heard of an Alphasmart until I saw this several months ago; this was JUST the writing tool I was looking for! Your comparison between the Alphasmart devices was incredibly helpful and assisted me in choosing the Dana. I fell in love with it so much that I bought another within a week! The amount of quality writing time I have been able to gain since spring (and in many lovely and inspiring locations) has been a true gift. I just had to return and thank you for providing such valuable information. Write on!!

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

That’s sooooo amazing! Thank you for letting me know! I wish you many hours of happy writing on your gadget. Keep us updated.

[@kaylaperrin122]

I loved my Alphasmart and Neo! I just heard about "freewriter" and thought that it's the same concept as an Alphasmart though more expensive. I used to get so much done without realizing on my Alphasmart. And the battery life is amazing.

[@mauchkimberly]

I was researching these devices and the freewrite ones just don't meet my needs for various reasons. However, I would like to thank the plethora of people talking about the neo alphasmart, as I knew nothing about it. It turns out it meets all my needs and I was able to find one in good condition for a decent price.

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Excellent! I have my preferences, but I try to show all kinds of tools. I hope to help people get what meets their needs.

[@oraeku]

^^thisssss I was waiting for the new freewrite device to drop since it’s aloooot cheaper and inspired by the alphasmart (might still get it later lmao) but the neo2 has everything I need and I can transfer straight to my iPhone with a midi cable 💅

[@mkn.567]

GIRL!!!! YOU GOT AN ALPHASMART ADDICTION!!!!

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

LMBO! But WRONG! It’s a writing gadget addiction and I fully embrace it. 😂😂😂

[@mkn.567]

@@KLBrady-WriterGadgets put you on an episode of intervention

[@BluesToOL77]

I have gone from cursive , macbook , typewriter .. and hopefully when my alphasmart comes in that will be my newest writing tool for my poetry i always say its about atmosphere and feel for my poetry whatever feels best for you

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Not just poetry but any kind of writing. Whatever, wherever, whenever works best-go with the flow! I hope you enjoy your new toy! 😀

[@BluesToOL77]

Already have it been working on a Novel , some research and poetry I love my alphasmart one of the best purchases I made

[@GondoKellen]

I love the calmly way you speak! So good! Thanks for the video❤

[@AngelaDrakeA]

Hi K. L. Came across this in my feed. I bought mine last ear from Amazon. There is one company with great ratings. I bought a reconditioned Alpha300 from Detroit Packing Co. Super happy with them. Now I just need to use it. LOL Creative Blessings!

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

I have three. I bought 2 from Amazon and one from eBay. The ones from Amazon went up in price last I checked. But less than a hundred bucks in general is a good price. And it’s a great tool. Let me know how it goes.

[@kaylaperrin122]

This is bringing back memories. I had the older Alphasmart, sold it and got the Neo. Now I tend to use my Chromebook for writing, but of course there are distractions. I love the Alphasmart products.

[@moony2703]

I like that you show how fast things are to turn on! My laptop is painfully slow to turn on and it’s battery is just gone so it’s always got to be plugged in and it’s just painful when it comes to getting it set up or if I want to say move around the house as I have to plug cords in etc again, even if it’s fine once it’s on and plugged in. Currently most quick or even longer thoughts are done on my phone instead.

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Yes, that time really matters when you’re trying to capture a brilliant idea. You’ve got to catch them quickly or you’ll lose them in the ether.

[@josenieves1678]

Hey your outline might not be lost! The clear file button does not delete the work in the file, it only clears the space to write a new document. As long as you have saved the file once by pressing crtl S, which will then ask you to give the file a name, you can still retrieve it. Press ctrl O on the Neo2 and a list will populate, scroll down and your file will be there. Hope this helps.

[@crazysuperman]

I watched the whole thing. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom.

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Thank you for watching! Hope it's helpful.

[@tricaurelie]

Thank you so much to have taken the time out of your crazy schedule to put all those infos out there for us 🙏🏻

[@richardsexton713]

Great review! Now I’m pumped to write something!

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Awesome!! I hope you write-on! And subscribe. :)

[@rapidstream7069]

Thanks for your great presentation, by the way, I have a NEO2. I change my batteries every two yrs. It's used for dictation, shorthand, and writings. Thanks again...

[@johnniepegues305]

You wrote disciption this device has a voice-to-text feature on it that you can use because I'm a writer who writes long as I don't type this would be extremely useful for me

[@3rlfx694]

Omg i have read so many of your books and now that you are on youtube i feel like we readers come in proces of writing books and finding the best products 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@3rlfx694]

Happy new year btw🥰

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Thank you so much! Best wishes for your new year and writing production!!

[@hombrenate7542]

What a AlphaSmart flex 💪🏼 ❤️

[@paulsireci6374]

Hey, thanks so much for this. I am in love with my Dana. It's the best of all worlds when combined with a 1gig SD card.

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

I'm glad you love it. I do, too. I would probably have used it more before getting my Freewrite but I need a brighter backlight.

[@alfredlearlyjr1780]

Very informative review, thanks.

[@a.studios9930]

This was very helpful!

[@ribbsco2307]

Brilliant, watched it all, thanks so much.

[@richpate9436]

Thank you for sharing your writing experiences with these unique devices for writers. Your advice based on your extensive user experience is invaluable. Very helpful.

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Thank you! I'm glad it's helpful. That's my goal.

[@PaulKalburgi]

Nice review. I am a recent convert to the Alphasmart :-)

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

They're good tools. Wishing you many productive writing hours in the new year.

[@Friday501]

I use a Neo2 for first drafts. I bought a couple on eBay for $20. It's a does everything you need and the batteries last forever

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

I agree…if not for my eyesight I probably would have stopped at the NEO2. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@fjtalleyauthor2242]

Mine cost a bit more ( I have 3, with prices ranging from $35-50), but this year, I'm writing what's at least my fourth (maybe fifth) novel on them. They're a great tool, with virtually no learning curve, as well as being durable. Yes, buying three of them is excessive, but my thought was: what if one of them dies? You certainly can't buy these new. And the cost of a second or third device was small enough to justify having more than one.

[@looneyburgmusic]

The Dana has 8 or 16MB of RAM, versus ~128KB for the 3000 and ~200KB for the Neo1/2, so the Dana wins the storage race hands down... My own opinion, if burning through batteries is not a worry, I would say the DANA is the best Alpha to go for, because of the increased RAM and external SD storage option. However, both the 3000 and Neo1/2 are also more than capable enough for basic writing needs. (Edit): almost forgot - the Freewrite is an utter ripoff at nearly $600US. For that price one could buy several low-end laptops, and easily setup them up as dedicated distraction free word processors.

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Respect your opinion. Shakes out differently for those of us who are keyboard snobs. The Freewrite has the best typing experience for people who like mechanical keyboards. 🙋🏾‍♀️ Some may feel ripped off - I definitely do not. It’s my favorite tool for first drafts.

[@looneyburgmusic]

@@KLBrady-WriterGadgets While I would grant the Freewrite has nice mechanical keys, if someone is really looking for the "Best" typing experience, there are in fact far better options available. The keyboard that came with the original IBM PC, the model 5150, for example, the keyboard which inspired all modern mechanical keybeds. Or perhaps the keyboard included with The Leading Edge Model M, (an early IBM PC clone). Those are mechanical keyboards that are literal works of art. I still tear-up when reminded that my brother tossed the keyboard to the Leading Edge PC our family owned in the early 80's into the trash.

[@jessicasblack]

Those Cherry MX keys on the Freewrite are such a nice experience but the noise from the space bar gets me. I tend to grab my Traveller more but I miss the back lighting. I guess nothing is 100% perfect.

[@nord2992]

You can apply o rings on Cherry MX switches (best effect with the brown switches that Freewrite use...). That will reduce the overall noice of the keyboard while typing...

[@jessicasblack]

@@nord2992 I did. It didn’t really help the space bar.

[@nord2992]

​@@jessicasblack hmm, maybe some of these keyboard building people (the ones doing it as a hobby, spending a lot of money and time...) could know a solution but that would probably involve a lot of dissembling and modding but if it's really bothering you that much it could be worth it...

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Yep...nothing is perfect. That's why I have 37,000 writing gadgets. LOL.

[@pacbilly]

Differences between Alphasmart models begin at 5:40.

[@fcf8269]

The fascinating thing is that you can make an Alphasmart today with the same keyboard of the Freewrite, using a low power LCD screen , for less than 100 dollars. Problem is, there is no market for it... That's why these companies are able to survive, because they sell 1000 devices at 500 dollars a piece via kickstart so they already sold the product before making it; while for a company that make it worth they need to invest money first, and you may not recoup the money because of low volume sales. Amazon can sell you a kindle for cheap because they sell them like bread; imagine if they would make devices like the Freewrite at the price of an Alphasmart...

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Agreed. They sell overpriced devices to junkies like me. 🤷🏾‍♀️ But there are still plenty of alphasmarts out there for less than 100 bucks all over eBay.

[@fcf8269]

@@KLBrady-WriterGadgets I think they have a market because there are no alternatives :) Pretty sure you would buy an alternative that would be as good as that device but half the price. Beside Amazon I don't think there is a company today that could pull off the 100 dollars typing device to be honest, which is sad

[@sovereigngracebaptistchurch]

I love my AlphaSmart Dana.

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

Yes. They are good tools! I have been using the Freewrite almost daily. It's the backlight for me...because: glasses. :)

[@csmith320]

Alphasmart neos now go for $100 on ebay...I am so stuck...I want the freewrite trailer but that is $467... sigh.

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

I “may” have an alternative to the Freewrites (which I love…but understand the cost). Box opening coming this week.

[@LisaPittman42]

I have Alpha smart 3000

[@LisaPittman42]

You can make a cover for it.

[@LisaPittman42]

Which is your favorite

[@sydcharlotte]

Keyboard snobs unite!!

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one! Lol

[@LisaPittman42]

I want a free write

[@Xingqiwu387]

The Alphasmart Neo2 is THE BEST writing instrument for serious authors there is. Bar none! The Freewrite doesn't even come close. The latter has mediocre battery life and is tethered to the dreadful internet for uploading documents. The Alphasmart saves everything in its indestructible case and sports a good 700 hours of battery life. You hit the on button and you're instantly ready to go!

[@LisaPittman42]

You have give aways I like to win that free write.its expensive.

[@gedankenverbrechenlohntsic4388]

Is alphasmart good as notepad ?

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

I'm not quite sure what your question is. If you're asking if alpha smart is good for taking notes. Absolutely. Again, you just have to make sure that you transfer your files often. But it's a great, economical tool. Now if you're asking if it is as good as notepad...the only notepad I'm aware of is the app -- and they are different. Depends on what you need and why you need it. I encourage everyone to think about their requirements and what they need. If you prefer to type and need a "typewriter" experience, then Alpshamart is the better choice.

[@gedankenverbrechenlohntsic4388]

Thank you. I want a electronic typewriter experience to write short text in my living room or homeoffice (ideas , notes, memo) . What alphasmart has the best keyboard for typewriter experience ?

[@cameronmalchow7597]

@@gedankenverbrechenlohntsic4388 If you watched the video she covers this.

[@SuperTrainStationH]

“Why can’t I Hold all these Alphasmarts?”

[@jes6628]

A dedicated device for one task is not budget minded at all also anything over $100 is not really budget minded

[@Hchris101]

To bad I can’t read

[@amroark]

...but, I don't want to spend all that money, Karla!! LOL #cheapcheap

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

🤣🤣 that’s tough! Lol But Alphasmarts are cheap-relatively speaking.

[@grodius]

LMAO you got a like in the first 15 seconds

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

My juggling scored!

[@thatspiritualhumane]

You talk like Kai greene's sister :-)

[@KLBrady-WriterGadgets]

I don’t know her, but I hope that’s a good thing. :)