Distraction Free Writing Technology Device Guide

We depart from our usual video format to bring you all of the options and redefine what "distraction-free" technology really means in 2022.
We are often told that in order to get a distraction free writing device, we need to scrawl with pen and paper, buy an antique, or buy a very expensive computing device with all the computer-y bits taken out. However, your distraction free writing tech needs may differ depending on your writing and editing style. We go over all of the device options from high to low cost options as well as what the pros and cons are of each.

[@RobertDeloyd]

I use an AlphaSmart Neo2, and it works just fine for me. 🤗

[@looneyburgmusic]

The Alphasmart line would be prefect if it wasn't for those tiny screens..

[@JosephDickson]

Installed Vim on Debian with i3wm on a Toshiba NB505. Replaced the battery for $40. As an aside an iPad with a keyboard on Airplane mode isn't a bad idea if you already own one.

[@Masta686Yamato]

If you want to go really cheap and compact, you can buy an old smartphone without a SIM-card and a keyboard for it - Microsoft's Universal Mobile Keyboard works very well for me. Just fire up a plain, distraction free app like vim and you've got your writing device with SD card and Wi-Fi support. Also, old laptop-type palmtop PCs, such as HP Jornada, 95LX and Psion devices work very well if you want to go small. Unlike smartphones, they do not have flashy menus or notifications. Just a very basic, plain GUI or command-line (in 95LX's case).

[@tammydreamwriter2877]

Thank you this video helped a lot.

[@elektron2kim666]

A Raspberry Pi 3 and up is power hungry in regards to batteries. I have a couple of "pocket pi's" and the Zero W in a GamePi20 case is the best so far. I created a computer with the Pico just now which can become something too. If I just make it battery driven (basically a VGA display powered from USB) then I'm pleased. A good keyboard in the end of that is on my list, but that's more complicated.

[@torianvil9594]

What about an older MacBook Pro? could that be converted to distraction-free mode?

[@gigsplain]

I am not an expert on Macs but I should think you can.

[@elektron2kim666]

Maybe with Linux. You can uninstall more in Linux.

[@digitalhabibti]

gym teacher in rural Saskatchewan haha

[@looneyburgmusic]

"Tablets are not terribly battery efficient"? Huh? My Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 will last ~10-12 hours screen-on no problem, meaning most of the day.

[@gigsplain]

Comparatively. A Freewrite device will go for days or weeks with the screen on depending on model with a smaller battery than any Samsung.

[@looneyburgmusic]

@@gigsplain True, however, for all the years I've used tablet + bt keyboard for writing I've never needed one to last more than a single day before recharging overnight. And besides, the e-ink screens are simply horrific on the eyes, between the annoying display lag and the lack of any real color theme choice besides black on WHITER THAN WHITE!