Freewrite "Alpha" Do I Like it? Quick Review

It's time to talk about the Freewrite Alpha!
To start off, I think the overall design is pretty great. It is a decent size and super lightweight.
Unfortunately I had been using the Alpha for a week or so when it erased all of my work! I contacted Freewrite's customer service and they gave me directions for an update that would keep that from happening again. I haven't had this happen with any of my other Freewrite devices.
The LCD screen is just too dark for me. I really can't see it in most lighting scenarios. This is a drafting device and so seeing the screen isn't as important but I need some feedback that the words are being typed.
The flush keyboard is comfortable to type on. I like the raised keys for myself personally but it is a very nice keyboard.
The keyboard is the quietest of the Freewrite devices! I have no issue typing on this device in public.
I really like the overall design for daily journaling. If you need to get quick thoughts down or quickly get thoughts down this device is highly effective.
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[@taiko7225]

Thanks for the follow up and honest review 👌

[@milosflaca]

I knew the Alpha had multiple issues before it arrived at my doorstep. Thankfully, I didn't experience the wiping of the internal files, like so many had. I received it and updated it right away and never had any kind of issue with it (and I use it a lot). As to the screen, I think it is small but I use it mostly on my lap and from above, you can see the screen pretty well. I do not like to have it on a desk because the angle doesn't help that much. I don't think this might be a problem for tall people, but I am tiny and my eyes did strain a bit. I own a freewrite machine (the special edition) and of course that's a better device, but I really favor the Alpha overall. I really like the keyboard (especially) and that it is light and portable (it is like carrying and iPad). I really like the quick refresh rate and typing, for me, it's easier on the Alpha because the keyboard is flat, as opposed to the freewrite machine, which has the keyboard at an steep angle and I have to have it tilted, otherwise I can't write as fast as I would with a low key profile board. Another thing that I like about the Alpha, is that is real quiet when typing. I hate, HATE, the freewrite typewriter. It is way too noisy. I think it all depends on what you are looking for.

[@mamelucoderribado]

perfect for entering flow state

[@elizabethc2496]

exactly. the screen is intentionally small so that you're not thinking about what you're writing. I have a Hemingwrite and absolutely adore it, but I can feel myself leave the flow state because it's too easy to tab around and make changes on the bigger screen.

[@mamelucoderribado]

@@elizabethc2496 what do you write?

[@1mrgoodman]

I just can't take the risk losing my writing when I am writing my dissertation. I'd lose my mind!

[@theworkspace753]

nobody cares...

[@whatyear2792]

I have the Alpha and the Traveler and find that the Traveler keyboard is much quieter. I was surprised how loud the Alpha was when I got it (that spacebar, ugh).

[@janosveres3763]

Writer machine 2024😂😂😂😂

[@JosephDickson]

Maintaining two operating systems across devices rather than the one may have stretched their small team thin. I'm sure they'll work through the issues eventually, these things take time. I'm a Traveler owner and regular user. I love to draft anything on it and it syncs flawlessly with Evernote.

[@cypherf0x]

The Freewrite and the Traveller both use linux under the hood. The Alpha however uses much lighter hardware with a low power microcontroller that's running bare metal rather than the linux soc they used on the previous two.

[@BlushnBlue]

If I were sitting somewhere I would love to hear that sound...lol.

[@gristlevonraben]

interesting!

[@cypherf0x]

The first thing you should do with any new electronic purchases is update the firmware.

[@curatedavalon]

It was, they release new updates as needed.

[@JJTech-life245]

Just get the Olivetti Lettera 35L

[@curatedavalon]

@@JJTech-life245 A very nice typewriter, but not a digital solution.

[@senior_ranger]

I cannot imagine any use I would have for such a thing. If I wanted to keyboard something, a small bluetooth keyboard will link to my phone --- and straight into Google Docs. Otherwise, Google voice recognition is excellent, and I can just dictate what I want digitized. As for customer support, you are a woman, and there is a low expectation that you will be technically competent --- no reflection on you, it's just the way of the tech universe.

[@sluggytube]

You okay there buddy?