How to Write Screenplays on the Go with the $23 Alphasmart Neo (with mods!)

Today I look at how to write screenplays with the $23 Alphasmart Neo, a very portable word processor that has a variety of uses. I also mod the Neo and look into using it with the Fountain screenwriting system.
$23 deal on Alphasmart Neo on eBay (includes shipping): rover.ebay.com/...
USB printer cable for Neo/Neo2 connection to PC/Mac: rover.ebay.com/...
13" laptop sleeve for use with Alphasmart Neo/Neo2
eBay: rover.ebay.com/...
Amazon: amzn.to/3daqhpW
OTG cable for connecting the Neo/Neo2 to Android devices
eBay: rover.ebay.com/...
CR 2032 Button Cell battery for Neo/Neo2: rover.ebay.com/...
USB light for Neo light mod
eBay: rover.ebay.com/...
Amazon: amzn.to/36CGn99
Alphasmart forum on Flickr: www.flickr.com...
My Best Writing Tool Can't Even Access the Internet: writingcoopera...
Fountain screenwriting tool: fountain.io/
Original Reddit post about USB light mod: / modded_my_neo_2_for_ni...
Download Neo Manager for Mac or PC: archive.org/de...

[@jaleru]

I started my journey into film making 10 years ago after I watched your stabilizer video. I now work in tech, but thanks for helping inspire me to get out and shoot.

[@kbsimmer2178]

I used the Neo 2 back in middle and high school right about the same time I found your channel. My handwriting was so bad I used it to take notes and do assignments. We bought it brand new since it was still in production and only charged it with the charging cord once. It came with a rechargeable battery and it would charge itself every time I plugged it into a computer to transfer files. It served me for 6 years straight. Recently found it while cleaning and after charging it up it works like new! Absolutely loved it back then, glad to see that they are finding a second life.

[@MileyonDisney]

This reminds me of your video about the $56 7-inch external monitor, that I still use - a good product at a great price! Thanks!

[@MagicBiscuitShow]

I bought one too after seeing the video post.

[@shaneeegan]

So good seeing you back online Scott! watched some of the earlier videos too, on screenwriting and story. Using Covid lockdown as a chance to come up with a kick in the pants to go with my ending. thanks for all the help. I even downloaded Robert McKee's book Story! Thanks so much. Shane, Clonmel, Tipperary, Ireland.

[@AdamPreset]

I am strangely obsessed with these devices. I’ll probably get one someday.

[@CreatorofWhat]

I love this video. If I'm honest I'll never use this device but this kinda project is definitely my speed.

[@chrislrob]

Thanks for this. I added the light mod this weekend!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Nice!

[@potatoradio]

Kinda like the old tandy 100 - 101 from back in the day.

[@renindy]

thank you Scott-just ordered one. writers have been raving about it.

[@user-ij4xi5qq4d]

I'm going to do the power USB connection for a USB light! Thanks!

[@RSpudieD]

I was confused if this was a joke or not...but it does seem to work pretty well!

[@alexanderfilmworks]

My AlphaSmart is an older model - the 2000. Should still work fine for this - I don't see a problem. BTW, very nice to see you back. Hopefully your time in Alaska was productive...

[@iComplainer]

_What year is it?_

[@buddyshearer4170]

That was awesome! I don't have a need for one but watching it type out your script on your computer gave a great idea for an effect that I have wanted to do. So a big thank you!

[@00Skyfox]

I’m so glad you’re back. I’ve been really enjoying your videos!

[@angelonfire]

Thank you! I just got one and your review will help me customize more. Appreciate your effort.

[@robertcole5561]

I like my Neo 2 for taking field notes.

[@crowriver]

Super useful and informative video! Thank you.

[@walmartman6062]

Great review and great hacks. Is there a word count limit before the regular send option doesn't work anymore and you have to use the hot sync instead?

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

What a great article. If you ever have the time, could you explain a little more about how to download the screenwriting program Fountain to a Neo?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

You don't download Fountain. You import any text file (such as one created with a Neo) into a Fountain application or website (such as the one mentioned in the video).

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

@@frugalfilmmaker That helps me a lot, I was confused. Your video was great. I have a NEO and have not seen anybody provide as much information as you did. Thanks again.

[@jeovannyhurtadovelasquez7153]

can be set to Spanish keyboard. You can have the ñ key

[@brianginn1993]

New info. Thank you.

[@BadKarma714]

Does it have a power connector in the back like a 5 W barrel connector? That looks like a cool handy device to have and then once you plug in your computer you can download the text to it?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

It does have a power connector on the back. You don't "download" per se (unless you use Neo Manager), but the Neo acts like a robotic keyboard and "types" your file in whatever document you open.

[@rickh6963]

Thanks Scott! Got any of your own projects in the works? Loved Son of Frugal.

[@supercooled]

This is The One.

[@emoryschley5546]

I paid $200 for a Neo some years ago. Shoulda waited, I guess... ;-)

[@WriterLady]

Same here! I had the AlphaSmart model before it as well. Those things were tough as nails! Can't even remember how many times it slipped out of my hands when I was dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Never hurt it a bit. Used it for 5 yrs, then retired it when we got our first computer in the mid 90's w/internet access. Probably still have it in a box here somewhere.

[@Redundant_underscore]

Same! Bought mine brand new 13 years ago. Still works great, and I still use it all the time. Best thing for distraction free writing.

[@richpate9436]

I paid $160 for a used one five years ago. But still using it and love it. Well worth the investment. Just went and bought a used NEO2 for $25 as a back up.

[@boredbash1170]

Frugs you are a god, BUT You need to do film making basics to blow up. Camera shots, camera angles, and script is a great start. If you add a live tutorial where you make a film start to finish. add script structure. Add blender 3d effects (learn if you dont know its free'- ian hubert is a good starting point) . Most kids got money now trust me. Your best market today is those wanting to do end-end

[@boredbash1170]

Mate please do this, create a online training session and you can make this your full time career.

[@iComplainer]

STFU

[@AthanCondax]

I don't write screenplays. Would someone be able to explain the advantage of this over using something like your phone? Sure it's not connected to the internet or social media, but isn't that solved by Airplane Mode? I figured an app would be able to do most of this. Again, I'm not trying to be dismissive of this product's utility, I'm just foreign to writing things like screenplays, so it's genuine curiosity.

[@jmadara]

There are several free/inexpensive screenwriting apps and you can connect a Bluetooth keyboard to most phones/tablets.

[@G_de_Coligny]

I’d say that with a device that is so basic and single task minded. If you don’t get that usefulness it means that you really do not need it in your workflow. (Not being dismisive either, poeple can ‘make.you’ use something, but they can’t ‘make you’ NEED something like this it’s the same debate as mouse/trackball/trackpad) I work in IT but when I write I use an old mechanical typewriter... then scan/ocr stuff like a true caveman...

[@johnniepegues305]

Does it allow you to put what you put into the processor to a thumb drive

[@frugalfilmmaker]

No, you'd have to dump the file to a computer first, then copy it to a thumb drive from there.

[@TheBendermen]

My birthday's coming up

[@looneyburgmusic]

That USB power mod is also a good way to send 5v directly into any computer USB port the Alpha is plugged into... Not healthy for the computer at all

[@frugalfilmmaker]

You are correct, but to do that you'd have to use the uncommon USB-A to USB-A cable, which is not the normal way to connect the Neo. The normal way is with the more common "printer cable" or USB-A to USB-B cable. In other words, you'd have to go out of your way to connect it wrong.

[@looneyburgmusic]

@@frugalfilmmaker That assumes the B-port on the Alphasmart follows the USB standard, and isn't simply pushing a voltage out the +5V line, something which has been known to happen with lazy designers who never expect their device might be modified in this way I would definitely check for continuity between the A/B ports, to ensure the two do not share any common pathways

[@looneyburgmusic]

@@frugalfilmmaker Just to clarify, because I know I'm not explaining myself correctly here - back in the 90's - early 00's it was very common for USB devices to cut corners on the standard. I have a bunch of devices from that era with both A and B ports which were not properly isolated electrically, and voltages could sometimes go places they should not, especially when a modification is done...

[@ChaoticVampire]

If you connect the USB cable to a USB power brick it will run from the outlet and won't use the batteries!

[@robertnussberger2028]

You mean from male power brick usb to male print/data plug, or male usb to male usb? The double generic regular usb sticks are almost impossible to come by accidently these days.

[@tractorbooty15]

Renaissance links are no longer active. " 404 - File or directory not found" :-(

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Bummer. There was some good material on that site.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

I managed to upload the Neo Manager to my Google Drive and changed the link in the description. I was unable to find the other link's info (about recovering from a crash), so I deleted it. It may still be on the web somewhere, but will probably require a lot of forum searching.

[@Frank_42]

It ain't at "this price point" any more. :(

[@frugalfilmmaker]

This video probably had something to do with that. Sorry.

[@MrOikos2012]

Please please pass me your email....im just changed the batteries and something damaged!!!!! I'm desesperate!!!!! In the batteries cubicle there is a plug unplugged. When I turn it on NOTHING...before seeing your video said: press any key bla bla bla

[@radiopoet1330]

While this is interesting, I thought this was about writing a screen play on my Neo...

[@nicolasyang7457]

Takes a massive dump on the overpriced Freewrite devices.

[@Samtagri]

Just it your phone on airplane mode

[@morphentropic]

kiss

[@iComplainer]

Smooches