ASTROHAUS ALPHA

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00:00 - Start
01:29 - Introducing Astrohaus
07:40 - Open the box!
19:18 - First impressions
21:56 - Overall view after use

[@JoeChip]

For the price, not having a backlight is unforgivable.

[@writerlywitterings]

It's all a matter of priority. The keyboard did and should come first, but I don't disagree with you. The LCD is not easy to read. However, as a general purpose typing station to be used when travelling, it's pretty much perfect.

[@mcd3379]

I think the elephant in the room with the Alpha is the size of the screen - especially for those of us who are older with "optical challenges" - especially compared to the original which does have a larger screen. Re keyboards (I learnt to type on an Olivetti manual so I know my keyboards) - try a Thinkpad X220 (2011) - you'll never look back.

[@writerlywitterings]

I am finding this to be perfectly workable for now, so long as there's good lighting. I just wish it had a similar type of screen to my original Freewrite with a backlight!

[@looneyburgmusic]

No, the real elephant is that the Alphasmart Neo/2 is still a far better device, available for far less.

[@writerlywitterings]

The real elephant is, all those people who keep trying to promote a substandard device with a worse keyboard that is therefore no longer for sale compared with a product that is functional, effective, and a far better tool for people who are keen on writing. The Freewrite is a working tool ... yes, the Alphasmart is cheaper - but I believe it is no longer on sale as new, and that is for a good reason. The Freewrite is a new device that works, with backup and maintenance. I love my Freewrite. No elephant with that, which is why I spent money to buy it!@@looneyburgmusic

[@looneyburgmusic]

​@@writerlywitterings Sorry, but I've always found it rather amusing that fans of the Astrohaus device line always seem to laser-focus in on how great the keys supposedly are, as if that one fact out weighs all the negatives< ( the screen lag for example), or justifies a per-device cost that is several orders of magnitude beyond what would be objectively reasonable. As someone who spent years and years typing every day non-stop on two of the best computer keyboards ever produced, (the IBM 5150 and Leading Edge Model M), I can, from real-world experience, say that no set of modern keys currently available comes close to what was once the standard for "pro" level typing use, not even the Cherry MX Red or Blue switches that so many gush about, or the switches used in any of the newer Astrohaus devices. There is simply no comparison in the quality. Meanwhile, the Alphasmart line of devices were built to take a real beating - from school children, and are still perfectly functional today. Why else do you think it's long been rumored that Astrohaus was trying to buy up as many used Alphasmart devices as they could? Trying to remove a competitor that has maintained a strong user-base for several decades perhaps?

[@bluefaolan]

With some possible exceptions, the kaihl choc v2 switches that are used in the alpha can use different key caps. Some issues with fit for some of the keys may be a problem, such as the space bar that looks non-standard; however, the bulk of them should be compatible with any key cap set that has a cherry MX stem. Some might have that more favorable scalloped top to them that you are familiar with on the other device. In fact, if you don't mind the keys sticking up way above the surface of the device, you could probably even use the old caps on this board. Although they may not work if the inner height of the stem is too tall. But it's worth a shot.

[@writerlywitterings]

That's really interesting - I'll have a look at that. Many thanks!

[@archivist17]

It's a splendid device. I love ingenious simplicity.

[@writerlywitterings]

Agreed!

[@johnnyragadoo2414]

LCD readability never bothered me on my old Alphasmart Neo. I liked to find a scenic spot and touch type. Typos happened, no big deal. An Alpha without WiFi, just as a typing device that appears as USB storage, would be tempting. Unfortunately, I have hangups about cloud storage. I know my work is private. Just the chance someone might read my work before it's ready really bugs me.

[@writerlywitterings]

In case you are interested, it's easy to fix that. Turn off wifi and when you want to edit/reuse that document, use the USB cable to plug it into your computer. The Alpha will show up as an extra disk drive and you can call the doc up to your own machine and edit/print from there.

[@johnnyragadoo2414]

I should to reconsider. Freewrite has improved since the early days and I like the idea of supporting vendors who cater to writers. Kudos to them!@@writerlywitterings

[@nathanstrik]

Reportedly the readability of the AlphaSmart Neo is better than on this device. I've heard from people that own both devices that the screen on the Freewrite Alpha is noticeably dimmer by comparison.

[@FarSideFilms]

There actually IS a charging indicator on the original freewrite typewriter! Just hold down the space bar, and if it's charging you will see two lighting bolt icons on both sides of the lower screen. It will also show you how much the battery is charged!

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I do know and have used that, but it would be more helpful to have a little light to show when the cable is actually functioning - I've had issues a couple of times when (my fault) I've not plugged it in properly, or not turned on the plug socket!

[@RainmanP99]

Michael, unfortunately I am not a writer so I do not really do not have a use for this device. I would have liked one when I was working and often wrote long document. Having said all of that I still watched the entire video just because I am so glad to see you!

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks, @RainmanP90 ! I hope to be back more regularly in the coming months, my friend!

[@_gamma.]

Appreciate the puppy callouts, thanks for sharing your impressions!

[@writerlywitterings]

My pleasure!

[@BlackMasterJoe89]

Great review. I hope to be a charming gentleman like you one day! People from the UK are just classier than us Americans. It's gotta be the accent. Anywho! One of my big complaints about the Freewrite is the typing delay. When I'm on a roll and I'm comfortable, I can usually type 70 words a minute on average and I'd like to keep that consistent. And it seems like the device would struggle keeping up with such a speed. Any thoughts on that?

[@writerlywitterings]

Wow, thank you for the compliment. I'm aware that the screen can take time to keep up with my typing, but I don't find that a problem on the Alpha. The original with the E-Ink screen was quite slow to catch up while I was typing but I didn't worry about that because I was already thinking of the next sentence and the delight of these machines is that the lack of distraction really helps improve the speed of your typing. You don't need to look at the screen so much. with the alpha I find there is far less lag. the liquid crystal display seems to keep track with me as I type. however, of course, this is very much a personal point of view and perspective.

[@BlackMasterJoe89]

@@writerlywitterings Thank you for your response. I reckon the screen lag is something I can adapt to. I don't have to look at a screen since I can touch type fairly well and I'm usually thinking ahead. My only worry is going too fast and messing up the screen or causing a glitch.

[@spotterofgold]

At last! Thank you. I hope you'll do a follow up in a few weeks or months if you get the time. Puppies content encouraged!

[@writerlywitterings]

I will do - pups and Alpha longer term use!

[@swintonwoolfe]

I've seen a couple of reviews of the Alpha and the common con was no backlight. (They were younger youtubers, so it's not just mature writers that had the same concern.)

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks for that. Yes, I do think it's a shame there's no backlight. It would be really useful to be able to work in less than perfect lighting conditions. Thanks for watching!

[@JosephDickson]

My understanding is they chose a reflective LCD that works well outdoors and in direct lighting. I think traditional LCDs could get washed out in direct light.

[@writerlywitterings]

@@JosephDickson Hmm, you could be right. Have to admit, I've found a couple of reading lights, rechargeable, that clamp to books. May be ideal for me. I'm sure the lighting issue is mostly me, because I do have lousy eyesight thanks to diabetes.

[@JosephDickson]

​@@writerlywitteringsit's not just you. Reddit has diverse opinions on it. 😂

[@hungrywallaby]

I've watched more than a couple of reviews, and the biggest criticism I've found is that it is too expensive, especially for a device that has purposely limited functionality. This device is for generating first drafts, and writers need to understand that a work of art is not created in the inspiration stage, but in editing, which the freewrite has intentionally made as inconvenient as possible..

[@jimcameron9848]

Reminds me of my Brother EP 45, except the Alpha serves its purpose!

[@writerlywitterings]

That's very unkind to Brother ... or realistic, perhaps!

[@jimcameron9848]

I am a long time subscriber and avid viewer. I enjoy your channel immensely. Your comment gave me a moment to reflect. Brother has an interesting history and I want to properly honour the novel aspects of the EP 45. First, it contained an I/O port which allowed it to be used as a computer printer. They were thinking ahead! Second, it was quiet. Battery powered thermal typewriter technology may have been a fad, but the EP-45 occupied a unique niche before the home PC. Brother's use of thermal pin conductors continues to be in use (i.e., grocery receipt printers). Cheers. and happy writing! Jim

[@taraskywalker453]

Excellent overview

[@writerlywitterings]

Many thanks! Really grateful for the positive comment!

[@bac5444]

That looks like an updated Alphasmart Neo 2

[@writerlywitterings]

But feels infinitely better.

[@milosflaca]

I have the special edition freewrite (I went ahead and purchased it after seeing your review. Mine is the lemon 3 Gen. wonderful device). However I had originally purchased this one on pre order. I waited I few months to get it and well, got a bit impatience and bought the lemon one. I finally received my Alpha a week ago and I absolutely love it. It is very portable and light. I expected it to be a bit smaller (it is the size of my macbook air), but even so, I love, *love* the device. To me, the original freewrite machine is too loud. I really do not like the keyboard, but the Alphas lower profile keyboard is a delight. I do not regret having any of these devices because they are very useful and worth the money. I wish it had a backlight or that the screen was a bit bigger, but I get this is an entry device and it is aimed to be cheaper than the one that has a larger screen and a backlight. I solved that clamping a little book lamp on the edges :)

[@writerlywitterings]

Yes, I'm currently investigating small book lamps. I agree on the screen, backlight and keyboard comments. The Alpha is really perfect for throwing into a bag when off out for a day, or when going away for a short break, isn't it? I do like the keyboard, with the reservation that I really would prefer sculpted keycaps. Investigating them too!

[@looneyburgmusic]

After getting a chance to spend a day with the Alpha, I can honestly say that the NEO2 is a far better device in nearly every way.

[@writerlywitterings]

All a matter of taste. I tried several Neos and hated them all! Could not type on them. The keys were sloppy and didn't register reliably, I found the base too slippery on my lap to be able to work it effectively, and I thought the screen terrible, whereas this Alpha works superbly. But, as I say, personal taste comes into it. Thanks for the comment!

[@looneyburgmusic]

If you had issues with keys not registering correctly that would mean you had a damaged device.

[@saffirechanning7286]

HELLO! You sound like a GOOD REVIEWER so I have questions for you about the Freewrite Alpha. 1. How many lines of text can you get on the screen at once? 2. How much does it COST? 3. What IMPROVEMENTS or CHANGES would you suggest to make it BETTER? 4. Can you CHANGE the FONT styles on it?

[@writerlywitterings]

Hi, and thanks. Sorry to take a little while to get back - I had an eye operation this week that cost me a couple of days of work. 1. if you use the "small" setting, it's four lines of text; if you go "large", it's two. With my deteriorating eyesight, I have it set to large all the time. There is a middle setting for three lines too; 2. the price in the UK is £340, but if you use the link in my description below the video, you can save a bit with a discount from Astrohaus; 3. I would personally give it a backlight function, as I said in the video. The liquid crystal display is, I think, fine for most people, but I suffer from diabetic maculopathy, which severely affects my eyesight. I'll be buying a small book light to attach to it, which will help me no end; 4. no, I think the font styles are what you expect on an LCD screen, but they're very clear to read (in good light). Hope that all helps!

[@saffirechanning7286]

THANKS so much for answering all my questions about the Freewrite Alpha! I hope that your eyesight improves.@@writerlywitterings

[@writerlywitterings]

My pleasure, @@saffirechanning7286 - just hope it helps! Have a great weekend.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Can you verify that you can do local file transfers to your Mac via USB?

[@hamderger99]

Yes, you can do file transfers with a usb cable. I have one as well and have done exactly that. Like your videos by the way, I bought an Olympia SM9 a couple of years ago due in part to your high praise of the machine.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

@@hamderger99 Thank you!

[@writerlywitterings]

As soon as you wrote this, I went and plugged it in to make sure - and @hamderger99 is right (well, so am I!). It comes up on my iMac as "NONAME" and I renamed it as Alpha, and then could see the document I typed last night. Works fine.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

@@writerlywitterings Thank you!

[@JosephDickson]

A third of the way through the video, if anyone can convince me to try an Astrohaus device its you. 🙄😂

[@JosephDickson]

Oddly enough, I've been considering the Traveler since it was first released. Strictly for portability to and from the office. I'm not a fiction writer, most of what I do is shorter blog posts and documentation. I've been using a basic text editor, Sprinter and Postbox to emulate the process and it seems to suit my workflow.

[@writerlywitterings]

My apologies! But I do have to admit, I like these things. I just find I get more done with them, and they're ideal for travel (well, the Alpha is!)

[@writerlywitterings]

@@JosephDickson I'd strongly recommend the Alpha over the Traveller if you are a reasonable typist. The keys (for me) are vastly better, and the size of the Alpha makes it much more comfortable on a lap or generally.

[@nathanstrik]

But is it worth 400 euros though? Even with a nice low profile mechanical keyboard like this, it seems excessively overpriced, especially with a screen that's noticeably dimmer than the device that probably inspired this: the AlphaSmart Neo 2. It's weird... given that the Neo 2 is a 16 year old device... that had more lines of text and a more reflective non-backlit screen than this thing. I get a device like this at half the price, maybe 250... but that's stretching it a bit already.

[@writerlywitterings]

It's the same as anything, though. Is an Apple MacBook worth the money when you can get much cheaper Windows machines; is a leather, hand made bag worth the money when you can get a much cheaper rucksack? It's whether you can justify the expense. I have to buy Apple kit because I am not technical, and I need to be able to work with a system that is more intuitive, which will share emails across phone, tablet and desktop, and the extra expense, while painful, is still worthwhile. With a leather bag, maybe the cost is prohibitive. The canvas or ballistic backpack does the same job as efficiently. For some the Freewrites will be too expensive, and many would prefer a computer. For me, I have no need of a laptop. These devices are perfect, for me, for drafting my work. I'll be writing three books this year, and anything that allows me to sit at my desk and get more words down on the screen is worthwhile. As for the cost itself - well, my keyboard for my Apple iMac was over £250. And it's brilliant. It's a lot more than a standard Dell or IBM keyboard - and it's worth every penny. The Freewrite has a very good keyboard, and that alone justifies (to me) much of the cost of the device. But it is a matter of personal taste, of course!

[@nathanstrik]

@@writerlywitterings oh, I don't mind paying more for a great tool. I use Apple computers every day because of this. Simply because their operating system is the best in the business and Apple's build quality and lasting lifespan is the best in the business. But the Freewrite Alpha seems like a downgrade over tech that is already 16 years old, which is a bit harder to swallow. With Apple I can see the reason behind the price... with Freewrite's devices I don't. But like you rightfully said... this stuff ultimately comes down to personal taste, and if this makes your job as a writer easier, then that makes this a worthwhile device.

[@dwightjones3305]

Do you consider any of the Freewrites to be better or worse for people with Carpal tunnel syndrome?

[@writerlywitterings]

Ah, now that is a real question. I would say that the keyboards are better - much better - than a standard keyboard using a sheet of rubber or latex to give each key its spring. All keyboards for laptops and desktops tend to have this kind of set up because it's easy to build, and cheap. Any keyboard, like those on the Freewrite machines (Alpha and original machine) which have individually sprung keys, each of them working with a separate spring per key, will be much better for your fingers and carpal tunnels. Having said that, when I bought my horribly expensive Keychron Q8, it was because I was suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome, which is similar to carpal tunnel, but in the elbows. This has excellent, loud, clicks keys which are all individually sprung, but set in a V shape, so that my wrists stay relatively straight, lessening the stress on tendons etc. You can see them here: www.keyboardco.com/keyboard/keychron-q8-65percent-ergo-qmk-rgb-aluminium-macpc-carbon-black-custom-keyboars-with-knob.asp and they are quite superb. Solid, wonderful keys, and a very pleasant format. However, I can't carry the keyboard with me - it weighs about five times the weight of the Alpha! It is perfect for when I'm at my desk, and I love it. But the Freewrite keyboards are perfect for portability and for working away from my desk. I don't find it a problem to go to the Freewrites after the Keychron, but if you have a serious issue with carpal tunnel, I would very strongly recommend you consider a V keyboard, ideally using Cherry or similar kays. Hope that helps a bit!

[@bradleyhenderson648]

So you give your time reviewing their devices and still have to pay for it if you want to keep it?

[@writerlywitterings]

Actually, that was my assumption. I had to buy the original, but this one, well, I wrote to them after recording the video and they have very kindly given it to me - which I have to admit is a huge relief!

[@bradleyhenderson648]

@@writerlywitterings that’s great and well deserved! Hope it serves your writing well!

[@trickyplays240]

It is lovely but that price tag isn’t. For the alpha or regular. #brokewriter

[@writerlywitterings]

As one #brokewriter to another, it is hard to justify. All I would say is, I'd get another one like a shot if my original died - especially if I was travelling, commuting, or doing anything that involved being away from my desk for periods. It is infinitely more use to me as a writer than a laptop, for example, and both are a lot cheaper. I don't need the functionality of a cheap laptop, but either of these models of Freewrite is ideal.