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kda
@kda

Is there such a thing as a word processing device that:

  • Isn't as expensive or deliberately missing basic features as the Freewrite

  • Doesn't have a massive printer built in

  • Isn't an AlphaSmart (I just really don't like the aesthetics on those?)

I've tried the USB-OTG keyboard โ†’ phone thing, and it's OK, but I'm just curious about whether any suitable Devices That Just Type And That's It exist.


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in reply to @kda's post:

I probably should've specified "smaller footprint than a letter size piece of paper and less than 10cm thick". gjshfjshdh

But you're right โ€” for a word processing device that I'm not trying to fit in a single pocket in a backpack, that'd be fantastic. No Internet and just enough power to handle typing and formatting would be great for not getting distracted.

If you want something portable thereโ€™s always the Model 100. :D

I find going too retro though raises file transfer frustration, so when Iโ€™m not just using my thinkpad, I go for the PowerBook G4. Just modern enough I can get internet, not modern enough to be useful at it other than email and git.

Sadly Alphasmart & Freewrite seem to be the "big 2" today. I tried looking for others to no avail. I've heard of similar products over the years but if they existed they flopped and fell into obscurity.

You honestly might be better off building your own. An off the shelf mechanical keyboard, a Raspberry Pi or similar device, an LCD, & 3D printed case, could do it.