I just completed an 80,000 word first draft using the John Steinbeck method using Musgrave wood pencils (wonderful USA-made cedar pencils) to compose and then typing on 1966 Olympia SM9. My editor is a sport and tolerated my first draft using a manual but insisted that my rewrite be in Word. I write letters using a fountain pen and enjoy Logan’s channel. She helped me land on a black ink. Thanks. Great videos.
I am one of those odd ducks that has a Smart Typewriter, a Traveler, and an Alpha with a backlight. I also own over 20 typewriters and have an extensive pencil, pen, and stationary collection. Needless to say, I love all my writing tools and they all have a purpose in my creative workflow. My Freewrite tools are invaluable to me, not because I'm a ridiculous collector, but because I have specific uses for each. I love them and the prices were all worth it. However, with your wonderful review of the Ink, I may be getting itchy purchase fingers! lol!
It is called "Scrap Book" and is filled with thoughts, tidbits, short stories, articles, men's opinions and more printed from the early 1900s. I would love to find more of the volumes!
Great video. I always wondered about the utility/use of these devices since I only write on laptops. But I can see the value in cutting down screen use and distractions. As for price, specialized tools in any field are pretty expensive and this is no less.
I don't have a need for one, nor at the moment the money. However, it is a tool, for a specific job, and it does that job very well, which I approve of. It makes me happy to know that people are making tools like this.
@@curatedavalon totally agreed, it's fantastic, that devices like this exist. I'm still figuring out the best way for me to do my creative writing. At the moment I use: old iPad Air 2 (still enough performance and I use it locked in single-app-mode) + Ulysses (I know it doesn't get much love lately, but I find it's easy to navigate and the synchronization is seamless) + Logitech mx keys mini. Very portable setup, long lasting battery, love the keyboard. My second option is my MacBook Air, it's obviously good for writing, especially when I need to do a lot of research, so that's my "I need access to the web while writing" solution. I also love to write by hand and I use lots of notebooks for many different things, but I can't write hundreds or thousands of words by hand due to carpal tunnel and tendinitis. This is why I will get my first typewriter next month. It's cheap, it's electronic, but very reliable and comes with a dozen spare ink ribbon cartridges. I'm looking forward to have my first non-screen offline writing device. I really like the retro-computing vibes with these 80s - early 90s electronic typewriters and I need a device that's easy on my hands, so mechanical typewriters are no option.
Great video and thanks for sharing your use case on these devices. Have you considered customizing the key caps on your alpha? I have seen people swap out the default ”flat “ keycaps and put regular key caps on and heard the typing experience is much better.
These are only overpriced for neurotypicals. If you have ADHD for example, the Freewrite will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!! I’ve been dreaming of writing a book my whole life and never could beat distractions on laptops or computers. Now I’m 80% done with a novel with my Freewrite Traveler in the three months I’ve owned one.
@@ferrari251 love to hear it! That is what they are made for. I love to imagine the remarks made of the typewriter upon its invention. They must have been entertaining!
YT proposed this video to me, and rightly so, for I had recently investigated these devices for possible purchase…but decided against that due to price, minuscule screens and lack of real benefit (to me, at least) over my current eInk devices (Kindle Scribe and Supernote Manta A5X2) used in combination with an excellent, folding, ergonomic (split) keyboard by ProtoArc. Why a clunky, heavier, smaller-screened device for additional cash when I can use an eInk tablet and a Bluetooth keyboard? I just don‘t get it, despite liking the Feelwrites at first look. I feel they are trying too hard to imitate typewriters rather than offer real convenience and portability. A Scribe or Supernote (or Boox Go 10.3, etc.) also let you take handwritten notes, which is a huge advantage! Best of both worlds. And I have been rediscovering the joys of visceral head-dumping in a pen-to-paper kinda way. ;-) Still interesting to hear your thoughts on this.
There are so many options now for writers that we can really niche down for our specific uses. I need a higher profile device. That's what I want and it's easier for my process to have it be one single device. No pieces, no charging separate pieces, just one device that I can grab and go. There are more portable devices on the horizon but the Freewrite has been the most portable for its function for years. I don't care about the screen size I just want to get the words down. Freewrite really is the most distraction-free product I've tried.
@ Yes, I see how this device suits your use case. I need visual feedback when typing (helps me think, strangely enough) and often reread bits and pieces while deciding how to proceed. And my vision is not great, so small type is an issue, and a screen that is low down and pretty flat won‘t cut it for me. Different strokes, eh? ;-)
@@geetab9898 I do. The Traveller is very nice and if I didn't love my full size I'd probably have a Traveller. The Alpha doesn't move around as much in my lap. However, I have friend who prefers their Traveller.
@@P3ak930 I would love to try the Remarkable Pro. I'd like to see if it would suit my drafting style of writing and typing I just love my paper and pens so much that I haven't bit the bullet to try it yet. I do like my current setup of knowing when I grab the freeerite I'm typing and when I grab a notebook I'm writing. I feel like it cancels out distractions in the best way possible for me.
Had the Paper Pro. Returned it 2 days later. Waited for the Supernote Manta A5X2, instead. Wow! Loving it like crazy. Fantastic feel when writing with the Heart of Metal 2 pen (love the vintage look and color choices, and especially the ceramic, last-forever nib). Can be used with a folding Bluetooth keyboard (I use the ProtoArc folding keyboard, which is ergonomic due to being split down the middle and angled nicely). The Paper Pro was nice, but why have a frontlight that doesn‘t really light anything up much at all? Prefer the non-frontlit Supernote, by far. Much more direct. Also detested the color flashing on the Paper Pro, which made me not use color at all. So why a color screen? I‘d recommend the Supernote or perhaps a Boox Go 10.3 or even Boox Note Max.
@ Thanks. Well, I only went through 2 setups, i.e. trying the Paper Pro and then settling on the A5X2. Not really that much trialing. All the other devices are simply ones I had researched. Thanks for being such an engaged TH-camr, and for being a creative person in this world!
Didn't know about these writers. As a former secretary beginning with manual typewriters to electric to word processors I found these very interesting but alas too expensive for my wallet. 😇💜🙏🙌
Problem is when people compare Chinese generic products with small batch Western projects like this. You can’t just randomly say that it’s expensive without taking into account how much the cost is.
I do that too, but then it’s a pain in the butt when I have type everything up lol. I still end up doing it, but right now I use the alphsmart neo2 and I really love it, my only gripe is that it is not backlit, and it doesn’t have any raiser on the back so I can only sit in certain positions to write, and I do like to move around a bit when I am writing for long periods of time. The other problem is no wifi so I have to manually transfer everything with a printer cable, it takes forever depending on the file size, the neo2 is super old software so sometimes it’s hard for it to keep up with the device it’s transferring to. I’ve waited up to 20 minutes for a file to transfer, all for the alphasmart to get stuck and I have to start all over, very annoying.
A manual typewriter also has the ongoing expense of ribbons and maintenance and repair, in a time where there are not many people who repair typewriters anymore.
Lowell Plum in Longmont, Colorado is a wonderful manual restoration expert. He has restored several for me and they work to perfection, other than the spell check function.
I just completed an 80,000 word first draft using the John Steinbeck method using Musgrave wood pencils (wonderful USA-made cedar pencils) to compose and then typing on 1966 Olympia SM9. My editor is a sport and tolerated my first draft using a manual but insisted that my rewrite be in Word. I write letters using a fountain pen and enjoy Logan’s channel. She helped me land on a black ink. Thanks. Great videos.
I am one of those odd ducks that has a Smart Typewriter, a Traveler, and an Alpha with a backlight. I also own over 20 typewriters and have an extensive pencil, pen, and stationary collection. Needless to say, I love all my writing tools and they all have a purpose in my creative workflow. My Freewrite tools are invaluable to me, not because I'm a ridiculous collector, but because I have specific uses for each. I love them and the prices were all worth it. However, with your wonderful review of the Ink, I may be getting itchy purchase fingers! lol!
Sounds like an amazing collection! I love it!
What is that massive book to your left on the top shelf?
It is called "Scrap Book" and is filled with thoughts, tidbits, short stories, articles, men's opinions and more printed from the early 1900s. I would love to find more of the volumes!
Great video. I always wondered about the utility/use of these devices since I only write on laptops. But I can see the value in cutting down screen use and distractions. As for price, specialized tools in any field are pretty expensive and this is no less.
Thanks! I agree!
I don't have a need for one, nor at the moment the money. However, it is a tool, for a specific job, and it does that job very well, which I approve of. It makes me happy to know that people are making tools like this.
still seems to be just too expensive for what they are...
It is great that people are willing to put the time and effort into these now niche items!
@@curatedavalon totally agreed, it's fantastic, that devices like this exist. I'm still figuring out the best way for me to do my creative writing. At the moment I use: old iPad Air 2 (still enough performance and I use it locked in single-app-mode) + Ulysses (I know it doesn't get much love lately, but I find it's easy to navigate and the synchronization is seamless) + Logitech mx keys mini. Very portable setup, long lasting battery, love the keyboard. My second option is my MacBook Air, it's obviously good for writing, especially when I need to do a lot of research, so that's my "I need access to the web while writing" solution. I also love to write by hand and I use lots of notebooks for many different things, but I can't write hundreds or thousands of words by hand due to carpal tunnel and tendinitis. This is why I will get my first typewriter next month. It's cheap, it's electronic, but very reliable and comes with a dozen spare ink ribbon cartridges. I'm looking forward to have my first non-screen offline writing device. I really like the retro-computing vibes with these 80s - early 90s electronic typewriters and I need a device that's easy on my hands, so mechanical typewriters are no option.
Great video and thanks for sharing your use case on these devices. Have you considered customizing the key caps on your alpha? I have seen people swap out the default ”flat “ keycaps and put regular key caps on and heard the typing experience is much better.
That is a good idea! I've been getting used to it but would love a higher profile keyset.
I was on the fence about buying it but you’ve sold me on it lol great vid ty
I love it! Thank you so much! Feel free to use my affiliate link below if you think the Freewrite is the right device for you!
These are only overpriced for neurotypicals. If you have ADHD for example, the Freewrite will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!! I’ve been dreaming of writing a book my whole life and never could beat distractions on laptops or computers. Now I’m 80% done with a novel with my Freewrite Traveler in the three months I’ve owned one.
@@ferrari251 love to hear it! That is what they are made for. I love to imagine the remarks made of the typewriter upon its invention. They must have been entertaining!
I have an old school alphasmart neo that cost me about $60 and it does the same thing - is the name a coincidence??
YT proposed this video to me, and rightly so, for I had recently investigated these devices for possible purchase…but decided against that due to price, minuscule screens and lack of real benefit (to me, at least) over my current eInk devices (Kindle Scribe and Supernote Manta A5X2) used in combination with an excellent, folding, ergonomic (split) keyboard by ProtoArc. Why a clunky, heavier, smaller-screened device for additional cash when I can use an eInk tablet and a Bluetooth keyboard? I just don‘t get it, despite liking the Feelwrites at first look. I feel they are trying too hard to imitate typewriters rather than offer real convenience and portability. A Scribe or Supernote (or Boox Go 10.3, etc.) also let you take handwritten notes, which is a huge advantage! Best of both worlds. And I have been rediscovering the joys of visceral head-dumping in a pen-to-paper kinda way. ;-) Still interesting to hear your thoughts on this.
There are so many options now for writers that we can really niche down for our specific uses. I need a higher profile device. That's what I want and it's easier for my process to have it be one single device. No pieces, no charging separate pieces, just one device that I can grab and go. There are more portable devices on the horizon but the Freewrite has been the most portable for its function for years. I don't care about the screen size I just want to get the words down. Freewrite really is the most distraction-free product I've tried.
@ Yes, I see how this device suits your use case. I need visual feedback when typing (helps me think, strangely enough) and often reread bits and pieces while deciding how to proceed. And my vision is not great, so small type is an issue, and a screen that is low down and pretty flat won‘t cut it for me. Different strokes, eh? ;-)
I have a Traveler, I use it whenever I need to get a first draft quickly written.
They're perfect for thst!
Do you prefer the alpha to the traveller?
@@geetab9898 I do. The Traveller is very nice and if I didn't love my full size I'd probably have a Traveller. The Alpha doesn't move around as much in my lap. However, I have friend who prefers their Traveller.
Good to know.
👍
Thoughts on this vs remarkable pro with type folio?
@@P3ak930 I would love to try the Remarkable Pro. I'd like to see if it would suit my drafting style of writing and typing I just love my paper and pens so much that I haven't bit the bullet to try it yet. I do like my current setup of knowing when I grab the freeerite I'm typing and when I grab a notebook I'm writing. I feel like it cancels out distractions in the best way possible for me.
Had the Paper Pro. Returned it 2 days later. Waited for the Supernote Manta A5X2, instead. Wow! Loving it like crazy. Fantastic feel when writing with the Heart of Metal 2 pen (love the vintage look and color choices, and especially the ceramic, last-forever nib). Can be used with a folding Bluetooth keyboard (I use the ProtoArc folding keyboard, which is ergonomic due to being split down the middle and angled nicely). The Paper Pro was nice, but why have a frontlight that doesn‘t really light anything up much at all? Prefer the non-frontlit Supernote, by far. Much more direct. Also detested the color flashing on the Paper Pro, which made me not use color at all. So why a color screen? I‘d recommend the Supernote or perhaps a Boox Go 10.3 or even Boox Note Max.
@@scottbecker3485 sounds like you've been through a lot of different setups. Glad you found something that works for you.
@ Thanks. Well, I only went through 2 setups, i.e. trying the Paper Pro and then settling on the A5X2. Not really that much trialing. All the other devices are simply ones I had researched. Thanks for being such an engaged TH-camr, and for being a creative person in this world!
Didn't know about these writers. As a former secretary beginning with manual typewriters to electric to word processors I found these very interesting but alas too expensive for my wallet. 😇💜🙏🙌
@@sushanart I used word processors before typewriters! I haven't used a word processor in years though.
Problem is when people compare Chinese generic products with small batch Western projects like this. You can’t just randomly say that it’s expensive without taking into account how much the cost is.
I agree!
Me writing with a pen on a notebook 💀
I do that too, but then it’s a pain in the butt when I have type everything up lol. I still end up doing it, but right now I use the alphsmart neo2 and I really love it, my only gripe is that it is not backlit, and it doesn’t have any raiser on the back so I can only sit in certain positions to write, and I do like to move around a bit when I am writing for long periods of time. The other problem is no wifi so I have to manually transfer everything with a printer cable, it takes forever depending on the file size, the neo2 is super old software so sometimes it’s hard for it to keep up with the device it’s transferring to. I’ve waited up to 20 minutes for a file to transfer, all for the alphasmart to get stuck and I have to start all over, very annoying.
It’s a qwerkywriter and an iPad for me most days.
A manual typewriter also has the ongoing expense of ribbons and maintenance and repair, in a time where there are not many people who repair typewriters anymore.
They do indeed. I have two that need work done and I haven't wanted to put the money into shipping them off to be repaired yet.
Lowell Plum in Longmont, Colorado is a wonderful manual restoration expert. He has restored several for me and they work to perfection, other than the spell check function.