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Electric Typewriter vs. Freewrite: Which Writing Tool is Better?

July 23, 2018 | 2 min read

Do you know what writers Ernest Hemingway and Danielle Steel have in common? They couldn't be more different in subject and style. But when it came to choosing a writing instrument, both chose a typewriter.

Of course, home computers weren't around when Hemingway crafted his masterpieces. But a surprising number of modern writers avoid working on computers. Humorist P.J. O'Rourke prefers an IBM Selectric electric typewriter instead of a computer because it "doesn't get in the way" of the writing process. In other words, O'Rourke doesn't like the distractions of using a computer.

A lot of modern writers stay away from computers and opt for a basic "words on paper" approach. Some write first drafts in longhand. Some use typewriters. Along with the "no-distraction back-to-basics" feeling, writers like Steel find that typing on a mechanical keyboard to be more conducive to creativity.

If you're a writer struggling to work on a computer, you have better options. One is an electronic typewriter. Another is the Freewrite. The Freewrite is a tool designed from the ground up for writers. How do the two compare? Here's a rundown.

Electric Typewriter Features

The best electric typewriter models provide writers with a host of options. Typical features include line drawing, correction memory, word and character erase, underlining, automatic carriage returns, programmable tabulation memory and bidirectional printing functions. Many also include removable storage capabilities.

The Freewrite Writing Tool

The Freewrite combines the simplicity of a typewriter with the benefits of modern digital documents. It retains the tactile feel of a typewriter with a mechanical keyboard. But instead of having to retype paper documents to get them into the computer, the Freewrite’s documents are already digital. Documents save on the device and automatically sync to Dropbox, Evernote, or Google Drive so you don't have to worry about computer crashes or power outages. Files upload with 256-bit SSL encryption. Every Freewrite element works to get the creative juices flowing. It's lightweight with a stow-able handle. Take it to the park, find inspiration and hit the keys on the full-size mechanical keyboard.

What's the Verdict?

If you're looking for a way to put an end to distractions, amplify creativity and boost productivity, the Freewrite is your best option. With the Freewrite, it won't take long to find your writing groove. And once you're there, you'll stay there.

September 29, 2026 • 2 min read

Official Rules for the Promotion

No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your changes of wining. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

1. Eligibility

The "Hemingwrite Giveaway" ("Promotion") is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees, officers, and directors of Astrohaus ("Sponsor") and its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and their immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and/or those living in the same household are not eligible. The Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

2.Β Promotion Period

The Promotion begins at 8 a.m. EST Sept 1, and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30 ("Promotion Period"). Sponsor's computer is the official timekeeping device for this Promotion.

3.Β How to Enter

There are two (2) ways to enter:

a) Purchase Method:

During the Promotion Period, fill out the form here: https://getfreewrite.com/a/ps/landing_pages/28761/hemingwrite-giveaway-2026Limit one (1) entry per person.

4.Β Prize

One (1) Grand Prize: A Freewrite Ernest Hemingway Special Edition Smart Typewriter (value $1,099.00 USD).

Approximate Retail Value (β€œARV”): up to $1,099.00 USD.

5.Β Winner Selection

One (1) potential winner will be selected in a random drawing on or about October 1, from among all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received.

6.Β Winner Notification

The potential winner will be notified by email within five (5) business days following the drawing. The potential winner may be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability & Publicity Release within seven (7) days of notification. If a selected winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize, or fails to timely return the required documents, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner selected.

7.Β General Conditions

By participating, entrants agree to abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final. The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the Promotion if it becomes technically corrupted or cannot be conducted as planned. The prize is non-transferable. All federal, state, and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner.

8.Β Limitation of Liability

Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, or illegible entries or for any technical or human error that may occur in the administration of the Promotion.

9. Privacy

Any personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy located at https://getfreewrite.com/pages/privacy-policy.

9. Sponsor

Astrohaus
1632 1st Avenue #29179
New York, NY 10028

September 18, 2026 • 5 min read

I spent a decade correcting people's grammar. (Not in an insufferable way. I was getting paid to do it.) Now I write without correcting my own.

September 18, 2026 • 7 min read

Whether he's acting or writing, Wesley MacInnes finds a starting point for each creative project in freewriting.