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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.

July 08, 2026 1 min read

We're about to hit 1 billion words written on Freewrite devices. And we're doing a giveaway to celebrate.

One billion words is an entire library! About 11,000 novels.

That's 920 full read-throughs of the entire Harry PotterΒ series.

Roughly 23 complete sets of Encyclopedia Britannica.

And we're almost there.Β Want to be part of the journey?

Your Chance to Write & Win Big

One writer who participates will be chosen to receive a prize pack the likes of which we've never given away before. And you don't have to own a Freewrite to enter.

The prize pack will be announced via email and SMS onΒ Friday, July 10, so if you're not already subscribed, make sure to sign up ASAP:

SIGN UP FOR EMAILS & SMS HERE

How to Enter

Write. That's it.

OK, there's a little more to it. Specifically:Β 

πŸ‘‰ Write on your Freewrite and sync to Postbox.

πŸ‘‰ If you don't own a Freewrite, write in our free app, Sprinter, and sync to a Postbox account. (Directions to create a Postbox account can be found here.)

Every day that you log words in Postbox (which is automatically done when you write and sync in the Freewrite ecosystem) will earn you 1 entry in the giveaway of all giveaways.

The more days you write, the more entires you'll have when we hit a billion.

Time Is Ticking

Keep an eye on the counter on our homepage. When it hits a billion, we'll pick the winner.

Good luck!

The Freewrite Team

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