I got my Freewrite Smart Typewriter as an early Christmas gift and it's possibly the bests gift I've ever received. In just over a week of writing, my output has increased dramatically. The distraction-free writing experience of the Freewrite is what I've been wanting and needing for years, even if I didn't realize it. Just today, in about 2 hours of writing, I produced about 1600 words, much better than my normal pace. The productivity is not just about the distraction-free environment, though. This thing is SO much fun to write on! I'm writing this review on my computer and hating every second of it because the experience of writing on the Freewrite keys is just so immensely satisfying. You work up a rhythm on them, the clicky-clacky sound almost driving your forward. I needed this thing 4 years ago when I was writing my dissertation, but I'm glad I have it now.
I've only had my Freewrite for about 2 weeks, but I am really loving everything about it so far! From the design to the feel, it has provided such a terrific writing experience. Highly recommended, and kudos to everyone on the Astrohaus/Freewrite team who created this option for focused composition.
Unfortunately my first Traveller I received had faulty keys - so the one you’re shipping out to me again is the functioning one. Hoping it works well and lasts a long time. I’d like it to earn a 5 star review.
I've had my Traveler for about two weeks ago and it was so worth the purchase. My favorite purchase of 2024.
I have to split this review in to two sections: A review of the Gen3 Freewrite, and a review of the Hemingway Edition styling.
For context, I owned a Gen2 Typewriter for about six months before selling it. The Gen2 did exactly what was advertised, but it was missing a few features that I personally considered workflow dealbreakers—namely, an offline file manager and the ability to move the cursor around the document to make small edits. Fortunately, Astrohaus has implemented solutions to both of those problems in the Gen3 while throwing in a few other improvements, like the (IMO) luscious new key switches. My only remaining gripe is that they really should add a bi-colour frontlight that gives you a warmer colour temperature for writing at night. Right now the frontlight is limited to a very blue 5600K'ish, and I would love to be able to toggle to an amber 3200K. Can't imagine much more I'd change, although I do occasionally miss the Copy/Paste functionality from my Alphasmart. Two things I am specifically noticing about my unit are that the spacebar key gets very sticky sometimes—to the point where pressing it lightly is enough to jam it in its depressed position—and it is also extremely picky about what USB chargers it will work with. For some reason I can't get it to charge from my 20W OEM Apple USB-C charger, which seems odd because it will charge from the old 5V2A USB-A charger...
As for the Hemingway styled model, I am (mostly) glad I sprung for this version. To be clear, there's nothing functionally different about it but I'm a sucker for the bare metal; the Brunswick Green keycaps with their pronounced font; the tan leather case. It's a gorgeous package, which makes all the little things that do bug me more pronounced. For starters, I think there's a harder edge on the inside of the attache case because the plastic on the back of the Hemingwrite was worn down on a spot that was roughly the same height as the point where the top and bottom halves of the case meet. Support has been following up with me about this though, and I am hoping there will be a resolution to this soon. Otherwise, one thing that is very clear when you see one of these up close is that when they say they're hand polished, it definitely looks that way. There are a lot of spots on the device that seem pretty rough compared to how smooth other features are. Specifically, the surface around the Freewrite logo and the space underneath the Folder and WiFi switches don't look like they got very much attention, which is a little distracting if I'm being honest. Lastly, I respect Hemingway and his work but I wish I could get this model without the Hemingway branding. Most of the time it's not visible, especially while you're writing, but it's kind of weird to have Ernest's signature there when I am not, like, a fanboy or anything.
Oh! I also want to bring up the case. It's a beautiful piece, and I love the colour of the leather. The Freewrite fits in to it nicely, although it definitely draws attention to itself. That aside, something I wish they had designed in to it were feet on the narrow edge of the case. Four brass nubs would go a long way to protecting this case, so I'm a little shocked those are missing here. I definitely feel a little uneasy resting it directly on the leather when I put it down.
So would I recommend it? Eeeehhhhhhh... Look; you know why you're here. We're talking about a digital typewriter that costs as much as a washing machine. If you're one of those people who knows that a Freewrite will be a beneficial addition to your workflow, then you've really got to think about how you want to look while you're doing it. For a pretentious dweeb like me who likes to have pretty things, it was worth it because I have no self control. If you don't suffer from that character flaw, then I would recommend saving several hundred dollars and just going with the vanilla Gen3 Typewriter.
I’ve written more in the last week than I have in the last year. I don’t know why I waited so long to purchase one. I expect amazing things from my Traveler!
50k words in already!
I really love forward drafting on my freewrite traveler! I find I can do 1000-3000 pretty consistently when I sit down to write with no distractions!
A great device which certainly unlocks the imagination by its simple and lean philosophy. I love the feel of the mechanical keyboard as well as the entire culture behind this great retro-futuristic piece of technology. Thank you!
After a bit over a week, I've used the Alpha almost every day.
What's good about it?
1. Instant on is great! I can start typing literally 2 secondary after hitting the power button. This let's me get my ideas down before I forget them or get distracted.
2. Simplistic User Experience - this isn't for everyone, but the simple and limited user environment is something I prefer. The LCD is easy on the eyes, and the navigation, while limited, does what it's designed to do, which is encourage you to keep writing and fix stuff later.
3. The battery is awesome! For a rechargeable device, it's very good. I'm still on my first charge and I've only used 5%. My laptop would have been charged at least six times by now.
What could improve?
1. The keyboard could benefit from different keycaps. Something still low profile, but with some curvature. The flat keys take some getting used to, and I definitely would have a better experience with different keycaps. I'm looking at changing these right now.
If the keyboard was slightly angled (V shaped) it would be easier on the wrists. This could be done with no change (or at least minimal change) to the overall footprint
2. The LCD could be better with higher contrast
3. The Alpha needs Freewrite + compatibility. It would help with my workflow (I use Scrivener as my writing environment for editing and formatting)
Overall, I'm happy with the device, and I'll keep using it. I'm slightly annoyed that a ver. 2 is coming out so soon ( the Cosmic edition), but that's life.
Cheers!
Carl
This pin is excilent quality! I put it on my computer bag and it looks perfect!
So far, I'm loving my smart typewriter. A few gripes though. 1. White lettering on yellow does not show very well. 2. Sometimes I have to do a hard reboot to get it working. Might be a battery issue. 3. There was one time where my document disappeared from the folder. Other than that, it's been working great
Warehouse Sale - Smart Typewriter - Special Editions
I had been waffling on purchasing the Freewrite Traveler for about 3 months before pulling the trigger. I can confidently say I should have bought it three months ago rather than when I did. It is extremely light, which makes it easy to take with you, I actually brought mine on a trip to Joshua Tree and it was so convenient! It’s simple and easy to use. The most common complaint I read in reviews was the lag. It definitely does lag and is similar to the lag if you have used a typewriter. I have found that the lag has helped me be more intentional in my writing and discourages me from over editing my thoughts. I am very happy I bought the Traveler and will gladly endorse this.
I bought it mainly for journals and jotting down ideas. It turns out it really helped to get ideas following. I can't believe I have written more than 10k words in 7 days. Much more than I have anticipated. Then I also found other use cases like preparing presentation scripts and I am planning to bring it to upcoming conference for note taking.
Anyway, an awesome tool! Really enjoyed using it. Much better than a laptop.
I have struggled with protectionism in my writing for years. Wanting to get every line perfect before moving on has kept me from finishing drafts many times. With the Freewrite… this issue goes out the window.
I have been able to write steadily for days and days, getting all the good ideas out of my head with ease and pleasure as I let loose on the keys. What a joy it is to write, free of distractions and need for perfect structure. This is the appliance I never knew I needed.
I love the ease and convenience of my traveler. I also have a smart typewriter so the frugal side of me struggled to justify the purchase, they are to different animals and I love them both for different reasons! I sat on the beach with my traveler for a few days and wrote to my hearts content! The battery life is amazing and it is so easy to navigate. I printed out the Writers Guide To Freewrite you created on the devices and it is so packed full of details and directions for both the devices and also free writing! Thanks for all you do!
I’ve never written so quickly or fluidly before. I was skeptical at first, but this really has changed my whole workflow.
Makes my smart writer easy to transport and keeps it safe from dust. Great addition.
My wife is a person with Dyslexia and ADHD. She has been using an Alphasmart for the last 2 years and it was a life changer for her. Sadly, the company isn't around and whenever there was an issue(and there have been a few!) I had to figure out how to fix it myself.
She has had her eyes on buying a Freewrite for a few years, and I scrimped and saved ever since she told me about them in order to buy one.
Yes, it is expensive, but it has been totally worth it! The company is great to work with, and there has not been anything to complain about with the Smart Typewriter.
I wish I had a picture of my wifes reaction when she opened the gift. She had tears of joy, and cradled the Freewrite like a newborn. Since then she has been writing even more than she did with the Alphasmart, saying that it "just feels right." and that the way the words appear on the screen doesn't make her dyslexia go off half as bad.
It was 100% worth buying. I would save up all over again,and pay twice as much if it gave her the accessibility that the Freewrite gives her.
My only complaint is that the canvas case could have a handle. And if that is all I have to complain about I'm satisfied.
I love my smart typewriter - it is amazing and has definitely made writing much more enjoyable. For anyone that is hesitant because of the price tag, do it. You won't regret it. The only thing I wish it did - was "ding" at the end of a line.
I am seriously impressed with this device. I saw complaints about the screen being laggy and was kinda worried but its really not that bad. I own a Light Phone II and those ink screens are laggy so I'm used to true lagginess. The keyboard is phenomenal as well. Other than the price seriously a 10/10 product.
for my needs. I was skeptical if this was just a pricey novelty. but the sale on the refurbished model finally pushed me into making the plunge, and I'm so happy I did. It's so nice to just sit down and WRITE, knowing I can worry about the edit process once I upload the document into my editing software later.
I also highly recommend Freewrite Plus. For such a nominal fee, it's more than worth the price to control where you can send your document rather than just the registered email.
I’ve been wanting to transition my journaling habit into a creative writing habit, so as much as I love writing on paper by hand, I needed a tech option. The traveler is as close to my journal but with and editable output as I have found. Freewriting in the dark (my little Glocusent slides on easily to light my way until the house wakes up) I am writing more than I ever have before. It’s a typewriter that doesn’t wake anyone up!
I finally went for the Smart Typewriter after owning the Traveler for a few years. Absolutely loving the Smart Typewriter. The "Ink" edition is very attractive, and the typing experience is wonderful. I highly recommend splurging on the Smart Typewriter, especially if you like the Traveler. The Traveler is great, but the typing experience on the Smart Typewriter is really on another level. Now I can use one at home and one while out and about.