I really love my Freewrite. I am just waiting on the firmware update that will make my display show the accurate battery percentage.
The Hemingwrite is a beautiful, expensive creation. The question many seem to ask is, "Is it really worth the price?" and, for me, the answer is "Yes," with a few notable reservations:
Overall, I wish that, for the price, Astrohaus / Freewrite had included a few internal bells and whistles unique to this machine, because, beneath the fantastic aluminum chassis, it's identical to the standard Freewrite Typewriter, which is a little disappointing considering it's $350 more. Also, it would have been nice if a better battery had been provided; if you accidentally (or purposefully) leave the WiFi on, your machine runs out of juice in 2-3 days of nonuse, which is a dramatic difference from the company's claim that it can coast on one full charge for about a month--with WiFi off, at 30 minutes of use per day. Regardless of whether my battery is a bit weak or this is the standard with WiFi left on, it's a pain to try to turn on your Hemingwrite and find that its battery is completely dead.
Here's the good news: It's a (mostly) brilliant invention that has truly helped harness my strong ADHD, and it's gotten some great, undistracted work out of me. That's true regardless of which Freewrite machine you choose. But the pretty obvious added bonus here is that anybody just looks damn-good at work on a Hemingwrite. The aesthetic details (if you're buying the Hemingwrite, you're going for aesthetics) are wonderful. The attache case is just cool, with a classic, retro flair. Both it and the Hemingwrite itself are solidly, thoughtfully constructed. Bottom line: If you think these look dope and you're choosing between it and the standard-edition Typewriter, pick the Hemingwrite--that is, if it's in your budget to do so (a word on that in a sec). It's the same on the inside, but there's no comparison when you're looking at the facade.
Regarding cost, I want to defend Freewrite (a little), because on social media, those who are critical of Freewrite tend to obsess over why someone would spend "X" on one of these machines when you can do everything it does on a computer. Fair enough--of course you can, although I have two retorts:
(1) A computer also has endless distractions and there's a lovely, austere simplicity to using a Freewrite, regardless of the model or how it looks. To get to a Zen-like place where it's just you and the words, I find either a Freewrite machine or an old-fashioned notebook and pen to be the preferred, more pure methods. And I've really connected with using this to get serious writing done; I'm a professional screenwriter by trade and often find the "look" of industry-standard formatting on a page to be antithetical to creative writing; worry over formatting is the enemy of getting good writing done, and when you're looking at a Freewrite screen, it's just words -- in the best way possible.
(2) If you love fashion, you undoubtedly have invested in a designer item or two...or more--they probably set you back more money than most people spend on clothing or accessories. Same for music fanatics, who shell-out a lot to see live music or experience it from high-end speakers--the point it that everyone splurges on their passions, and they should! Writers, people who truly savor the act and art of writing, are no different. Whether you're a professional writer or someone who writes as a pleasurable pastime, I'd venture that you'll really enjoy the look and feel of a Freewrite device, in this case a Hemingwrite (although I recommend the Traveler as well), and you'll likely benefit from the no-frills, stripped-down experience that one provides.
Here's my hope from Freewrite: a robust firmware update, somewhere in the pretty-near future. There are some unpleasantries with the software -- as many users are quick to point out, there is notable lag when writing on a Freewrite, regardless of the model. The company should really squash that bug because it is, in and of itself, distracting to see words populate more slowly than you type them -- and eliminating distractions in Freewrite should be the paramount goal of any update. I'd also like a little more out of my additional subscription to Freewrite Plus, which is a necessity for screenwriters but doesn't really do much beyond its two or three basic features.
Important to know: Freewrite / Astrohaus are a quality product and company, and, because there are so, so many start-up companies and products that are cheap and have no passion for or investment in their customers, Freewrite / Astrohaus should be applauded for how distinct the difference is in their work. Their passion comes through in all the details of their products and services -- this isn't a take-your-money gimmick. It is pricey, but they really are invested in you, as a writer. To that end, their customer service is impressively quick and responsive if you have a question or can't figure out a feature.
*I wrote this review on my Hemingwrite and had a blast doing it!
I’ll make this quick: I broke the screen on my old Freewrite. I got fast, helpful help from the company, and a very substantial discount on a replacement. I use my freewrite for journaling and FKR game design, and I hardly miss my laptop. Keep up the great work, Astrohaus!
I look forward to writing every day now bc of this product and the keys sound so satisfying!
I wasn't sure if this device was what I needed. Now I know it's exactly what I needed. The technology is smart enough to be useful with multiple folders and documents stored on it. I don't know how much memory is on the actual device but the storage online is amazing. I enjoy the E Ink display and the fact that I can just type away without distractions from other app notifications is awesome. It's light weight so I carry it in my tote bag with my other writing supplies on the go.
So far so good! I have two typewriters but my wife hates the sound, so I decided to give this a shot. Nice and compact, distraction free, and ready to go at a moment's notice.
such a wonderful book, a super helpful guide to freewriting and the freewrite typewriter.
I am a PhD student in a writing-heavy program, and recently lost thousands of words in work due to an app glitch (not associated with Freewrite). I've also been sick and tired of AI infiltrating all writing software that I've sampled over the years. Purchasing the Freewrite Traveler was the best decision I ever made in terms of investing in a machine that I can use that is solely dedicated to my craft. I love its beautiful simplicity: the e-ink screen is so easy on the eyes, and the absence of obnoxious suggested words or phrases or other distracting elements present on other apps or smart devices makes me weep singular tears of peaceful gratitude. The Traveler's internal storage, the automatic synching to Postbox, its capabilities to export elsewhere, and the ability to 'SEND' documents to your email tied to your Freewrite account has absolutely alleviated all anxieties associated with the fear of losing work. This is something I wish I'd invested in sooner. I use it everyday, and it has helped me frame my dissertation as a much more managable project where I can hyperfocus on getting words out rather than going down the inevitable endless research rabbit holes that happens when working on a device that can connect to the internet. The Traveler's portability is wonderful. I take it everywhere in my Kanken bag, and still have plenty of room for everything I need--it takes up a fraction of space that a laptop normally would. I'm not someone who ever writes reviews on products, but felt compelled to share here for those who may be on the fence.
Oh, I absolutely love my traveler!! It's so lightweight and I can bring it anywhere with me. I've already written so many short stories with it. I am so glad I decided to buy myself one
I love my Traveller. Best purchase ever. It pushes me to write more and more, and the sounds of the keyboard are music to my ears.
I carry my Alpha on me daily to capture ideas as I have them, it’s been a massive productivity booster. I wish I had picked it up earlier! Out of the box, all of the features/firmware/functions have been flawless and reliable. I can’t recommend it enough!
Best piece of technology I have ever had! So fun to write with, I look forward to many satisfying drafts henceforth. :)
I ordered a Smart Typewriter and received a Hemingwrite edition! It's never happened to me before - that sentence will be on my tombstone - it was worth the wait.
The device is designed to develop a monomania for writing. So far it has achieved partial results. At the moment I'm a little obsessed.
I haven't been so happy with my stuff in a long time and this joy is growing with every use.
Thank you!
It has helped me fall in love with writing again. It was worth every penny!!
I'm Japanese writer. I used always Japanese, but want to also write articles in English so that bought alpha for English output.
I worried if screen light and words what were input were easy to readable, but it's good, and I doesn't require backlight for me.
Although, some specifications were not for me.
When drafts which into Alpha are moved to Sprinter, can't move from Sprinter to Alpha never again. I couldn't understand this matter before I bought. (It's correct?)
Therefore, I want Astrohaus to add that functions:
・Function that drafts can freely move between Alpha and Sprinter.
・Function of arrow key at Sprinter.
I write very fun by Alpha every day. If you can do it, please.
Thank you!
This device has the right form and feel - it looks and feels like a device made 30 years ago, at the same time it has multilanguage support and cloud syncing.
I do own original Freewrite and Traveler, but Alpha Cosmic edition has won my heart from usability, instant reboot, and no typing lag. The warmly backlit screen is nice as well.
Love that fact I can type something and send it and have it be saved where I can find it
The Smart Typewriter is as the reviews and the Youtube long term trials suggested. It allows the writer/student to enter words in a smooth format that avoids all the distractions and nonsense of computers and the repetitive work of my manual typewriter. Thus far, I am very pleased.