AlphaSmart Neo2
$70
The AlphaSmart Neo2 is a lightweight, battery-operated word processor designed for distraction-free writing with a full-sized keyboard and small LCD screen.
Our take
A classic choice for writers.
Alright, so let's talk about the AlphaSmart Neo2. This thing is like a blast from the past, and that's kind of its charm. It's basically a word processor that does one thing and does it really well: it lets you type without distractions. No internet, no social media, just you and your words. If you're someone who gets sidetracked easily, this could be a game-changer. Sure, it looks like something that got left behind in the '90s, but sometimes old-school simplicity beats modern complexity.
Now, the keyboard on this thing is surprisingly good. It's got that nice, tactile feel that makes typing super satisfying. If you've ever used a mechanical keyboard, you’ll get why that's a big deal. The keys aren't mushy, which is a relief, and you can type for hours without feeling like your fingers are going to fall off. It's not backlit, though, so don't expect to type in the dark unless you've got a lamp handy.
Battery life is another area where the Neo2 shines. It runs on AA batteries, and you can go for literal months without changing them. We're talking hundreds of hours of typing on a single set. It's refreshing not to have to worry about charging it all the time. But, if you're someone who tends to misplace things, keeping a stash of AA batteries nearby is a good idea.
Now, let's get into the trade-offs. The screen is pretty basic — it's not backlit, and it only shows a few lines of text at a time. It's not ideal if you're trying to edit long documents on the fly. You'll need to transfer your work to a computer to polish it up. The transfer process isn't the fastest either; it uses a USB cable and mimics a keyboard, basically typing out your whole document into whatever program you've got open. It's a bit clunky, but it works.
In the end, the AlphaSmart Neo2 is not for everyone. If you're looking for a distraction-free writing experience, it's a gem. But if you need a device that does more than just type, you might find it limiting. It's definitely a niche product, but for the right person, it can be a powerful tool. If you can deal with its quirks, it could be just what you need to get your writing done without all the noise.
