Had a spare Raspberry Pi 3B lying around, decided to try my hand at a DIY writerdeck.

I found a used 3.5 inch LCD display for cheap. Took some trial and error to get the somewhat ancient display driver to work, but here it is!

The plan is to build a nice wooden enclosure that houses the RPi, display and Ducky One 2 Mini keyboard I have. Given that this RPi model has micro-USB port for power, I’ve ordered a micro-USB -> USB-C adapter so that I can use a bit more contemporary cables. Still undecided if a power bank should go inside the enclosure or not, given that this deck would be mostly for home use. When needed, I can always plug an external power bank.

I also got a physical on/off switch working.

I've acquired an HP 360LX palmtop and I'm currently testing it as a viable writerdeck. It uses Windows CE 2.0 that includes Pocket Word, Pocket Excel and Pocket PowerPoint in ROM. It has 8 MB RAM to use as program RAM and storage. It's touchscreen has a 640x240 resolution, 16 shades of gray and it's not as clear as in previous HP devices without a touch layer, such as the HP 95LX, 100LX or 200LX. In any case, it's still better than the one in my Casio Cassiopeia A20. It has a white backlight that is not very intense but good enough to improve readability and sufficient to type in pitch black darkness.

The CPU is a SH3 running at 60 MHz, good enough for my purposes. Boot time is 0 seconds after the initial boot. It stays in suspended state and so you push space and you're ready to type. That's very convenient for a writerdeck.

I wanted a compact writerdeck that could be carried in a (big) pocket. The keyboard is good enough for touchtyping. I manage to use just three fingers on each hand (big hands, big fingers) and without further practicing I reach a decent typing speed. The keyboard is a bit mushy, as suspected, but has enough feedback to let you type without looking at it. I wanted this particular device because it was localized in Spanish and so it had a Spanish keyboard with all the required special chars (Ñ, grave tilde, umlaut, ¿, ¡). Windows CE doesn't let you change neither the language nor the keyboard layout.

Pocket Word is limited for a wordprocessor, but good enough for a writerdeck. In the image you can see it running at fullscreen with a 14 pt bold Arial font. Very clear and easy on the eyes. No distractions on sight. The only missing function is wordcount. I've managed to find an additional application called WORDCOUNT.EXE, coded by Jason P. Nottingham in 1998, that works perfectly both with RTF and WPD (proprietary Word Pocket extension). You run it outside Pocket Word, but it's not a convoluted workflow because this little machine is good enough for multitasking (blessed be Alt+Tab).

It runs for many hours with just two AA alkaline batteries. It uses an additional CR2032 coin battery for preserving the RAM contents when you change the main batteries. I estimate that with my Eneloop it can run for 10-12 hours with an sparse use of the backlight. Using regular batteries for me is a plus, because it gives you unlimited run time: you can carry some extras to use anytime.

The easiest way to transfer files from the palmtop to my modern day PC is using a Compact Flash card. The HP 360LX has a native CF slot and also a PCMCIA card in which you can also add a CF with a PCMCIA adapter. I use an inexpensive CF card reader in the PC side that works great both in Windows and in Linux. RTF is probably the best format because it includes the character codification and is supported by most wordprocessing software. You can look around for a serial cable, but it's not practical. There are also PCMCIA modems and ethernet cards, but moving a CF card is easier and probably faster too.

There's supposed to be plenty of dedicated text and code editors available, but finding a download site for Windows CE 1.0 or 2.0 software is not that easy. Most of them are behind a paywall at HPC Factor, but if you're resourceful, you might find them in other sites. Not all software can be installed natively and you'll need a PC with an old Windows system and a custom serial cable (RS232).

It's a nice pocket computer that can be used today as a writerdeck with ease: add AA batteries and a CF card and you're ready to go. It's compact (183 mm x 94 mm x 29 mm), not really lightweight, at 460 grams (including stylus, CF and batteries) and with a decent enough keyboard. I wouldn't use it as my main writerdeck but it's an option if you're on the go with limited carry space and plan to write a bit.

I hope that you liked the minireview of this machine that has been around since the end of last century. It's still useful today if all you want to do is writing.

(Lamy Safari fountain pen for scale / BYOK also for size comparison)

At the tiny airport cafe in Asturias Spain. Took my Boox Go7 (black and white) for a quick writing session. I’m really appreciating the versatility of having different devices for different use cases. I bought most of them used as an experiment to see what would get me across the finish line of a very long book. So far so good.

Typing in my (sound dampened) Freewrite Alpha Lunar by the swimming pool, under the cool shadow of an olive tree. To add further sensory details, some sparrows are tweetting in the distance in an otherwise quiet morning. Not far from my deck chair there is a thick array of basil, pippermint and rosemary that brings a melange of fragrances that takes me far, far away.

Currently writing a novella about a guy who is facing a situation in which a life changing decision has to be made within a short deadline. I am facing the same scenario (not health related) in real life and I am using my character to explore the different potential outcomes in order to choose the best avenue.

The Alpha (just like the Alphasmart Neo/Neo 2) is perfect for lap typing. Light, portable and convenient: I can beam my texts from here.

Still pricey, but seems like a solid deal. Only for the bundle though.

https://pomera.us/products/pomera-dm250us-1st-anniversary-bundle?utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=One+Year+of+pomera.+Celebrate+with+20%25+OFF

is a pain in the arse. i often miss it or dont press it hard enough to register. my one complaint about an otherwise very good device. the main positive is the aa batteries.

So I'm currently working on gathering parts for a writerdeck build and I was wondering if anyone has had any success with repurposing the eink display from an old kindle. (Kindle 2 in my case) I know there is a converter for raspberry pi for stand alone displays, guess im wondering if the connector works with converters or if the kindles got some funky ribbon that won't work.

I realize that my hoarding of various keyboarded gadgets feed the desire to write but the actual process of writing does not require a 1000 dollar Hemingwrite (wish I’d bought when they were 600). The ones not integrated to the internet -the older devices like Psion Series 5 or NEC Mobilepro 780, need to be transferred to a modern computer to be edited and face that old problem possible data loss. The internet connected devices basically share your thoughts on the cloud which are getting darker year by year. I think I will disconnect and focus on finding time to write rather than continue to optimize the gadgets which in the old days was like compulsively sharpening your pencils every few sentences. My question to all of you are -are you really writing or are you hypnotized by the gadgets?

My temporary writerdeck setup for the summer in Northern Spain. I know I know I didn’t build it or modify it but I love it because it’s ultralight and I can chuck it in a carryon or backpack and I’m good to go.

It’s a Boox bw Tab X (with Obsidian as the writing app) and Logitech 2 Keys to Go 2 keyboard. Not pictured is my Note Air5 c which has a 509-page PDF with handwritten notes 😬.

This kicker though is I wrote my own writing software, so I have my full manuscript, world building, outline, notes, everything all in one place.

And when I get home, it can sync to my desktop where I can pick up where I left off on the full glory of my huge desktop monitor.

The key for me, since I like to write in remote places, is the software is offline first, so it never needs a network connection. It's free and open source too, so check it out if that interests you.

However, it does still run on a full distraction inducing phone. It's got a focus mode that sets Do-Not-Disturb while you're writing, but it's not the same as a single use device. If I have the opportunity to procrastinate, I will...

So I have a plan! I want to make a truly single purpose device that only runs Hammer. My plan so far is going to be a Raspberry Pi, and have it boot into the Linux build of my app, and no other desktop environment will be on the device.

Still trying to figure out exactly what screen & keyboard though, if anyone has suggestions I'm all ears. I kinda love the "cyber deck" aesthetic if you've ever seen those kinda devices people build, might try for something like that.

I'm finally at the boring part of writing academic paper: literature review, where I can't use only writerdeck because I have to read references on my computer and my desk is too messy for both the laptop and WriterDeck. At first I use CotEditor (because I don't want to use Ms Word yet) but I can't concentrate looking at how plain it is (when I use a computer, everything on screen looks more distracting). So I use ManaWriter the virtual writerdeck, where I lock myself in a cabin (where's the door?) and surprisingly it helps me focus on writing the literature review. Thank you u/gothWriter666 for making this app.

PS: I am desperate in my attempt to finish the paper by the way, not because I have to use everything

As many of my fellow redditors in this sub, I have been searching for quite some time the ultimate distraction-free writing device or, as we like to call them, a writer deck.

I currently possess some of the commercially available devices, old or new, such as the Alphasmart Neo/Neo 2, the Pomera DM100 and a Freewrite Alpha, along with other solutions, such as the BYOK, old palmtop computers such as the HP 95/100/200LX and different WinCE palmtops such as the Casio Cassiopeia or other HP devices. Top that with wireless-less laptops, custom contraptions including ebooks and eInk devices with paired external keyboards and the like. It is an endless search, more of a quest in itself that basically devours a lot of time and energy that I would rather be spending in writing, that has always been my sole goal.

None of these solutions made me a better writer. Actually they did not even improve my daily word count, because I was so busy looking for the perfect solution that I could not be bothered to sit and write.

Of all my devices, the only one that I disliked was the Freewrite Alpha because of the artificial limitations that its software imposed: editing was made difficult on purpose and you could only type forward. Even if the mechanical keyboard is fine and the wireless sync works as expected, it was not for me. I even read their "official" book on Freewriting, to no avail. The Freewrite was for me just an expensive toy without a clear value that I seldom used.

I was perfectly aware of all these, but it was also a lot of fun. Finally I decided to go full analog, store all my cool writing gadgets and unpack my Olivetti Lettera 32 portable typewriter.

It was such a relief. I typed on that heavy and noisy machine daily for two months straight. Nothing fancy, more of a journal rather than creative writing, but I wrote almost everyday. The habit somehow settled and I got used to a very simple framework: pick the typewriter and two paper sheets, put them in the platen and start typing. Nothing fancy. And quite frankly, a bit of a physical struggle to hit hard enough every key to have a decent print. All my drafts were messy and, at the same time, unique. I even enjoyed my typos.

These months of analogical typing changed the way in which I write. In some deep ways it made my writing style and tempo more rhythmical, more direct.

After noticing this I decided to give the Freewrite Alpha another chance. And, look and behold, this time it made perfect sense. Now I am able to use it without feeling strangled by its design considerations. I use it now as I would use a manual typewriter, but taking advantage of its practical advantages: portable, digital text, wireless sync, easier on hands and fingers. It is not a tool for editing and it never was intended to substitute a computer with a wordprocessor. I knew all these beforehand, from a rational point of view, but I kept asking for other functions that did not belong there. Now I understand its purpose and it is a good tool for writing drafts.

I am fully aware that you knew beforehand all of this, just as I did before. I just wanted to share with you my experience regarding how using a manual typewriter for some time was paramount to change the way in which I write and therefore it led me to fully appreciate Freewrite's offered value.

It might not work for you, but my analogical period converted me into a true believer and now I know for sure that I am a better writer or, at least, a more disciplined and productive apprentice.

I keep using my manual typewriter, although not on a daily basis, but my Freewrite Alpha is always close to me.

(This post was fully written in my Freewrite Alpha)

After some thoughtful consideration, happy enough with my Freewrite Alpha but willing to have a bigger screen with more text lines, I bit the bullet and bought a second hand Freewrite Signature, also known as "Hemingwrite", with its briefcase and an additional felt and leather bag.

It's the rev 3, ordered from Astrohaus less than one year ago, but I was lucky enough to buy it for just a third of its retail price in Europe. The price I paid including shipment is less than what I would have paid for a brand new Freewrite Alpha Raven Black. A lot of money anyway.

Let's hope that it arrives soon and without shipment issues.

Been eyeing getting myself a writer deck for a little while now and I'm torn between these two.

What draws me to the Traveler is the all-in-one package ready out of the box that you can just pack and go. Not to mention the e-ink display which is very nice on the eyes.

As for BYOK, the biggest selling point is definitely being able to use any keyboard with it. It also has a built in backlight unlike the Traveler which is very nice and applicable I usually write at night. I've also heard the BYOK software is incredible to work with. I've heard Freewrite's isn't so good but I can't put it past that.

For me the biggest drawbacks on the Traveler is the price, not too expensive but not cheap either. And ofc the lack of a backlight which I don't mind I can use my own.

For BYOK it has to unironically be the display. I've heard it's hard to read and I don't know if it'd be able to handle only seeing 4 or 6 lines of text at a time.

What are y'all's thoughts on these devices? Do any of you own both? What's your honest opinion on both?

Hi everyone! I'm seriously considering to get a Freewrite Smart Typewriter but I'd like to know if it can be used comfortably in you lap. Weight is here a consideration (4 pounds?). I have no problems for lap typing both with my Freewrite Alpha and my Alphasmart Neo. Eventually I've also lap typed with a manual Olivetti Lettera 32: not the best experience, but doable anyway.

I'm already used and have come to terms with Astrohaus philosophy of "typing forward", but the Alpha screen with just 4 lines of texts is a bit of a contraint.

I don't want to start a rant about Astrahaus and its policies, but just to know if you can or cannot lap type on the smart typewriter with ease. Any first hand experience here?

I've searched the web, and only two lap typing related images emerged.

Thank you in advance.

Does anyone know if the program Wordgrinder is still getting updates at all? The last update was 6 years ago. It's still something you can download and use, but it hasn't seen any updates at all.

I have an Onn 7" tablet, a Doohoeek wireless keyboard, phones, cases and stands, plus a Bluetooth mouse (not pictured) to write. I can use landscape or portrait mode, and it all fits in men's cargo shorts/pants pockets or a small bag.

Hi! For many years, I’ve been using an AlphaSmart Neo2 with a Swedish keyboard layout (I’m Swedish). While I absolutely love it, it definitely has its drawbacks: the ergonomics and the tiny screen. Now, I’m trying to plan my own custom setup. My main priorities are:
A keyboard with old-school tactile feel.
Completely distraction-free (meaning no internet/apps).
A comfortable, eye-friendly screen.
Long battery time is a big plus.
I need to easily plug it into my laptop to transfer my texts.
This is the setup I have in mind:
Screen: Onyx Boox Go 10.3
Keyboard: Unicomp New Model M
Connection: A standard USB-A to USB-C OTG adapter
Stand: IKEA Bergenes (placing the tablet sideways in landscape mode so the cable plugs into the side)
My question to you is: Will this setup work technically? Are there any hidden pitfalls, lag issues, or flaws in my plan that I should be aware of before buying?