Presenting...the Alphasmart Neo

[pjthompson]

This is mostly for the edification of irysangel but if any others of you have been considering one of these neat little machines, here are some pictures to help you with size comparisons. I love my Neo--I can take it anywhere, it's so lightweight it goes in a book bag, and the AA batteries it runs on last an astonishing 700 hours. I wrote 2/3 of my 120k novel on this little goody (and uploaded it to the Mac for formatting).

Here's the comparison of the Neo keyboard with the Mac full size keyboard:







Here's another one because I'm anal:







And here's one with a ruler for size comparisons:







Okay, maybe this last one is insulting, but no one can accuse me of not being thorough!







I find the Neo works better if I sit it on top of something like a notebook when using it. It's nice and solid that way and I don't get much "trigger effect."

So, that's all.

Comments

[kmkibble75.livejournal.com]

Hmm. That could be pretty handy... I may wind up mulling over getting one even though I never considered it until now.

[pjthompson]

It's very handy--and cheap. It weighs very little so it's much more portable than a laptop. And it's no frills/no distractions.

[irysangel.livejournal.com]

That's awesome. I have a small laptop here at home but it doesn't have a full size keyboard, and is thus brutal to work on. Thanks for the pics!

[pjthompson]

You're welcome!

[inkbabies.livejournal.com]

heh..I like it!
I had a little 12" mac laptop that was about the same size...I forgot how nice and compact they are. (I have a new 15" now)
How do you upload your work? (and it's nice to hear that it's Mac compatible.)

[pjthompson]

USB cable. There's a USB port in the back as well as the place for the cable, so maybe you can use a data stick--I don't know. I did a quick look through the user's guide but didn't see anything. And yes, it's both PC and Mac compatible.

[pjthompson]

Oops. That port is a printer port. You can also load software and "beam" data to your 'puter through the built in infrared module.

[inkbabies.livejournal.com]

Coolness!

[deborahkalin.livejournal.com]

Thanks for that - I've heard about these little fellows but never been able to picture the size of them. How are they for weight? I find I don't really use my laptop all that often because it's so heavy to carry around. And ditto the question on how you transfer data across - do they come with a USB cable or something similar? Of course, this may all be moot, as I'm not sure they're purchasable in Aus or not ;)

[pjthompson]

They're very lightweight, much more than a laptop. I literally stick it in a canvas bag to haul it around. Because they were made for kids in school they're not only light but very tough little buggers. And yes, they come with a USB cable. There's also a USB port in the back in addition to the slot for the cable, so I don't know...oops, never mind. It's a printer port. You can also load AlphaBeam software and transfer data via the built in infrared module.

[(Anonymous)]

Thank you, PJ! I've been trying to decide whether to get one or not. I really want something without internet connectivity to keep me productive.

Do you know if I can use a jump drive to move files from pc to the Alphasmart?

Thanks for the photos. The comparisons were helpful.

Maria
www.mariazannini.blogspot.com

[pjthompson]

Hi, Maria:

I'm not sure you can use a jump drive. There's a USB cable for transferring data, and there's a built in infrared module for "beaming" data to your Mac/PC. I haven't used that feature yet.

[merebrillante.livejournal.com]

Nope. My next toy, if I ever get one, will be an iPhone.

[pjthompson]

The Neo's about $300 cheaper than the iPhone, so...