I adore my Freewrite for writing first drafts, and it's been worth every penny. However, it ended up costing me even more money because after using it I couldn't go back to using a regular keyboard with my Mac. So I bought a proper mechanical one with the same key switches (Cherry MX Brown) to use with the Mac too... :)

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha! I'm glad I'm not the only one! But a decent keyboard makes a huge difference, doesn't it? Thanks for the comment!

@revianwolfe

Жыл бұрын

Which mechanical keyboard did you get?

@IanBetteridge

Жыл бұрын

@@revianwolfe The Das Keyboard 4. Not only is it lovely to type on (very like an old IBM), it's also built like a tank. I suspect you could stop bullets with it in an emergency 😀

@vers1fier

Жыл бұрын

It's a shame you can't just connect the Typewriter to the computer as a regular keyboard.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

@@vers1fier I quite agree. That would be a logical next step, I guess. On the other hand, maybe it would be a little problematic. Looking at my desk now, there wouldn't be space, whereas this keyboard fits perfectly.

My Freewrite arrived today. Five years' worth of these reviews helped me make the final decision. Thank you.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Oh, that's great. I really hope you find it as brilliant for your work as I do! Good luck!

What people miss regarding this device is how you INTERFACE your ideas to the page. The overall function caters to the kind of flow-state most writers experience when engaged in a project. It's more than just a "distraction free" machine. It's similar to how one would focus on the platen when using a typewriter or the ledger line when hand-writing a note.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

And it means that you switch off the admin side of the brain and work solely in creative mode. Yes!

I don't use the freewrite as I don't do much typing for my job, however, upon watching one of your earlier videos on the freewrite, you described how you liked the feel of the proper key switches. This triggered something in my brain as I quite appreciate quality feeling tactile things. So I started looking into it and eventually got hooked on mechanical keyboards. Now, because of all this I thought I should really teach myself how to touch type seeing as I had a nice keyboard, so I did! (plenty of great resources / tools online for anyone interested to learn touch typing now). So long story short, because you made these videos on the freewrite, I can now touch type on my custom 3D printed, ortholinear keyboard and typing is now a pleasurable experience rather than a chore! So thank you very much!

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Hi, Jam - and thanks for that! It's always interesting how different videos appeal to people for totally different, and sometimes utterly unexpected, reasons! I'm glad I managed to tempt you towards a mechanical keyboard, and just hope it'll prove as rewarding as mine have been!

You've helped me decide to buy the Freewrite. I'm not a proper writer, but I've had a fantasy novel stuck in my head for 17 years, and I really want to get it out. As a teacher in the US, the current price of a new Freewrite is more than I *should* spend on something I technically don't need, but I've tried everything else and haven't made much progress. I get distracted easily, and while writing with my fountain pens helps the distractions, it's incredibly slow. I've written one chapter. So, hopefully spending that kind of money on this very specialized device will help me get serious about writing so I can finally finish that story (and hopefully many more to follow). Thank you for your honest and thorough opinions on your experiences with the Freewrite.

@writerlywitterings

3 ай бұрын

Sorry to take so long to respond - ill health and deadlines! Oh, I do hope it's helped you, and that you're cracking on with the story. Do let me know how it's going, and if I can help, do please ask.

I’ve had mine for about two months now and I absolutely love it! I love it so much i can’t even use my MacBook Pro keyboard for anything but emails now. The Freewrite has spoiled me. My productivity has increased and it’s got me back to creative writing, which I haven’t done in a long while.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

So glad to hear that! And for my own iMac, the pretty Apple keyboard is in the drawer, while I use a mechanical keyboard for all typing. So much easier and more pleasant.

I've had mine now for three days and love it. Watching your earlier reviews helped me make my decision. Thanks.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure, Ed. Hope you continue to find it a real bonus!

This takes me back to the electronic typewriters and standalone word processors I used in the early eighties. After years of using manual and then electric typewriters, those things seemed like magic. I started using computers at college in 1979, but I didn't own one until the mid-nineties. I did own a Smith-Corona electronic typewriter/word processor that the Freewrite reminds me of. No internet setup, of course, but it easily would hold a novel, and would print it off. I ran a novel deadline up to the last minute and needed to get it in the mail the next day or miss the deadline. I finished it and started printing it out. I had to feed paper into the Smith-Corona a sheet at a time, and it did not type them out very fast. I started printing at about eight in the evening and finished at nine the next morning, just in time to get it in the mail. I went through three ribbon cartridges, almost four, and those things were expensive. I only used that Smith-Corona for a couple of months before realizing I needed something better. When I received an advance for my next novel, I bought a computer and a printer, then sold the Smith-Corona to a college student for fifty bucks, which was cheap enough that she asked why I didn't want more money for it. I think she believed I might have stolen it. I showed her my new setup, and she gave me the fifty bucks. I saw her occasionally, and she used the Smith-Corona all the way through college. Guess she didn't need to print a novel. Other than taking forever to print anything, and how many ribbon cartridges it ate, the Smith-Corona was actually very nice. It had a screen that displayed four or five lines of type, I don't remember for sure, it allowed me to scroll back and forth, allowed me to edit, and had a disk drive that let me store a novel and short stories, which did me no good until I bought a computer and no longer needed the Smith-Coroa. Funny how much better computers are now. My first computer was state of the art, and cost more than two thousand dollars, which was LOT of money at the time. It had two gigs of usable memory on the hard drive, a few megs of RAM, and a 14.4 modem. Throw in my very, very slow dial-up internet, and it wasn't all that much better than my Smith-Corona. It did have a monitor, internet access, and was connected to a printer, but nothing about it was fast. The printer was also slow, but at least I didn't have to feed paper in a sheet at a time. I still have my old 1949 Royal Quiet Deluxe manual typewriter. I just ordered some new ribbons for it. I want to try writing on it again. At least I think I do. It may not be as much fun as I remember. But I can scan or dictate typed pages into MS Word 365 so I won't have the problems I did when I bought my first computer. Speech recognition is just about perfect now, better than my typing, and it seems worth a try. Anyway, thanks for bringing back the memories. I fully understand why you love the Freewrite, though the very young might not. When writing, being disconnected from the internet is a good thing, but being disconnected is almost alien, unimaginable, to many of the young.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for that, James. Your experience very closely matches mine, in reality. I was selling word processors throughout the 80s, first with Wordplex, then with Wang Labs. Before that I cut my teeth at a firm selling and maintaining typewriters, and the first Olympia WP machines, then Apple IIs, then the frankly wonderful ACT Sirius, before moving to dedicated WP. I acquired my first personal computer of my own in about 1994 - I stole one from a company that fired me mainly because they refused to talk about the money they owed me. Still, before that I'd been using my father's old Silver Reed (I think), which had a three line display - and although I kept typing pages on it, I never got to grips with it. The display was too small for me to edit, in reality, and I was so used to WP screens displaying entire pages, that it was too retrograde. So my IBM PC (stolen/confiscated in lieu of pay) became my full-time working device - because after that last company, I vowed to leave the computer industry forever, and instead started typing books. First THE SNIPER, which I still need to edit to make it available, and then THE LAST TEMPLAR. So moving to a computer was definitely a good idea for me! Oh, and that company went bust a long time ago, I was glad to see!

@jamesaritchie1

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings The company going bust was karma at work. Speaking of THE LAST TEMPLER, don't get a swelled head, but I've been reading your novels. They're very good, but you've written, what, three million books? It's going to take awhile to get through them, but I'm a dedicated reader when I like something, and I do like your novels.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

@@jamesaritchie1 Many thanks, James! Really appreciate it. And now I'll have to get a pin to prick my head since it's grown too large to make it through the door ...!

After many years of hum and haw, and after watching your years long reviews of these machines, I finally did it and invested in not one, but two Freewrites--The new Freewrite Alpha (because it looks like an improved version of my now dead alphasmart Neo--which I wore out) and the 'Hemingwrite' because if you're going to spend a stupid amount of money it might as well be in style (thank you new demanding full time job and its mandatory overtime). I chose the Hemmingwrite purely for aesthetics--I collect old typewriters and it reminds me of my very nice Olivetti. We'll see if I can manage to bang out a bestseller--I've been writing novels lately using pen and ink and it's awful trying to decipher my scrawl to get it into an editor. What should have taken me one year to finish has taken me two--These tools will definitely help! Thank you for your informative reviews! *Raises cup of tea* Cheers!

@writerlywitterings

3 ай бұрын

Ugh - I love my pens and inks and tried to write a novel using them ... what a disaster! Complete waste of time and cost me at least two books I could have typed up in the time it took to write (a fair bit of) one! I adore pen and paper, but when it's a matter of needing to earn a living, it's electronics that count for me! I really hope you enjoy the two Freewrites. I'll bet you get on better with the older version rather than the Alpha, but that you'll be carrying that Alpha when you go out and about. Such a convenient little device! Best of luck.

I suspect the reason short key movements lead to more pain is that you must work harder at all times to prevent all of your fingers from accidentally engaging the sensitive keys. The safety net of a more robust keythrow gives you the comfort to relax your hands without further thought to incidental contact.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

You could well be right there, Kaspers. Thanks for that.

I think digital devices that are closer to their analog predecessors are often the best solution for focused work. It is nice to not have the constant interruption of the connected world. I would always take my mechanical watch over a smart watch for that very reason. As always thank you for the video!

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely - and while I looked at very clever smart watches this year when I sold my Rolex, I have to admit that I soon realised that if I could constantly monitor my heart rate, pulse and who knows what else, I would soon end up a paranoid, shivering wreck. So I have a watch that tells the time. That's it!

@IanBetteridge

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings I think my Apple Watch has now learned that I ignore it's occasional reminders that "just a 15 minute walk will close your rings today!" :)

Very interesting. Thank you.

@writerlywitterings

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

You should have gotten the hemingway edition with the silver color and dark green keys. Since you use it so much. It would match well with your office. I'm just saying it's looks alot cooler.

@writerlywitterings

10 ай бұрын

Hahaha! It's all a matter of taste, really. I personally really love the black carriage system. It reminds me of old typewriters, which is very appealing to me!

apart from loving these vids for the writing talk, my heart literally just skipped a beat at the memory of Wang word-processing tools. Kudos!

@writerlywitterings

10 ай бұрын

Ah, the wonderful old Wang boxes ... happy days!

At work, so will watch when I get home. Ordered a Traveler a week ago, wich suits my needs better. Cant wait to get started!

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Best of luck with it, Christoffer - hope it helps you writing more!

I had been on the fence about this. I've watched your year on and now this one today. You've convinced me to get one. I have been trying to use Word and Scrivener to write. My main computer and tablet are full of distractions. It doesn't take much for a distraction to kick me completely out of my writing flow. They're nearly useless for writing long and consistently. Thank you so much for your thoughtful approach to this tool.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure, Erik. I hope you get as much use from yours as I do from mine! Just packing it ready for the research trip next week!

Given the Freewrite is still going strong after 5 years I’m starting to mentally put it in a different category than say a laptop or phone, this is a long term investment not for a few years or so. Also like the focus on weight holding it steady and making it more lap friendly since even when the Alpha does come out it’ll likely be aimed at being much lighter for portability even if it is one solid piece unlike the Traveller. Also thanks for the reminder about the trial site, that sounds awesome!

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure, Moony!

If you're interested in retro computer history, look up the Tandy Model 102 from the 1980s. I'm a fellow keyboard snob and the Model 102 (and Model 100) keyboards feel great. I still have a few that I keep for nostalgia. No distractions, instant boot-up, no rocking, and they can store a whopping 4,000-5,000 words :-)

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this - I'll have to have a look. There are lots of really good imitation 1970/80 keyboards now, with Cherry keys and a number of Chinese manufacturers of key switches too.

Thank you Michael!! Loved this video, thanks for all the specifics. My Freewrite just arrived today so can’t wait to use it with your tips!

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Oh, so glad to hear it's arrived. All very best, and I am sure you'll find it really useful! Best of luck.

The alphasmart actually went for well over 350$ usd when it released, comparable to the freewrite. So it's funny to me when people complain about the cost of the freewrite when the alphasmart was just as costly on release. Especially when you account for inflation.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

And especially when you look at the quality of the two in comparison! Thanks!

@BladeRedwind

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings my pleasure!

Found your channel, and it is definitely my cuppa tea - subscribed!

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Yay! Thank you! Very glad to hear it, and welcome!

Thanks for this & your other very useful reviews of the Freewrite. I wonder how you find the formatting when you export your documents? I’m thinking of such things as paragraphing and indents for dialogue. Many thanks!

@writerlywitterings

3 ай бұрын

Well, I tend to bring the files into Scrivener, which automatically formats to my novel style and only adds tabs etc when exporting to my WP package, Nisus Writer Pro. The only glitch I've ever had has been in the past when I import straight to Nisus from the Freewrite, because it comes in as American English, but Nisus sent me a macro to run which converts everything to UK English. Basically, no problems of any sort. Sorry to take so long to respond - ill health and deadlines!

Hello from Florida. Your video was recommended to me due to I use fountain pens and typewriters. I do not own the one you are reviewing however it is fascinating.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

It is very different compared with a modern laptop - but it has the best of both worlds to my mind - the simplicity of a typewriter, but everything is electronically stored for editing and printing. Good to meet you!

The Traveler is $500 and the Smart Typewriter is $650! I love the idea, and I want one, but wow that price.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Hi, James - thanks for that. Yes, they aren't cheap. And yet they're worth it if you want to produce a large number of words - novel, non-fiction, journalism - anything. They have a massive impact on the ability to concentrate and get the words down.

My personal setup for when I wish to do serious typing is a non-internet connected computer using Markdown in a basic text editor with a split ortholinear keyboard such as the Ergodox (my personal keyboard is a boutique product no longer available to order but is similar to an Ergodox just with less keys). I find this type of keyboard easiest on my hands and I totally agree that typing on a laptop is an awful experience for anyone doing any serious amount of typing. Since I'm not an author I find working without a word processor more productive as Markdown can be quickly and easily converted to a web page or pdf.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

I haven't heard of the Ergodox. I'll look that up. I know Markdown does operate much like a Freewrite, and I do like that approach of just having to type forward and not getting bogged down in constant edit-while-typing! Cheers, and happy writing!

Great 5 year follow up video. I'm currently an owner of one of those AlphaSmart Neo devices you referred to, and I have the same issues you have (the LCD screen is tough to see in most lights and viewing angles, and it doesn't stay sturdy on my lap). I have been considering a Freewrite for a while now, however the lack of any navigation has always given me a pause - however, v3 seems to now have arrow keys to move around a bit. That being said, I am used to drafting on old-school mechanical typewriters, so getting an older version is probably not a huge issue for me either. Great video!

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the comment, Kru. I have to admit, I suddenly started doubting my memory of playing with an AlphaSmart when someone else got in touch here to say that they had LCD screens, so I'm reassured by your note! Two points for you: 1. Astrohaus are bringing out a newer device (with cursor control) as part of a Kickstarter early next year (I think). It's designed in the same form-factor as the AlphaSmart series. You can see one here: getfreewrite.com/collections/writing-tools ; no idea how much it'll be, nor when it'll be available, but you may want to consider it as an option ; 2. Whichever type you look at, check the link at the bottom of my video - you can have a discount on the system you pick! Hope that helps, and thanks for the comments!

@IanBetteridge

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings I backed the Freewriter Alpha's Kickstarter so will get mine at a discount. The lower price for early backers was *just* in the price range where I can make a bit of an impulse purchase ("well if I get my bonus next year that will pay for it") and I was instantly sold when I read they're planning on using mechanical switches rather than the (good quality) scissor ones they used on the Traveller.

@IanBetteridge

Жыл бұрын

The old AlphaSmart's aren't as cheap as they used to be either. The last one I saw on eBay in the UK went for about £80 plus postage, which doesn't feel like a good investment. You can get one from the US a bit cheaper, but of course, then you need to add on £30ish for postage etc.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

@@IanBetteridge Yes, the keyboard is the biggest benefit of any typing device, if it's done right. I didn't like the Traveller's keyboard. Entirely subjective, but real mechanical switches are bound to be vastly better, to my mind.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

@@IanBetteridge I'd be much more likely to spend a bit more for something like the Alpha from Astrohaus. Newer, better designed, infinitely better keyboard, much better screen, and likely to be serviced and maintained for far longer. I'll have to try one out!

I love the idea of this! #1 NO DISTRACTIONS!

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Yup! It's what makes them so popular for a lot of people!

@sunnycharacter

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings I wish I had one of those when I worked for our newspaper for so many years. At least for writing. Of course our Macs were essential for formatting and production of the ads and pages. But it would have been nice to have a Freewrite for our columns and such. Oh well, I’m retired now but have a couple books long in the tooth begging to be finished. 🤷🏼‍♀️

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

@@sunnycharacter I know what you mean. I used to play with a lot of Apples, from the Apple IIe to the first Mac (the tall box with one floppy drive) and beyond, but never got on with them for editing. I never wanted a DTP system, just a simple text editor - much like I do now. The bells and whistles put me off Apple for a long time, and then I bought an angle poise iMac ... and my life changed forever!

@sunnycharacter

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings exactly. Yes my first magazine job I used a IIe…for graphics editing and page layout. Man I thought I was Modern Millie! Lol Then for the newspaper same until we got the Mac towers, then iMacs. I cut my teeth on PC towers at home until my hubby bought my first giant iMac. I loved that thing to it’s death after 10 years. I now have a 2020 27” and I love it. It performs flawlessly but need to update my skinny flat keyboard to something more tactile. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my 🍏 products, I just don’t like the company. I’m adaptable. 😊

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

@@sunnycharacter Same here. Apple's too big and corporate for my taste, but the kit is superb. I have to say that, I have a 24 inch M1 now (my 27inch died last year) and yesterday took possession of a new iPad Air with the M1 chip - this video was recorded on it. And I'm just blown away by how fast the two are. And like you, the first thing I've done with all my Apples since about 2002 is replace the keyboards for tactile units. This is a Filco - pleasantly cheap, but a good sensation with a click on every key. I'm happy to stick with it, although it's a shame not to use the Apple slim thing! But I've found Apple keyboards wear out as quickly as others - I tend to bash them into submission every couple of years.

Dependency on company's servers is a weakness for such a device, which clearly aims at conservative users, who tend to use one typewriter for many years. What if the servers go down? This device is also clearly aimed at people, who write from A to Z without the need to edit, move paragraphs around etc. When I write, I usually start with isolated thoughts and quotes, which I further expand so that they become paragraphs and sections. As a result, I often start my writing projects "from the middle", while Introduction and Conclusions are usually the most difficult portions for me to write. As an academic, I also lack the support for citation managers, since having to write citations manually is a huge immersion breaker for me. So, from my perspective, this is an intriquing device, but a very niche one.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Hi, CZ - Servers: if that happens, the text is still on the Freewrite. You can plug it into your computer and it'll appear as another disk drive, so you can copy the text onto your computer and into your favourite text editor. No problem. Method of working: I am much like you. I tend to start with a scene and then add to it. However, I work with scenes as 1,000 word sections. I can type up any scene in any order, and when I call it into Scrivener, I move them around to suit the way I want to tell the story. Academic work: if you haven't tried Scrivener, I would strongly recommend it. I heard about it from a friend at Exeter University - the students there were all using it to write their dissertations. It makes creating a logical flow to an argument much easier, and I agree - the conclusions are always the hardest part (just as the ending in my stories are always hardest to write!). However the Freewrite and Scrivener make the whole process a great deal easier.

Would you consider a video of your transferring from the freewrite into scrivener? Thank you for your input so far, I'm pretty certain that I'll purchase one. Your channel is a delight of ink and fountain pens.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Very interesting idea. I'll try to get that done very soon for you.

Thank you and you are welcome.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Happy New Year!

@rickcroucher

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings I wish you a Happy New Year as well.

Hi Michael. I toyed around with the idea of getting one of these and went to the website. But no combination of your discount code seems to work. Might want to check on that! :)

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Oh, hell. I'll check - thanks, Gary!

Hi, I understand that with the English (UK) keyboard map selected therer is no way to generate a £ sign which seems odd given that the pound (£) is the national currency. Would I really have to mess about doing a find and replace, $ with £, in another word processor to achieve this simple character? If true it just seems crazy.

@writerlywitterings

3 ай бұрын

Yes, you're absolutely right, and it is an annoyance. But it's such a minor thing for me - because my books tend to be medieval or based outside the UK - so on the few occasions it's relevant, I'll either write "pound" or "$" and later do a global search and replace. I still find my original Freewrite to be a great additional tool - but it's not for everyone, obviously.

Are you going to review the Hemingway from Freewrite?

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Hi, Ulla. No, I don't think so. It is, so far as I can tell, identical to my older Freewrite, with the difference of the body being a different colour. If you have any questions about it, I may be able to help, though?

Have you ever calculated how many words you write in an hour with your favorite pen?

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Sadly it's a matter of a few hundred - a factor of the speed of shaping each letter. I would imagine it's probably in the order of 200-300. Certainly not more. It was why I had to give up handwriting a novel, which I tried some years ago. basically a keyboard is much faster.

Have you posted anything about your use of Scrivener? I would love to hear your thoughts on it just as you reviewed the FreeWrite and answered questions herein. Thank you,

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Hmm. I think I did some time ago, but cannot see it up on KZread now. That's really odd. However, I will have a think about that. I have to do a video on Aeon Timeline, so a Scrivener film and then a video of Nisus Writer Pro would make sense too ( I use that for editors' comments, copyedits and proofs ). Thanks for the idea - that's three more videos sorted for the New Year!

@rickcroucher

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings I ordered one with your discount. Thank you

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

@@rickcroucher I really hope you find it as brilliant as I do! Best of luck!

@DavidAlastairHayden

8 ай бұрын

@@writerlywitteringsNisus Writer Pro! That really takes me back. I had forgotten all about that program. I used it all the time about 20 years ago.

@writerlywitterings

8 ай бұрын

Still the best WP software on Apple, for my money! @@DavidAlastairHayden

Which generation of Freewrite do you use?

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

I think mine is second generation, so a slightly larger battery, but really not much different from the first design, I think. It was just a little streamlined for manufacture, I believe, after they spotted some glitches with the first models.

Would a better option be to buy an e-ink monitor, good mechanical keyboard and a mini desktop pc that is limited to only to ms office?

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Not in my opinion, no. This is a specialised tool for people who want a convenient, portable and "true" laptop. Having three separate boxes would be horrible to use on a train, in a cafe, or elsewhere. This is infinitely better because you can set it on your lap and just type.

@LazarIvanda

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings Thank you for the reply. You have a point there. This is a good product.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

@@LazarIvanda My pleasure, Serbian! I intend an update on the Freewrite very soon, which will include things like, how to get your writing off the Freewrite and onto your computer for editing - it'll be a very short video! Best wishes.

@LazarIvanda

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings Thank you. ❤️

2.4Ghz WiFi support only IIRC. My modem home WiFi access point (XFinity) is 5Ghz. The freewrite won't connect to it. Not even Rev 3.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

That's a shame. One thing I did intend to mention (and forgot) was that people can attach the Freewrite to their computer via USB cable. That way the computer considers the Freewrite to be another disc drive and allows all documents to be imported, just as Dropbox does. Apologies - I should have thought of that while speaking!

@TheNightBook

Жыл бұрын

Your Xfinity wifi should offer two different connection options: 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Trying searching the possible connections and see if you have a second one.

FWIW There are apps and settings which block, or turn off distractions on a P.C. Android and Apple Mac.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

Yes, Kevin - thanks - but I just don't find they work for me. If I'm at the computer and a random thought enters my head, I'll go net surfing. If I'm on the Freewrite, I stay put and plan to look later!

@kevinu.k.7042

Жыл бұрын

@@writerlywitterings Chuckles - Yes, just like me. Thankfully my research and learning involves books and PC based note taking (hierarchical database), often with Web searches to take things further. Thank goodness I am not a fiction author, though I envy the mind and skills to be such. I understand, each finds what serves best for themselves . My foible is that I have written a spreadsheet to crunch the numbers needed in my area of work. But it isn't half as much fun as using a fountain pen, notebook and calculator. Be well.

@writerlywitterings

Жыл бұрын

@@kevinu.k.7042 Rather like me sitting at a keyboard to write my books - but I do wish I could use the pen for it!

@IanBetteridge

Жыл бұрын

There's a very good one called Freedom which works well. It really does block off distractions in a way which means you can't get around the blocks. But oddly enough, it just didn't gel with me like having a separate device does. I might try it again and see if that's changed, though.

@kevinu.k.7042

Жыл бұрын

@@IanBetteridge Yes, it's about getting something that fits us individually. My issue is that I need to keep my mobile phone turned on and although I can easily stop email alerts Task alerts and Calendar alerts were set for a reason. Overall simply disconnecting from the web works best for me. Mostly I use self discipline. Each to their own, eh?