ALPHASMART NEO 2 Portable Word Processor

Holy cow do I love this device. If you like to get writing done but find that other apps, or the internet itself, constantly pull you away from just putting words down, then this device absolutely can help. No internet, no apps, no recharging, no hunt for outlets - and no wait for boot-up time either. Three AA batteries in a screw-secured back panel mean that Neo2 powers up with a press of the On/Off button - or the option of a two-key-press option if you think that in carrying out around with you (as you will do) might make you want to keep it from turning on by accident.The screen is not backlit, but you can adjust the contrast. The words and symbols are those dark, liquid crystal ones you might remember from old calculators or palm pilots. You can adjust the "font," too, although this only means telling it how many lines of text you want displayed (max. 6).There's no saving what you type, or even auto-save. What you write is just there, in one of eight files (accessed by a function key), until you either delete, backspace, or hit the "Clear File" key (the latter of which does give you an "Are you sure?" prompt for protection).Open one of your eight files, plug the Neo2 into a USB outlet on another computer, and open an email, a text editor, a Word or Open Office or any other wordprocessing program, and hit the "Send" key. You don't need to worry about device compatibility, about having the right driver, about whether you're using the right version of Windows (or any other operating system, I'm sure): Your computer treats the Neo2 as if it's another keyboard, and you can literally watch what you typed out in the on the Neo2 get re-typed into your computer. The only downside here? The "Send" feature does enter all your keystrokes faster than you could type then yourself, but not by much; each file on the Neo2 holds 20-25 pages of text, and they get entered into computer at, by my guess, about 20-30 seconds per page. How I do it: type the first draft on the Neo2, give it a rudimentary gloss, then start sending it to my laptop while I go get coffee or take a break with the dogs. When it's all done typing itself, the file will be on your computer for easier and more thorough editing work. (Note: the file will also still be on the Neo2 until you clear it; sending it to another computer does not automatically erase it from the Neo2.)Now, yes, this device is no longer supported by Alphasmart or by the company that they became, recently. But what's to support? It's basically a typewriter without the ribbon or paper or the need to retype things. And while editing on it is not as easy or as pleasant as doing it on a computer with a touchscreen or mouse, you actually can delete, backspace, cut, copy, and paste on it, unlike other free-writing devices marketed to writers now. Plus, because this is a classroom device, made for heavy use by kids, the thing is rugged as all get out, meaning that you can (and will) take it and use everywhere - unlike a laptop.Oh, and it has a full-size keyboard, with keys that are just a little clicky but not a headache. It's really a joy to use. I just love this thing, and went and bought a second unit to give my writing buddy for his birthday next month.When these really start to catch on, expect the prices to soar. I got both mine from sellers, through Amazon, in the thirty-dollar range, like new. (I could have paid less, but didn't want to get ones that had been very used - although I see now that they really can take whatever I expect to dish out. I just need to make sure not to scratch the screen, and I expect to be using mine for years.)Recommended!

As described, and comes with a NEO case. Very easy to connect and upload text. No lag on the typing. From the moment I opened the first file, I knew it would help me with writer's block. :)

I should have bought 2, to have one as a reserve. It is a good product but it's old tech which is a good thing for writers trying to stay off their computers. Anything you type you can transfer to your computer by the USB cable included with the device. You have to download the Neo manager from the website. With it you can add programs called applets or remove programs from the device to free up space. I believe the seller gives the instruction or web link somewhere in the questions or in the advertisement. You can download a typing tutor program, practice simple math and of course you can write. There are 8 files. and each file holds about 10,000 words. Regular AA batteries come with it but I have ordered lithium Ion rechargeable batteries so I do not have to worry about losing files if the batteries die which I have read could happen. I have read the batteries last a very very long time also. The keyboard is regular size without the number pad section. The numbers are at the top. There is spell check and word count, paragraph count but no grammar check. There is thesaurus. Ctrl w for word count Ctrl t for thesaurus. There is a quick reference guide on the back. You can change font size for your preference, to fit more lines on the screen (which is non demanding on the eyes) or to have larger font to see better. I ordered an extender usb cable since the one that came with it is so short. I hate having to hold the dangling Neo2 up to the tower while trying to transfer a file. There is the possibility to buy other devices that can be used with this like a responder and a receiver to use wireless on the device but I just use it to improve my typing speed and for writing. I really am glad I bought it because writing on it is so easy..no distractions from email notifications or social media or anything. You can take this and sit in the middle of a forest and type. You can password protect your files. The Teacher or Master password is think and the file password is write The text is difficult to see in low light is the only con besides trying to figure out low tech but reading the pdf user manual was a big help. That user manual, by the way, is very extensive. I highly suggest reading it because a quick browse answers most of your questions if not all. If you want to free up space you can always remove the non essential applets by using the Neo Manager program that you should download from the website.