Alphasmart Neo Handheld Word Processor with Full Size Keyboard, Calculator

As a writer, I bought my Neo in June 2014 as a cheap and distraction free alternative to a laptop or tablet. Since purchasing it, I've dragged it halfway across the country and back and I use it on an almost daily basis. Today (August 2015) I replaced the three AA batteries for the first time. I didn't even really need to replace them, as the Neo still had almost a half charge, but after a year, it just seemed like a good idea. Honestly, the battery life is UNREAL in these things.The downsides are few, but worth mentioning. The screen is small and not backlit. I found it easy to get used to, and the lack of back-lighting is hardly the end of the world, but some might not agree. It will not work with modern printers, so you still need to have a computer for file uploading purposes. (But you need a computer for surfing the web, too, and you're reading this, so I assume you have one.) Also, the uploading process is somewhat slow. I just get it rolling and read a book or do the dishes. Again, it's just a minor nuisance.The upsides, at least for a serious writer, far outweigh the negatives. It's lightweight and super portable. It automatically and instantly saves your work. It has an automatic shut off for saving power so you needn't worry about forgetting and leaving it on. (And, as I said, your work cannot be lost.) Since it doesn't have games, apps, or any connection to the internet, it's completely distraction free; invaluable if--like me--you drift into surf mode when you should be writing. It doesn't need to be plugged in or otherwise charged. And I already raved about the battery life.After a year of use, I'm still very pleased with my purchase. No regrets at all! The Alphasmart Neo is an incredibly efficient and useful little machine for writers!

Taking a laptop to work is a pain and I can't use the work computer for personal things. I also can't write fast with a pen and paper. I used to read or just sit around but the Neo has given me one guaranteed thirty minute writing sprint every time I work, with no distractions. It turns on (instantly!) and the words are right there. It saves when it's shut off. The keyboard is nice if you are used to a laptop (because it's small) or a mini usb keyboard. It's incredibly hard to navigate around in the tiny little screen or to delete (which is why I simply backspace), but that's good because it forces you to keep writing.The commands are printed right on the back, and prompts appear on the screen. It comes with a preloaded rechargeable battery which you have to disconnect if you want to use AA's (there is a coupling and if you don't know how to open it, you might need a kid or something). The cord is an A-B cord. You simply connect it, open your word doc (I used a docx) and hit "send". The words scrolled across screen like I was typing them as fast as I could, and the best part is that since I have a template set up in my word docx, it filled the template--spacing, indents and all. I was afraid it'd be like dumping a solid block of text that I'd have to separate. This thing is fabulous. It's just a keyboard with a tiny display (maybe four sentences), it has no bells and whistles, it doesn't connect to anything, it is dummy proof and bullet proof, and I did 1k in thirty minutes. 1k. That's amazing for what used to be wasted time.I don't know why I didn't buy one before, but I know that if it ever breaks (people say they "never" break), I'm buying another right away. If you are serious about your word count, or an indie who "needs" to put out new material constantly, this will ratchet up your productivity like you wouldn't believe. Buy one. Buy one right now. You'll wonder why you ever procrastinated.

I purchased this item in "Acceptable" condition with no additional description as to what that meant about the item, and think it would have been better described as being in poor condition. The visible exterior looks fine, but interior is corroded beyond usability. I know these aren't new devices by any means, but with the battery contacts in such poor condition this item is functionally useless. Even after attempts to clean corrosion will not power with batteries, and no cords included. Please better describe what issues buyers may come across with your product- I would not have bought this if I knew this is what I was purchasing.

Just exactly what I need to write my blog with without getting into a fancy computer. Definitely great for the price! All the instruction needed are on the back. I like how it separates into 8 different sections to be able to write what I want to write in each section. I thought it might come with a USB chord but as far as I can tell it doesn't. It looks like it might be wireless so just be able to send to the computer without any messy cable wires. Just takes four Double A batteries and I hear those last up to a year of usage or so. So will be able to write for hours at a time. Not too small but not too big either. About the size of an electronic keyboard for typing with a little window to be able to see what typing. Got a nice handle to be able to carry it with too. I paid $6.99 for shipping and $20 for the Alpha Smart itself. The shipping on the box said $10.99 and two day shipping. I was impressed how fast it came in. I was expecting to wait a long time. If you just want to write a blog, novel, homework or whatever this is the perfect thing. Can type all you want off line and be able to put it into the computer to be able to put on blog, word or what ever.