Neo2 Alphasmart Word Processor with Full Size Keyboard, Calculator

4 reviews for Neo2 Alphasmart Word Processor with Full Size Keyboard, Calculator

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   KiddWilliams – August 4, 2016

   For easily distracted writers, or gadget hounds (or both)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!

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Rusty Shackleford – December 10, 2015

   So perfect may marry itI use the Neo 2 for distraction free writing, and for that, it literally cannot get any better.The machine boots up in seconds so you can easily get to work. The screen has good contrast, about the same as a TI calculator. I have pretty terrible sight, and the standard font size is big enough to see clearly, though it can be made bigger or smaller depending on your preference. The keyboard has good tactile feedback, but it may be too loud for some. There are 8 file slots, with each able to hold more or less 10,0000 words. If you use for extended periods of time this may be a problem, but as I transfer my work weekly this has not been a huge issue for me.The best feature for me is the godly battery life. In the months I have owned the neo 2 I am still trucking along, though just in case, I’ll plan to change the 4AA batteries once a year so I’m not tempting fate. I also have an alphasmart Dana, and I much prefer the neo for this reason alone. The Dana has a backlight, a sort of touch screen, and a bigger screen with more features, but the battery life is only about ten or so hours. Between the neo and the neo 2, there is not much functional difference, save that there are more classroom features you probably will not use, and the neo 2 is a nicer charcoal color as compared to the inexplicably army green of the neo.The main interface may take a while to get used to since we are so used to our GUIs, but you technically do no need to even use the interface, and the keyboard shortcut functions are printed on the back for easy reference.Overall, this is an invaluable tool for writing, and if I had to name one downside, it would be having to constantly explain to friends, family, and curious onlookers what it is when I use whip it out. I usually say its a digital typewriter, though if I’m feeling cheeky, I’ll just say it’s a giant calculator.Helpful accessories to the neo are a booklight so you can type in the dark (I use a mighty bright), and for traveling, a 13.3 inch laptop sleeve fits perfectly.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Mr. Q – February 19, 2017

   Exactly what I’ve been searching for.I had originally purchased a $200-dollar Windows 10 laptop to write on the go. I returned it because Windows 10 is a total pain, and the laptop wouldn’t even run Libre Office smoothly.Needless to say, my daily word count has doubled since I got my Neo 2. And this was a fraction the cost of a laptop. These things may seem archaic to some, but if you’re looking for something to crank out a first draft on, this is an excellent device for the job.I may even order a back-up since these aren’t manufactured anymore. If they ever make a similar, newer device—with the same (or better) cost, amount of battery life, and features—I’d purchase it in a heartbeat. But until then, this works perfectly.

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Elizabeth D – November 14, 2018

   Great for writersIt arrived in amazing condition. Tested it out and it worked perfectly. Arrived sooner than I expected.Perfect for a writer needing a distraction-free interface.