I’m not a professional writer and I bought the black version of these for journaling. I’m obsessed. I’ve written a thousand words a day. It feels so great and like I’m not using screens as much. It’s been fabulous for me. It is very expensive. But for me I already have no regrets 😂
I’ve had the Freewrite (black one) from the time gen 3 came out… about a year I guess. Absolutely love the device and use it for most of my work. Some advice if I may: 1. Not every USB-C cable will play nice with it. Some do and some don’t. If you go away to write your book it’s best to take the cable it comes with or test the one you intend to use. The battery is pretty good, but if you use it full-time you will want to charge it every two or three days. Turning off the wifi and front light extends the battery significantly in case if you need to stretch it. 2. Generally I find the little delay not to be a problem, however, once you’ve typed enough words into one documents it will start to struggle with the delay and the kind of ghosting it has (words with appear all at once). Easy fix - just start another doc. It’s easy to join them later )) 3. If you find the space bar a bit rattly, it’s very easy to fix by adding some lube into the stabilizers. I did it with a small paint brush. You will only need to take the keycaps off. No need to disassemble the plate and PCB sandwich or do any kind of soldering. Very easy. There are lots of videos on UA-cam on the topic of lubing the stabilizers (stabs). It really made a huge difference for me. 4. Another easy upgrade you can do is add a little sound insulation under the pcb. Again, no need to disassemble the sandwich. Just take out the screws that hold the pcb assembly and you will have access to the bottom of the tray. Take care not to rip the cables out, but you would really have to be careless for that to happen. With sound insulation and lubed stabs (no need to lube the main key switches) the keyboard is luxurious! I have the Traveler too. Also a lovely device with perfect tactility on the keys. Very good for occasional notes etc. However, I found the delay is significantly more noticeable and so I tend to take the big Freewrite with me when I travel. Put my Boox Note 5 in the case pocket, phone in my jacket and the computer stays at the house. Get lots of looks and smiles at airport security, but never any issues )) Except for perhaps a little too much attention from people in cafes ))
YOU ROCK of course this is what I am looking as I say this is a community here! Great comments and THANK YOU for the tips. I am going to get the Traveler too seems super cool and a good device to review. Thanks for the tips nice to join the Freewrite club!
I use a good old fasioned typewriter. There's something about holding and filing a physical document that makes writing so much more rewarding and refreshing. I toyed with getting one of these machines, and decided that if you really want to get back to reality, you have to do it the old way. All documents can easily be scanned and converted to digital text if you want to edit with less hassle. My favorite machine at the moment is a Smith Corona Clipper (portable model), with a fully restored platen from JJ short. It works like new. We'll never see that kind of quality in our devices again. They made them to last for generations.
I agree with you about the typewriter. My big regret was selling the typewriter at my garage sale over 25 years ago. I adopted it from my sister. It put my siblings and I through high school and way past grad school.
I got the kindle scribe. Which like this device is purpose built. What I did find with time is that I don’t get the interruptions I would get using a smartphone or a laptop. I don’t need to remember to set do not disturb mode. I use scribe for journaling but I can see how Freewrite can be used content creation. It not to be used in bedroom if you have some one sleeping in it.
thanks again for the great, comprehensive review JB! I still ponder getting one of these; but i do worry that i'll be annoyed by the lag time issue when typing. I also am not clear i would use it after an initial period. I tend to buy stuff and not necessarily use them...
I have the more affordable and slimmer Freewrite Alpha and I love it! The first month I got 20k words on the device alone, not even counting my handwritten and typewritten stuff. It's a modern digital typewriter. It has backup to the cloud via postbox, google drive/dropbox/evernote, and an email button right on it. I love my Royal Quiet De Luxe manual typewriter, but having this created an entirely new workflow for me, and I can finally see myself finishing up some drafts and getting to the revision process! I can see myself eventually investing in the more typewriter-style hardware like this one, but that's a luxury purchase for another day. I think I'll get some stories and novels published before I do that! lol
I think it would be cool if we were allowed to plug it into a computer and it would act like a keyboard. it would make a whole lotta sense if you could buy this fancy keyboard that you can unplug and take with you as a detraction free writing device, maybe even be able to use the screen as a little dashboard for programs or system monitoring.
Did you explore the difference between the 'Hemingway' and the (black) Smart Typewriter? Is there a difference in type-feeling? Is it justifiable going with the Hemingway Edition instead of the Smart Typewriter? I ask, because I consider purchasing one...
I have one for about two months I absolutely love it. It about doubles my words per day. There is a learning curve trying to remember to capitalize and punctuate without autocorrect,p. But still I love it , hope you do as well - Happy Writing
I don't use it much if at all, don't like the screen the lag, and would rather use my other devices, currently writing on an iPad m4 thanks for asking!! :)
I wonder how your neck feels after a few hours of writing looking down all the time. If they'd make a foldable screen as you had the paper in the old school typewriters, that would be worth all the money.
You might as well get a typewriter for your rough or first drafts. You cant backspace but you can easilly red pen it and then move on with the corrected word. All you need is a fresh ink ribbon, typewriter, and paper. Its an enjoyable fun experience typing on a a nice manual typewriter. Im sure the freewrite is cool, but i could easily get a tablet and qwerkywriter keyboard combo and still be cheaper than the freewrite.
Thank you for the initial review of this device. I wrote a text book a few years ago and it was one of the hardest projects I have ever done. I’ll be interested to hear if more technical writing can be done on it (lots of citations, etc). Thanks again. Your channel is my favorite on YT.
I think that would be really tough, I am working on a novel and the next non-fiction book. I will test it for sure though. It is going to get a lot of work the next few months. Thanks as always for jumping in.
I tried writing some science material on this with LaTeX typesetting. It was doable, but not pleasant, and I ended up hunting down a lot of errors. This device seems better for writing that is text only.
I write nonfiction and work documents on I--though I have only had it a month. I don't have any issue, but I already knew markup language. I use it extensively when writing documents on it. I think if you can learn it pretty easily, you won't have much trouble.
@@mandyhenk5758 I think a markup language might be more straightforward on it. I was running into trouble with LaTeX: mainly because the errors were so easily hidden. One compromise I've found is to write the text and then make notes like "Add diagram of lab here" or "Add formula here". Then I can add them in a proper LaTeX editor.
Hi, I'm a writer and I have the Gen3 and the Traveler. I LOVE them. I manage to write at least twice the wordcount than previously. Hemingwrite looks fantastic but I thought I would be frustrated if I had to stare at Hemingway's signature every time I get stuck :D But it's just me... Writers are weird sometimes. ;)
It's a modern typewriter. Thats all. I don't understand the controversy. Even spending $1000 on a commemorative typewriter still makes writing in general one of the least expensive hobbies around. Ever own a horse? How about a boat? Concidering the cost of TVs and the trash television puts out, I think spending anything on a tool that enguages creativity is money well spent.
Hey hey thanks for asking. So here is the deal I am going to do a great video. It is a "cool" device. But for me I don't like the lag. There is a little lag when you type. It is just enough to be annoying. I think you can get used to it, but because I have so many devices I don't use it as much. Also I am very visual and not a great typer ie - make mistakes so it slows me down not having a larger screen to edit. These are MY issues, not the devices, but the lag, and small screen just make it hard for me to use, so it is in the case mostly. Will do a video... thanks for the idea. This weekend will go over those points.
Thx JB. I think that would annoy me too. I thought that they improved the lag time on the newer models, or so I heard. Have a great day and weekend. Great job on the recent 10k. Best! Don
Thanks Don - got a half coming up Aug 24th going to TRY and win my age group 55 plus, some great runners out there. Need to break 7:30 miles and pretty hilly route, but going to give it my best shot. I will update the software on the Hemingway and shoot a video this weekend. They are doing a lot of advertising so this video above is getting a lot of views I need to update it. Thanks for watching and the support here, makes doing the videos worth it. Have a great weekend.
@@morningcoach Thx JD. I'm also 55 and need to start running again. Back in the 80s, i could run a 530 mile. Right now? maybe a 10 minute one. lol. best!!
This has me intrigued. It seems to have many of the things that typewriters can give you like the clacking keys, the disconnected from distraction, the more analogue feel of just typing, and nothing else in the way. But will afford the benefits of syncing and keeping digital copy. I will be watching for the review. For me it is too easy to try and use the laptop or iPad set it to focus mode and then hit a stop in writing and my mind will wander into all the other items to do today. I then find it too easy to switch gears and just quick look at email or follow up on a text and then before I know it I haven't been writing all day. This may just be able to fix that in a room with no other devices.
Jeremy that is ME, I use distraction mode with Google docs, but next thing you now I am chasing squirrels. I also think there is something to the psychological idea that when you take out the Freewrite you are in writing mode. Hey one trick I do use that helps is to use soundtracks like Hans Zimmer - that keeps me focused with desk work.
Yes, but not as much as I should I’m going to do a review next week. I’m trying to write 500 words a day. But unfortunately, I tend to go back to my computer. I’m going to really work with it the next couple weeks. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for asking.
love it, but I track with you on most everything. That unit seems like it is a "bespoke" class, but I think there's still Freewrite devices for the "common man" too - right? I would opt for the leather and polished stainless if I had the means though - nice. If I remember correctly, you aren't a drinker, but my go-to over the top drink is "Death In the Afternoon" (Absinthe and a nod to Hemingway). That freewrite and some Absinthe would have me writing about the green fairy for hours (LOL). Good add Coach!
HAHAH I love it - I have had Absinthe in the past - yes I am on the NA path right now, just don't recover like I used too and when I drink, I drink like I am 21 AGAIN. Yes I think it can work for the "common man" also. I had a Pomadro which was like $100 but the keyboard sucked. LOL Love the comment!
JB! The FreeWrite! Never occurred to me this would appear on your channel, but it makes perfect sense. Please make that review, and don't limit it strictly to the device. Your perspective on distraction-free would be the most interesting on UA-cam! Wonder where by-hand edit step on Remarkable might fit into a workflow. E-ink everywhere. Will read your next book on Kindle. 😉 Astrohaus hit me with so many FreeWrite ads before the holidays, but I haven't jumped in ... Love me a mechanical keyboard, but portability not an issue, and I prefer clickies so much that a kaihl brown switch might feel like a step down.
Hey man, great review. Just wanted to say that I noticed the overhead camera is not focused on the right spot on a few of your vids. I think one was a Onyx Boox video and then this one (example 6:50) . Just something may be you should look at next time. Thanks for your vids my dude.
Been watching all your reviews and have a question. I’m a writer who grew up in an era when people hand wrote first, then typed what they wrote, then edited that first draft. (Some typed straight off, of course, and for them, this Hemingway would be a great option.) My next projects are two film scripts and I want to write them by hand with the ability to dictate on occasions when a flow of ideas and sentences come too quickly for handwriting. I would then convert everything to type and import it into Final Draft on my IPad or Mac and then format my script there. There is so little advice given to screenwriters wanting to use e-ink. What e-ink device could accomplish this best? A Remarkable? SuperNote? Boox? Or should I just give up and type everything into Final Draft on my Mac???? Thanks for advice from anyone!!! (Note: Papyr sounded promising, as it would have also let me share what I was working on with others.
I know its late, but any Boox device works well with a bluetooth keyboard. They can have the playstore as well, and a front-light, all helpful. No lag, or none that I have noticed.
I hope the device gives you many productive words! If you want faster typo fixes you can hold NEW+Backspace to delete the whole word, I’ve found it helps me keep my flow better than typing precise backspaces
@@morningcoach i really look forward to see your video, I’m averaging like 1500 to 2500 word a day on my iPad and I have headaches because of the screen 😬😅
A major drawback for me would be its very small typing screen. Much smaller than a piece of paper in a typewriter. Why not just use your laptop or iPad with notifications turned off and a top class separate keyboard? That surely - for most people - would be as distraction-free as this curious device? Presumably no assistance in your writing with what Word offers you? That would be a not insignificant drawback too. IMHO, it would have to be the sheer oddity of typing on something like this that would in some unclear way motivate me to keep writing. Very much doubt it would do that for me but very much hope it delivers all of that and more for you, kind sir! Great channel and reviews as always!
Hey hey!! Yes that is the counter to the device but for me it is the keyboard, and the ability to have a dedicated first draft machine. I KNOW - sounds crazy, but there is just something to the mind detaching from all of that and being able to have your own "writing" tool. Thanks for the comment.
Is that a Warship in your profile image? I know I see something unmistakably British and rail-bound in that little tiny circle. As a person who's written novel-length manuscripts and done years of writing on laptops with the wifi and notifications simply turned off, I can say, having a machine dedicated to writing with no outside input from the machine itself can be incredibly enjoyable for many writers. I'm not merely sold on the idea because Astrohaus (who I actually have a somewhat adversarial relationship with) came out with this contraption, years before the Freewrite existed, I purchased an old office PC with no wifi or ethernet and loaded up a linix distro with nothing but a word processor installed, it was a fantastic decision and I've heard of many professional writers using similar setups, sometimes even using vintage computer systems. Anyway, what I'll say from using tablets with bluetooth keyboards for writing is that due to the nature of the device interface needing to assume that the user does not have a keyboard, a lot of UI features are less elegant than those of a full fledged laptop, no matter how small the laptop is or how large the tablet+keyboard are. Additionally theres the issue of devices themselves and apps needing updating, and if I like a particular word processor that stops being updated, while my iPad or Android tablet falls further behind in updates to the point where other basic functions of the machine stop working, that's a problem. I have a dedicated writing machine called the Pomera DM 100, and honestly once you take every other function like videos or web browsing out of the equation, not having the largest theoretically possible screen stopped being an issue for me. My machine needs zero updates, the batteries are user serviceable and will never be obsolete, it's everything I could ask for, and its totally transformed my ability to be productive wherever I go. Your questions are reasonable, but as for others, I find it interesting how much pushback or even hostility writing-dedicated devices tend to get, even if Astrohaus's hipster aura doesn't do them many favors.
Yes it is for a VERY specific niche of writers, for me it offers a way to focus, I have specific devices for all my different content. I actually have studios for each content, but it is how I work and make my living. Been at it 17 years and the revenue justify the purchase. Just a business tool :) But for a very specific purpose first draft.
This is stupidly! Over priced garbage, $1000 for what? A piece of plastic with a $2 Screen? If a writer needs to spend hundreds of dollars for something that is basically an Etch A Sketch with letters to avoid getting distracted or enhance motivation, they are both immature lacking in discipline and in the wrong field of work. Most writers (The succesful ones) are very disciplined and can easisly evade distractions and understand that motivation doesn't just come it's activated by forcing yourself to work. ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS on nothing but an outdated screen, slow response time, and a hunk of empty plastic? It's Ludacris and idiotic.
I'm waiting on my Hemingwrite to arrive. But I've been using the Traveler and LOVED it. Almost done with my first novel. A novel. Me! And it's not utter trash either. Haha. I have autism so anything that can help me focus is awesome. The freewrite totally does that. Why then purchase the typewriter hemingrite if I have one (the traveler) already? Well (1) I wanted a Christmas present for myself (2) I love electronic gadgets (3) I adore mechanical keys (use MX Blue switch keyboard atm for editing) and just wanted to see if productivity would improve even more. BTW right now I'm taking a break but I was just drafting part 4 of my novel while in a swag (small tent thingy aussies use with bedding inside) in the Aussie bush (northern NSW)... a day of typing, still charged like 80%. Nothing beats writing anywhere like this. Away from people and noise and nonsense. Liberating. Congrats on your freewrite... hope you exploit its capabilities too. Oh and I have a Supernote A5X for editing... nice to see you do it with remarkable. Hehe. Seems many writers are going this nice oldschool meets new tech eink world. It's awesome. Many people don't get it and that's fine. But those that do get it seem to thrive with these new gadgets.
Such a great, thank you so much for sharing. Yeah I’m totally old school and actually built the channel on e-ink I have a supernote also and if you eat devices most of them really because I do reviews on them. So great to meet you and thank you for the comment.
@@morningcoach so it's been a few days now, are you loving the freewrite? Have you got out a lot of draft now? 🤣 are you now feeling the pressure to perform to make it a worthwhile investment?
Thanks, just starting to get rolling with it - as the holidays got in the way LOLOL - :) Thanks for asking but more coming this week. I do REALLY like the device.
I was able to buy the older version of this (which was a lot lower cost). It seemed like an extravagance. But I look at it a lot like a typewriter: all you do is write. You don't edit. You don't go back over anything. You just write. The big advantage over a typewriter is that its ready for the computer when you're done! I do enjoy my manual typewriter, but this supplanted it, partly because of the computer and partly because it's a lot lighter and therefore usable anywhere in the house. And it still has that nice tactile feel, but a little easier than the typewriter. Syncing is nice. I've tried the Evernote syncing, but I found I prefer DropBox. My only complaint is the way files are named: I'd like (in numbers): year_month_date. For example, I'm commenting on 2022_12_29 This causes the computer to put the files in date order. Using the name of the month makes it all sorts of disordered. Author Michael Jecks has done several videos about this device on his channel @writerlywitterings He talks a lot about what you say and gets into how it works in his workflow.
I’m not a professional writer and I bought the black version of these for journaling. I’m obsessed. I’ve written a thousand words a day. It feels so great and like I’m not using screens as much. It’s been fabulous for me. It is very expensive. But for me I already have no regrets 😂
I love how the keyboard sounds.
I’ve had the Freewrite (black one) from the time gen 3 came out… about a year I guess. Absolutely love the device and use it for most of my work.
Some advice if I may:
1. Not every USB-C cable will play nice with it. Some do and some don’t. If you go away to write your book it’s best to take the cable it comes with or test the one you intend to use. The battery is pretty good, but if you use it full-time you will want to charge it every two or three days. Turning off the wifi and front light extends the battery significantly in case if you need to stretch it.
2. Generally I find the little delay not to be a problem, however, once you’ve typed enough words into one documents it will start to struggle with the delay and the kind of ghosting it has (words with appear all at once). Easy fix - just start another doc. It’s easy to join them later ))
3. If you find the space bar a bit rattly, it’s very easy to fix by adding some lube into the stabilizers. I did it with a small paint brush. You will only need to take the keycaps off. No need to disassemble the plate and PCB sandwich or do any kind of soldering. Very easy. There are lots of videos on UA-cam on the topic of lubing the stabilizers (stabs). It really made a huge difference for me.
4. Another easy upgrade you can do is add a little sound insulation under the pcb. Again, no need to disassemble the sandwich. Just take out the screws that hold the pcb assembly and you will have access to the bottom of the tray. Take care not to rip the cables out, but you would really have to be careless for that to happen. With sound insulation and lubed stabs (no need to lube the main key switches) the keyboard is luxurious!
I have the Traveler too. Also a lovely device with perfect tactility on the keys. Very good for occasional notes etc. However, I found the delay is significantly more noticeable and so I tend to take the big Freewrite with me when I travel. Put my Boox Note 5 in the case pocket, phone in my jacket and the computer stays at the house. Get lots of looks and smiles at airport security, but never any issues )) Except for perhaps a little too much attention from people in cafes ))
YOU ROCK of course this is what I am looking as I say this is a community here! Great comments and THANK YOU for the tips. I am going to get the Traveler too seems super cool and a good device to review. Thanks for the tips nice to join the Freewrite club!
I use a good old fasioned typewriter. There's something about holding and filing a physical document that makes writing so much more rewarding and refreshing.
I toyed with getting one of these machines, and decided that if you really want to get back to reality, you have to do it the old way.
All documents can easily be scanned and converted to digital text if you want to edit with less hassle.
My favorite machine at the moment is a Smith Corona Clipper (portable model), with a fully restored platen from JJ short. It works like new.
We'll never see that kind of quality in our devices again. They made them to last for generations.
I agree with you about the typewriter. My big regret was selling the typewriter at my garage sale over 25 years ago. I adopted it from my sister. It put my siblings and I through high school and way past grad school.
I just bought the Freewrite Traveler. I’m loving it.
Hey JB, I always wondered about these devices. I totally get where you're coming from. Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great New Year!
Thank you Happy New Year!!!
I got the kindle scribe. Which like this device is purpose built. What I did find with time is that I don’t get the interruptions I would get using a smartphone or a laptop. I don’t need to remember to set do not disturb mode. I use scribe for journaling but I can see how Freewrite can be used content creation. It not to be used in bedroom if you have some one sleeping in it.
This is true - thanks for the comment!! As always!
thanks again for the great, comprehensive review JB! I still ponder getting one of these; but i do worry that i'll be annoyed by the lag time issue when typing. I also am not clear i would use it after an initial period. I tend to buy stuff and not necessarily use them...
I have the more affordable and slimmer Freewrite Alpha and I love it! The first month I got 20k words on the device alone, not even counting my handwritten and typewritten stuff.
It's a modern digital typewriter. It has backup to the cloud via postbox, google drive/dropbox/evernote, and an email button right on it.
I love my Royal Quiet De Luxe manual typewriter, but having this created an entirely new workflow for me, and I can finally see myself finishing up some drafts and getting to the revision process!
I can see myself eventually investing in the more typewriter-style hardware like this one, but that's a luxury purchase for another day. I think I'll get some stories and novels published before I do that! lol
I think it would be cool if we were allowed to plug it into a computer and it would act like a keyboard. it would make a whole lotta sense if you could buy this fancy keyboard that you can unplug and take with you as a detraction free writing device, maybe even be able to use the screen as a little dashboard for programs or system monitoring.
That seems great for those who like a tactile experience while typing. I’d get one!
Did you explore the difference between the 'Hemingway' and the (black) Smart Typewriter? Is there a difference in type-feeling? Is it justifiable going with the Hemingway Edition instead of the Smart Typewriter? I ask, because I consider purchasing one...
Great question!
Thank you so much. How would you compare this to using the Remarkable 2 for journaling? Thank you again 😊
I have one for about two months I absolutely love it. It about doubles my words per day. There is a learning curve trying to remember to capitalize and punctuate without autocorrect,p. But still I love it
, hope you do as well - Happy Writing
Thank you for the comments!! Nice!
It looks great! 😊
Cool JB! Looking fwd to your review after using it! I wish they would make it smaller!
Gideon!! They make a travel version - probably going to get that one too looks cool!
Keep seeing ads for this - after a year of owning, how do you feel about it? How often do you find yourself using it/traveling with it?
I don't use it much if at all, don't like the screen the lag, and would rather use my other devices, currently writing on an iPad m4 thanks for asking!! :)
I wonder how your neck feels after a few hours of writing looking down all the time. If they'd make a foldable screen as you had the paper in the old school typewriters, that would be worth all the money.
You might as well get a typewriter for your rough or first drafts.
You cant backspace but you can easilly red pen it and then move on with the corrected word.
All you need is a fresh ink ribbon, typewriter, and paper.
Its an enjoyable fun experience typing on a a nice manual typewriter.
Im sure the freewrite is cool, but i could easily get a tablet and qwerkywriter keyboard combo and still be cheaper than the freewrite.
Thank you for the initial review of this device. I wrote a text book a few years ago and it was one of the hardest projects I have ever done. I’ll be interested to hear if more technical writing can be done on it (lots of citations, etc). Thanks again. Your channel is my favorite on YT.
I think that would be really tough, I am working on a novel and the next non-fiction book. I will test it for sure though. It is going to get a lot of work the next few months. Thanks as always for jumping in.
I tried writing some science material on this with LaTeX typesetting. It was doable, but not pleasant, and I ended up hunting down a lot of errors. This device seems better for writing that is text only.
@@WaskiSquirrel Thanks for the feedback. That is helpful to know.
I write nonfiction and work documents on I--though I have only had it a month. I don't have any issue, but I already knew markup language. I use it extensively when writing documents on it. I think if you can learn it pretty easily, you won't have much trouble.
@@mandyhenk5758 I think a markup language might be more straightforward on it. I was running into trouble with LaTeX: mainly because the errors were so easily hidden.
One compromise I've found is to write the text and then make notes like "Add diagram of lab here" or "Add formula here". Then I can add them in a proper LaTeX editor.
Hi, I'm a writer and I have the Gen3 and the Traveler. I LOVE them. I manage to write at least twice the wordcount than previously. Hemingwrite looks fantastic but I thought I would be frustrated if I had to stare at Hemingway's signature every time I get stuck :D But it's just me... Writers are weird sometimes. ;)
HAHAH great comment and yes we are weird!! HAHAHAH
This would fit nicely into some steampunk interior.
Looks beautiful, but is that a hole in the leather on the briefcase?
Hey hey - thank you not sure which hold. Maybe a shadow? Thanks for asking
It's a modern typewriter. Thats all. I don't understand the controversy. Even spending $1000 on a commemorative typewriter still makes writing in general one of the least expensive hobbies around. Ever own a horse? How about a boat? Concidering the cost of TVs and the trash television puts out, I think spending anything on a tool that enguages creativity is money well spent.
Exactly❤
I am looking into buying a freewrite and I was wondering if your review video is up yet?
Great overview here! 🚀
Thank u so much - happy New Year
Hi JB-would you still recommend this at this point? They have some lower prices models for $600 too. Thoughts? Keep up the great content. Peace!!!!!
Hey hey thanks for asking. So here is the deal I am going to do a great video. It is a "cool" device. But for me I don't like the lag. There is a little lag when you type. It is just enough to be annoying. I think you can get used to it, but because I have so many devices I don't use it as much. Also I am very visual and not a great typer ie - make mistakes so it slows me down not having a larger screen to edit.
These are MY issues, not the devices, but the lag, and small screen just make it hard for me to use, so it is in the case mostly. Will do a video... thanks for the idea. This weekend will go over those points.
Thx JB. I think that would annoy me too. I thought that they improved the lag time on the newer models, or so I heard. Have a great day and weekend. Great job on the recent 10k. Best! Don
Thanks Don - got a half coming up Aug 24th going to TRY and win my age group 55 plus, some great runners out there. Need to break 7:30 miles and pretty hilly route, but going to give it my best shot. I will update the software on the Hemingway and shoot a video this weekend. They are doing a lot of advertising so this video above is getting a lot of views I need to update it. Thanks for watching and the support here, makes doing the videos worth it. Have a great weekend.
@@morningcoach Thx JD. I'm also 55 and need to start running again. Back in the 80s, i could run a 530 mile. Right now? maybe a 10 minute one. lol. best!!
Next time someone calls you stupid, challenge them to a writing competition using their beloved medium. 😮
This has me intrigued. It seems to have many of the things that typewriters can give you like the clacking keys, the disconnected from distraction, the more analogue feel of just typing, and nothing else in the way. But will afford the benefits of syncing and keeping digital copy. I will be watching for the review. For me it is too easy to try and use the laptop or iPad set it to focus mode and then hit a stop in writing and my mind will wander into all the other items to do today. I then find it too easy to switch gears and just quick look at email or follow up on a text and then before I know it I haven't been writing all day. This may just be able to fix that in a room with no other devices.
Jeremy that is ME, I use distraction mode with Google docs, but next thing you now I am chasing squirrels. I also think there is something to the psychological idea that when you take out the Freewrite you are in writing mode. Hey one trick I do use that helps is to use soundtracks like Hans Zimmer - that keeps me focused with desk work.
Hi JB! are you still using this device? I'm so tempted to get it. Any issues with it? thanks
Yes, but not as much as I should I’m going to do a review next week. I’m trying to write 500 words a day. But unfortunately, I tend to go back to my computer.
I’m going to really work with it the next couple weeks. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for asking.
Many thanks again. My question for myself is would I use it after the first week? Take care! Don
love it, but I track with you on most everything. That unit seems like it is a "bespoke" class, but I think there's still Freewrite devices for the "common man" too - right? I would opt for the leather and polished stainless if I had the means though - nice. If I remember correctly, you aren't a drinker, but my go-to over the top drink is "Death In the Afternoon" (Absinthe and a nod to Hemingway). That freewrite and some Absinthe would have me writing about the green fairy for hours (LOL). Good add Coach!
HAHAH I love it - I have had Absinthe in the past - yes I am on the NA path right now, just don't recover like I used too and when I drink, I drink like I am 21 AGAIN. Yes I think it can work for the "common man" also. I had a Pomadro which was like $100 but the keyboard sucked. LOL Love the comment!
Mine is arriving tomorrow!
Nice let me know what you think
Wow, am I glad I have a $50 Neo.
I have an alphasmart neo 2 that's also a distraction-free offline dedicated word processor, for $20.
Yea but does it have mechanical switches? 😂
I keep a freewrite with me when I travel. Early morning productivity has gone up significantly.
That rocks - thanks for sharing!
JB! The FreeWrite! Never occurred to me this would appear on your channel, but it makes perfect sense. Please make that review, and don't limit it strictly to the device. Your perspective on distraction-free would be the most interesting on UA-cam! Wonder where by-hand edit step on Remarkable might fit into a workflow. E-ink everywhere. Will read your next book on Kindle. 😉 Astrohaus hit me with so many FreeWrite ads before the holidays, but I haven't jumped in ... Love me a mechanical keyboard, but portability not an issue, and I prefer clickies so much that a kaihl brown switch might feel like a step down.
Got it Larry - want to do some workflow videos for sure. Just getting it into it :) Thank you as always!!
Hey man, great review.
Just wanted to say that I noticed the overhead camera is not focused on the right spot on a few of your vids.
I think one was a Onyx Boox video and then this one (example 6:50) . Just something may be you should look at next time.
Thanks for your vids my dude.
Its perfect we just changed lens getting this fixed ASAP lots of love for letting us know! THANK you for the support!!
Been watching all your reviews and have a question. I’m a writer who grew up in an era when people hand wrote first, then typed what they wrote, then edited that first draft. (Some typed straight off, of course, and for them, this Hemingway would be a great option.) My next projects are two film scripts and I want to write them by hand with the ability to dictate on occasions when a flow of ideas and sentences come too quickly for handwriting. I would then convert everything to type and import it into Final Draft on my IPad or Mac and then format my script there. There is so little advice given to screenwriters wanting to use e-ink. What e-ink device could accomplish this best? A Remarkable? SuperNote? Boox? Or should I just give up and type everything into Final Draft on my Mac???? Thanks for advice from anyone!!! (Note: Papyr sounded promising, as it would have also let me share what I was working on with others.
I know its late, but any Boox device works well with a bluetooth keyboard. They can have the playstore as well, and a front-light, all helpful.
No lag, or none that I have noticed.
I hope the device gives you many productive words! If you want faster typo fixes you can hold NEW+Backspace to delete the whole word, I’ve found it helps me keep my flow better than typing precise backspaces
Thanks for the tip! Getting all my folders set up. I have A for Evernote and B & C for Google Drive and books. Thanks for the tip!!!
Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party
Only thing is that the back light should be a warmer glow
So … do you actually use this tool? Can we get an update? What’s your take on writing with this compared to boox and other tablets with keyboard?
For sure been super busy but will get to it this week thanks for asking
@@morningcoach 🚀
@@morningcoach i really look forward to see your video, I’m averaging like 1500 to 2500 word a day on my iPad and I have headaches because of the screen 😬😅
A major drawback for me would be its very small typing screen. Much smaller than a piece of paper in a typewriter. Why not just use your laptop or iPad with notifications turned off and a top class separate keyboard? That surely - for most people - would be as distraction-free as this curious device? Presumably no assistance in your writing with what Word offers you? That would be a not insignificant drawback too. IMHO, it would have to be the sheer oddity of typing on something like this that would in some unclear way motivate me to keep writing. Very much doubt it would do that for me but very much hope it delivers all of that and more for you, kind sir! Great channel and reviews as always!
Hey hey!! Yes that is the counter to the device but for me it is the keyboard, and the ability to have a dedicated first draft machine. I KNOW - sounds crazy, but there is just something to the mind detaching from all of that and being able to have your own "writing" tool. Thanks for the comment.
Is that a Warship in your profile image? I know I see something unmistakably British and rail-bound in that little tiny circle.
As a person who's written novel-length manuscripts and done years of writing on laptops with the wifi and notifications simply turned off, I can say, having a machine dedicated to writing with no outside input from the machine itself can be incredibly enjoyable for many writers.
I'm not merely sold on the idea because Astrohaus (who I actually have a somewhat adversarial relationship with) came out with this contraption, years before the Freewrite existed, I purchased an old office PC with no wifi or ethernet and loaded up a linix distro with nothing but a word processor installed, it was a fantastic decision and I've heard of many professional writers using similar setups, sometimes even using vintage computer systems.
Anyway, what I'll say from using tablets with bluetooth keyboards for writing is that due to the nature of the device interface needing to assume that the user does not have a keyboard, a lot of UI features are less elegant than those of a full fledged laptop, no matter how small the laptop is or how large the tablet+keyboard are. Additionally theres the issue of devices themselves and apps needing updating, and if I like a particular word processor that stops being updated, while my iPad or Android tablet falls further behind in updates to the point where other basic functions of the machine stop working, that's a problem.
I have a dedicated writing machine called the Pomera DM 100, and honestly once you take every other function like videos or web browsing out of the equation, not having the largest theoretically possible screen stopped being an issue for me. My machine needs zero updates, the batteries are user serviceable and will never be obsolete, it's everything I could ask for, and its totally transformed my ability to be productive wherever I go.
Your questions are reasonable, but as for others, I find it interesting how much pushback or even hostility writing-dedicated devices tend to get, even if Astrohaus's hipster aura doesn't do them many favors.
@@SuperTrainStationH yes it is indeed a Warship! Lovely odd looking diesel hydraulic :)
@@mscargill1 Even at postage stamp size, that unique bonnet shape and single split window is unmistakable. :P
A wrist rest might make typing with it in the case easier.
I want it. But I had to settle for the Traveler.
SO funny Kevin I want a Traveler hahaha but not in the budget at this time.
I don’t see the point of this device…….
Yes it is for a VERY specific niche of writers, for me it offers a way to focus, I have specific devices for all my different content. I actually have studios for each content, but it is how I work and make my living. Been at it 17 years and the revenue justify the purchase. Just a business tool :) But for a very specific purpose first draft.
You mean you use it for draft only, the finalize and edit the final output in your laptop?
This is stupidly! Over priced garbage, $1000 for what? A piece of plastic with a $2 Screen? If a writer needs to spend hundreds of dollars for something that is basically an Etch A Sketch with letters to avoid getting distracted or enhance motivation, they are both immature lacking in discipline and in the wrong field of work. Most writers (The succesful ones) are very disciplined and can easisly evade distractions and understand that motivation doesn't just come it's activated by forcing yourself to work. ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS on nothing but an outdated screen, slow response time, and a hunk of empty plastic? It's Ludacris and idiotic.
I'm waiting on my Hemingwrite to arrive. But I've been using the Traveler and LOVED it. Almost done with my first novel. A novel. Me! And it's not utter trash either. Haha. I have autism so anything that can help me focus is awesome. The freewrite totally does that. Why then purchase the typewriter hemingrite if I have one (the traveler) already? Well (1) I wanted a Christmas present for myself (2) I love electronic gadgets (3) I adore mechanical keys (use MX Blue switch keyboard atm for editing) and just wanted to see if productivity would improve even more. BTW right now I'm taking a break but I was just drafting part 4 of my novel while in a swag (small tent thingy aussies use with bedding inside) in the Aussie bush (northern NSW)... a day of typing, still charged like 80%. Nothing beats writing anywhere like this. Away from people and noise and nonsense. Liberating. Congrats on your freewrite... hope you exploit its capabilities too. Oh and I have a Supernote A5X for editing... nice to see you do it with remarkable. Hehe. Seems many writers are going this nice oldschool meets new tech eink world. It's awesome. Many people don't get it and that's fine. But those that do get it seem to thrive with these new gadgets.
Such a great, thank you so much for sharing. Yeah I’m totally old school and actually built the channel on e-ink I have a supernote also and if you eat devices most of them really because I do reviews on them. So great to meet you and thank you for the comment.
@@morningcoach so it's been a few days now, are you loving the freewrite? Have you got out a lot of draft now? 🤣 are you now feeling the pressure to perform to make it a worthwhile investment?
Thanks, just starting to get rolling with it - as the holidays got in the way LOLOL - :) Thanks for asking but more coming this week. I do REALLY like the device.
I was able to buy the older version of this (which was a lot lower cost). It seemed like an extravagance. But I look at it a lot like a typewriter: all you do is write. You don't edit. You don't go back over anything. You just write. The big advantage over a typewriter is that its ready for the computer when you're done! I do enjoy my manual typewriter, but this supplanted it, partly because of the computer and partly because it's a lot lighter and therefore usable anywhere in the house. And it still has that nice tactile feel, but a little easier than the typewriter.
Syncing is nice. I've tried the Evernote syncing, but I found I prefer DropBox. My only complaint is the way files are named: I'd like (in numbers): year_month_date. For example, I'm commenting on 2022_12_29 This causes the computer to put the files in date order. Using the name of the month makes it all sorts of disordered.
Author Michael Jecks has done several videos about this device on his channel @writerlywitterings He talks a lot about what you say and gets into how it works in his workflow.
Love it - thank you for sharing!!! I was looking for more tips!!