I think a lot of you will find this little device interesting. It may even make you laugh a little. It’s a new word-processor with a unique selling point — it’s not connected to the Internet! For many people, the temptation to play games, check the news, send an email, or post on social media, is just too much when they’re trying to write.
The Freewrite Traveler looks like a slim laptop, but it’s good for only one thing: writing. It doesn’t run any other programs. I won’t allow you to check email or social media or even browse online. You can’t message anyone.
If you want to upload your writing to the cloud, you can do that when you connect to WiFi.
The Traveler uses an eInk screen like the original Kindle eReader and only offers a black and white display.
Because of the eInk screen and the lack of connectivity, it can run up to a month on a single charge. The display is a bit smaller than your standard laptop, but the keyboard is full-sized.
The makers say that, unlike most laptop keyboards, this one is designed for the feeling you get when you strike the keys, not to be the slimmest model possible.
The device is still fairly lightweight, at less than two pounds and about half the size of the average laptop. The internal flash storage allows you to store about a million pages. There’s built-in Wi-Fi for syncing with Dropbox, Google Drive, or Evernote. You can also plug in a USB C cable to transfer files another device. Those files can then be edited in Word or another program.
A lot of folks are intrigued by this idea, the IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign has raised way over its original goal. You can check out the details here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/traveler-ultimate-distraction-free-writing-tool#/
It’s expected to retail for around $600, though there are some special deals available on the crowdfunding site.
The device should be available sometime next summer. I can’t endorse any crowdfunding campaign, but it’s fun to check out.