Freewrite Traveler review: specs, performance, cost

Freewrite Traveler

Do not get us improper — we love our iPads, MacBook Execs, and iPhones. Nonetheless, it is inconceivable to disclaim that there are occasions when these multipurpose units might be extra of a distraction than a instrument.

We have all been there. We sit all the way down to do some type of activity, solely to examine our electronic mail or Instagram, or get sucked into the all-too-familiar “only one extra fast YouTube video” cycle.

Astrohaus goals to assist remedy that downside with a purpose-built line of merchandise known as Freewrite. These e-ink phrase processors are designed to chop out unnecessary distractions so you’ll be able to concentrate on writing.

The Traveler is extraordinarily moveable, weighing in at a really slight 1.5 kilos and measuring 11.5 by 5 inches.

It has a black lid emblazoned with “Freewrite” in silver, and unfolds like a tiny laptop computer. The keyboard is white and feels fairly much like a regular pocket book model.

Freewrite Traveler closed

You may discover that there are two Freewrite-only keys on the keyboard — a left and proper “new” key. Analogous to operate keys on a Mac or PC, these keys let you entry Freewrite-specific shortcuts. For instance, urgent each new buttons concurrently keys up a brand new draft.

For the worth tag, we’ll say that the Traveler initially feels a bit juvenile. The shiny plastic physique does give it a little bit of a “toy” vibe Nonetheless, when you begin utilizing it, it does really feel extra like a instrument — so you may wish to spend a bit time with it at first.

Since Freewrite units are designed to be distraction-free, there is a distinctive answer to managing the belongings you placed on it and the gadget itself — Postbox.

You’ll be able to entry your drafts from the Postbox internet interface

Postbox is a free companion cloud software offered by Astrohaus, which is the first manner you may configure your Freewrite gadget. It is in Postbox the place you may change your font measurement and time zones, and import or export drafts.

Postbox enables you to entry your paperwork out of your smartphone, pill, or pc. You too can join your Freewrite with Dropbox, Evernote, and Google Drive.

The Traveler, in contrast to Astrohaus’ different choices, does not characteristic mechanical keys. As a substitute, it includes a compact scissor-switch key.

Clearly, are some main advantages to this. The primary benefit is that you simply will not hassle individuals in espresso retailers, libraries, and even somebody sharing the identical quiet front room.

It additionally helps to maintain the Traveler skinny and moveable.

Freewrite Traveler in use

Nonetheless, it does take away from the entire typewriter expertise a bit, however that is a tradeoff we’re prepared to make for a take-anywhere gadget like this.

Typing on the Traveler takes a bit time to get used to should you’re switching over from one thing like a mechanical keyboard. Nonetheless, should you’re used to writing on a MacBook keyboard or an Apple Magic Keyboard, the time to adapt is fairly slight.

Utilizing the Traveler is fairly novel. It’s extremely newbie pleasant and may simply be utilized by individuals of all ages and technical capabilities.

As soon as you have created one thing you wish to save, it can save you on-device in certainly one of three folders. If you’ve obtained sufficient that you simply wish to save out and put it elsewhere, you’ll be able to electronic mail the draft to your self or sync it by the aforementioned Postbox service. You too can switch it to your gadget of alternative by way of USB.

The battery life is improbable, too. Astrohaus says it will get as much as 30 hours of steady use, which implies it is best to be capable to get a number of days of use out of it between prices.

We barely made a dent within the battery cost degree throughout our check.

If the Traveler has a serious draw back, it is the noticeable lag between while you sort and when the phrases seem on the display. This may be extraordinarily problematic for individuals who sort above 80 phrases per minute, as you may at all times be greater than a second forward of no matter you are typing.

Once more, for the worth level, we would anticipate this to be a bit higher, maybe by growing the display’s refresh charge.

You are in all probability questioning if the Traveler is value it, particularly within the “above $400” worth vary — and sadly, we will not provide you with a straight reply.

It will depend on what you want relatively than an total judgment that may be made on the product itself.

There’s something undeniably helpful about having an offline writing gadget that’s sufficiently small to take wherever. In case you spend loads of time writing in espresso retailers, libraries, or class, the Freewrite Traveler is definitely fairly darn useful.

It means that you can actually sink your tooth into no matter you are doing with out worrying in regards to the fixed distractions of an always-online gadget. There aren’t any apps to examine, no push notifications, and due to the e-ink display, it does not fatigue your eyes the identical manner a digital display works.

Nonetheless, should you do not do loads of writing or want a tool that may deal with a number of varieties of labor, there’s virtually no cause to choose one up.

That being stated, we have been nonetheless impressed by the Traveler and assume there is a marketplace for these specialised units.

• Distraction free writing
• Extremely moveable
• E-ink show
• A number of save-out modes

• All plastic shell feels a bit juvanile
• Slight, however noticeable lag when typing