April 25, 2003
AlphaSmart 3000: The Alpha, the Omega, my writing buddy on the road
There's something that could've happened yesterday, but it didn't, and I am very glad that it did not.
As you might know, we've been trying to sort out what sort of gadgets I'll be taking with me on the road, especially for writing.
A few weeks ago Sean found a product called the Alpha Smart 3000, and we've been checking it out, kicking the tires and all that. One of the many nice things about AlphaSmarts is that you can order them for a free 2-week evaluation. We signed up, and I've been taking the AS3K* with me just about everywhere. (* AS3K not to be confused with MST3K, or Mystery Science Theater 3000. Luckily the AS3K does not spout sarcastic remarks at me as I type, or else I'd never do any blogging and would be caught in a slagging match until its batteries ran out.)
As with any piece of technology, there were ups and downs. Mostly ups: virtually no weight, no bulk, no booting time, massive amounts of memory, durability (AS3K are designed for schoolchildren, you see, not exactly gentle users). Trying to transfer text from the AS3K to an internet-connected computer though, via the supplied USB cable? Down. Big down. It required drivers, and a Windows 98 disk. No big deal in and of itself — but that can make for hassle on the road.
The folks at AlphaSmart lived up to the second half of their name though. You can also order a cable called the PC Y (for PCs; there's also a Mac version). It works via the keyboard ports and cables on a computer — no drivers required. Once we had that, I could upload text from the AS3K onto any computer I used — at home, at the office, at a friend's house, whatever.
Yesterday was the deadline for us to either return the AS3K, or buy it. We decided to keep the Alpha. I'll be using it to post to this site, take notes, you name it. If you're in Europe and see a short guy tapping on what looks like a glorified Speak n' Spell, it's probably me.
The AS3K is a great yet simple, easy-to-use piece of technology. From its low price (starting at $200), battery life (700 hours on 3 AAs), low weight (2 lbs), and durability (if it'll survive schoolkids, it'll survive Asia), I think it's perfect for travelers. Want to look into one for your own travels and travel writing? Here ya go:
More on the AlphaSmart:
Happy Alpha'ing!
Posted by Ant at 06:32 PM
Related: Ant's Eye View, Packing, Planning My Eurail Summer Trip, Tech: Geeking out for the road
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Comments
Comment by Claudia on April 26, 2003 12:17 AM
I knew it looked like a Speak and Spell!!!!
Comment by Anthony on April 26, 2003 01:15 AM
That's been my "in a nutshell" intro description to everyone who's asked me about it - "well, it's pretty much a glorified Speak'n'Spell".
Comment by aoife on April 29, 2003 01:59 PM
whats wrong with a Palm pliot (or simular) and fold away full-size keyboard?
Comment by Sean on April 29, 2003 05:40 PM
There is nothing inherently wrong with the Palm Pilot and the fold away full-siz keyboard....it's just that the A3000 has 7000 hours of battery life vs. the Palm version has a helleva lot less. Also, how do you get data off of the Palm Pilot while travelling? If you don't have the software and your laptop - it is a royal pain in the arse to get teh data off. For Ant, 1 "y cable" connected tio any computer and he is downloading the data.
Comment by Ant on May 28, 2003 07:16 PM
Y'know, toys like this should have nicknames. I'm thinking of calling my AS3K "Zula, speak-n-spell of the gods". Whaddya think?
Comment by Claudia on May 28, 2003 10:49 PM
Zula? Sure, if I can call my car "The WIng" why couldn't your speak and spell be Zula. Go for it.