This was my first non-laptop laptop. As a writer, I mostly used my laptop for writing. This meant, for writing only applications, I had to carry and power an instrument that was much more powerful than my needs. I wanted something lighter, cheaper, and able to run on batteries far longer -- for those times.

The AlphaSmart met all those needs. I first saw it in the classroom and immediately said, "I want that!" At about $250 the unit was much cheaper (some years back) than laptops. It's so light, I barely notice it in my backpack, and it runs on 3 AA batteries for like three months. In fact, these days, I just leave the unit at my bedside for those wee-hour of the morning moments of inspiration. I don't have to get out of bed; I don't have to "Power up" a laptop and I won't be greeted by a screen full of harsh light in the darkness. I simply press on, then start typing. In the morning, I can upload the information to my main computer for editing.

I've also taken the AlphaSmart to many a film or live event to take notes for my reviews (HollywoodReportCard.com). It's been great for that.

It's really nothing more than a smart keyboard. Like the one connected to your computer. Take that -- add a bad 5-line, non-color, non-lit LCD about an inch high, by maybe 6 inches, and a hundred pages of memory (actually, I don't know how much memory it has -- never even came close to reaching the end). And there you have it. It's about the same weight and size as your computer's keyboard too. The unit even comes with a wire that can attach to your computer so that you can use the AlphaSmart as a keyboard for your computer. Or what's even cooler -- you can attach both it and your keyboard, so you and a writing partner can edit the same script at the same time. (I have not explored the gaming possibilities.)

Drawbacks:
1) If/when the batteries die -- your information is lost. And I've had a few problems with good batteries getting jostled enough to loose the information too. (I padded the battery compartment with a shoestring -- and it solved that particular problem.) As long as you get in the habit of uploading the same day as you use the unit, you'll be okay -- most of the time.
2) The LCD screen is really bare bones. I wouldn't recommend any editing on this unit. It's great for those of us who can type blind. I just use it to input rough thoughts and notes. Or for little kids, who won't type too much more than five lines anyway.
3) I've had the unit for some years now and the keys have become clunky and sticky. I hate that. I can't use it for events anymore because it's too loud. But, as a bedside journal -- it's okay. I prefer it to my palm -- since it's rigid and more rugged. The palm's fold out keyboard is a problem in bed.

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