Alphie

I promised an update on how my new techo-toy is working out.  I ADORE it!  It is old, old school, but that is what makes it absolutely divine!  Here are my pros and cons on the Alphasmart Neo2, battery operated, word processor. 
  
Top Pros:  
1.  Weighs less than a pound and a half and is very thin.  
2.  It fits divinely in my large hipster bag by Vera Bradley, meaning I carry my sweet little Alphie (thats what I've named it) anywhere I want to go without having to carry a computer bag!  Yip Yip Yahoo! 
3.  The battery life has not drained one bit since I started using it.   Other reviewers say that a set of AA batteries can last up to a year.  
4.  There is not glare on the wee screen when using it outside.  On any laptop, ipad, Kindle Fire, etc. that is generally an issue. 
5.  It is a tough little bugger.  I dropped it the other day and it bounces quite well.  Whew.  
6.  It automatically saves everything.  I don't have to remember to back anything up.  Squeal!!!! 
7.  Transferring files to my home computer is a breeze.  Plug up the USB cord between Alphie and my home computer, then hit send.  Boom.  Done. 
8. Because there is no backlighting, there is absolutely  no eye strain like you experience with a regular computer.  
9. Because Alphie has no internet connection capabilities, it is distraction free! Alphie helps me stay on task! 
10.  I have taken Alphie on road trips and he works beautifully in the car (when I am not driving).  Alphie went with me to Starbucks.  Alphie enjoys working on the patio in the cool pre-summer breezes.  Most importantly for me as a Dysautonomia patient, Alphie works well while I'm propped up in my bed and from the recliner when pain gets in the way of me working from a regular desk.  
11.  It is a lovely little quiet friend.  Makes no noise whatsoever except for the clicking of the keys.  Yumm!  
12.  Cheap.  Alphie only cost me $43.  I'm planning to purchase a backup Alphie just in case, since they are no longer in production.  
13.  I've discovered Alphie has a cult following in the writer world.  It's been fun to link up with fellow Alphie lovers.  

Cons:
1.  Since it has no lighted screen, you can't work in the dark.  I haven't tried it yet, but I'm thinking a wee book light will solve that problem.  
2.  No internet connectivity.  Oh wait, that was in the PRO list.  Oops.  
3.  The screen is quite small, so going back and trying to edit is a real pain.  I've determined that Alphie is for getting the words out of my head and into a written format.  I'll edit on the home computer.   

If you are a writer, GET ONE. You can purchase via second hand sources on ebay and Amazon.  Soooo worth it!  

BTW, I have no idea why the font is so small on this post.  I've tried ump-teen times to make it normal size and blogger refuses to cooperate.