I have tried a number of distraction-free writing devices over the last few years. With that in mind, I’d like to share my thought process for why I selected each device, what I liked about each device, what I didn’t like, why I kept or sold the device, and if I am still using it today. In particular, I am going to discuss four devices: the AlphaSmart Neo, the Freewrite Traveller, the “Bring Your Own Keyboard” (BYOK), and the Pomera 250US. With that said, I have a disclaimer to add before I dive into the specifics.
DISCLAIMER
I have needed exactly ZERO of these devices to write. None have led to some magical breakthrough with me writing tens of thousands of words a day. I will concede that having a device to hand to collect my thoughts or bang out a draft has occasionally been helpful, but it has never been essential. None of the work I’ve done with these devices required them. I still have my PC. I still have a pen and paper.
What’s more, I think pinning your hopes / dreams on a device to make you a better writer is folly. I can say that with confidence, because I’ve done that very thing (and failed) repeatedly. As I said in my past post about NaNoWriMo, the only two things that got me through were planning and grit (i.e. getting my ass in the writer’s chair “no matter what”). I didn’t use any of these devices to win NaNoWriMo! Instead, it was the “FocusWriter” app on my PC that made the biggest difference.
So what’s the lesson? Just create using what you have, and only go for a device like the ones described below if 1) it’ll legitimately solve a problem you are encountering in your writing and / or 2) you have the means and / or 3) you just want to give them a try. Don’t rush to make a purchase expecting miracles, though; that’s between you and your muse.
THE ALPHASMART NEO2
I purchased this on eBay in 2018. At the time, I paid $26 USD and shipping was included. It felt like a good deal at the time, and it certainly was compared to what these devices are going for today (around $100 USD). I found the form-factor relatively pleasing, as its flat shape meant the device was easy to transport. My unit also took three standard AA batteries.
As you have probably guessed, this is not currently my device of choice. There are a few reasons why, ranging from minor to major. One of the minor complaints was that the device requires an unusual cable to connect to a PC to extract any files (USB-B). I was able to find said cable relatively easily back in 2018, and at time of writing I found several options on the Bezo-zon for around $8 USD. While I’m glad the cables are still available, it’s still an additional purchase that a prospective user would have to make. More than the cabling, I also didn’t love how the keyboard performed; my best descriptor for it was mushy with a fair number of missed strokes, especially when I was typing quickly. The biggest issue for me ended up being the ergonomics. When I used the device, the screen wasn’t particularly visible. Though I am a touch typist, I still regularly found myself craning my neck to see the screen, and that simply wouldn’t do.
In the end, I still have this device, though mostly because I never got around to selling it (not because I am still actively using it). It’s also hard to recommend at $100, not because it isn’t a perfectly cromulent device, but because they used to be so much cheaper to pick up. Also, I’d be remiss to not mention the ergonomics and the mushy keyboard once more. Ultimately, I would recommend this device for people who want the barest bones of experiences, with no internet connectivity, no associated apps, and no additional features. As far as I know this is the least expensive “distraction free writing device,” (that isn’t also a piece of tech that’s been repurposed for such a task), so the budget-conscious may benefit from giving this device a look.
As an aside, the creator of the MicroJournal sells an ergonomic upgrade (desktop typewriter transform kit) kit for the AlphaSmart Neo2. Could using this kit rekindle my appreciation for the AlphaSmart Neo2? Perhaps, but since it doesn’t replace the device’s keyboard or add in a back-light, I doubt it. If nothing else, it’s something to consider for the Neo2 diehards who want to take their device to the next level.
FREEWRITE TRAVELLER
The Freewrite Traveller came into my life much later (in 2023) and was another eBay purchase. I was skeptical of the hype (and the price tag!) around the brand, so I opted to purchase a used version instead of buying new. I paid $290 USD at the time; Freewrite is currently asking $550 USD for the device brand new. Given my issues with the AlphaSmart Neo2, the Traveller should’ve addressed my two biggest complaints: the lackluster keyboard and the sub-optimal electronics. Did it, though?
As far as the device’s high points are concerned: the unit I purchased included a nice braided cable and felt carrying case. This meant that the device was usable right out of the box. The clamshell design was also a plus as it offered both improved ergonomics compared to the AlphaSmart (allowing me considerably more freedom to position the screen) and a “self-protecting” design that made the device easier to travel with. The device was also relatively easy to set up, or it was for me because I had access to a wireless internet connection / WiFi. Also, though it’s a small thing, the Freewrite was the only device in this category that I’ve used in public that has drawn the attention of strangers. Do with that information what you will.
Where was the Freewrite less successful, then? Though I would say that the keyboard was better than the AlphaSmart, it still used scissor switches rather than “full-fat” mechanical switches and thus only offered a mild improvement over the AlphaSmart. I also disliked how buggy the software could be; there were several occasions where I was convinced the device was bricked because it was stuck in a boot loop. I also didn’t love that there was no external storage, meaning that the device felt really dependent on WiFi to draw files off of it.
Though I doubt this will come as a surprise, I no longer own this device and the wonky software was the primary culprit. Frankly, even if the rest of the device was perfect that would have been a deal-breaker for me. Sure, the device doesn’t need to be updated that often, but I was not willing to risk the loss of my work because of a company / device that couldn’t get its shit together. I ended up selling the device for a loss, mostly because of eBay’s selling fees. (I sold it for $280, but then lost $40 in fees. Oof.)
POMERA 250US
I pledged for this device on IndieGoGo in February 2025, and received the device the following month. I purchased the device for a variety of reasons, including the positive reputation of other Pomera devices and the fact that this one was available in an ANSI layout (as opposed to a Japanese-focused one). My hope was that it would be my “all-in-one” travel device that would save me the hassle of bringing a laptop and allow me more drafting speed than pen and paper. I paid $409, the “Super Early Bird” price, and it is now selling for $550 USD on the Pomera website. As the most expensive item on this list (tied with a new Traveller), is it also the most performant? In some ways, yes. There are still areas where this device falls flat, however. Let’s discuss.
Like the Traveller, the 250US uses a clamshell design, meaning it is “self-protecting” and that much easier to travel with. Moreover, though it does not have an eInk screen like the Traveller, its battery has never let me down. I’ve gone weeks without charging it, and I’ve never worried about it dying on me while I was writing. The Pomera also has a back-light, meaning it can be used in many more places than the Freewrite. I’d consider this one of its “killer features.” I also prefer the Pomera’s keyboard to the Freewrite, but it’s not leagues better. I’d describe the 250US’s keyboard as similar to a laptop’s. The 250US also features expandable storage by way of an SD card. This means that transferring files is always an option (and neither the internet nor an app is required). Lastly, the 250US has a large screen which I’ve really enjoyed using. I can’t say for certain if it features the largest screen of all of the devices I’m comparing, but it’s definitely larger than the Neo2 and BYOK.
For all its features, however, the 250US is not a perfect device. For one, it’s fucking expensive. I just can’t recommend someone purchase the device when second-hand laptops and netbooks are available for much less (assuming the buyer has even a little technical know-how). Also, despite its cost, the 250US didn’t come with a case! I had to buy one separately from Japan (for $60 USD, no less). Checking the Pomera site shows that the case is being sold in the US for $115 (oof), and is sold out to boot (double oof). I also didn’t like that the device’s matte finish was really prone to smudges and finger prints (some of which are still on the device to this day). Lastly, the device has a couple of features that I don’t really need, like the calendar and planner features. I’m sure they’re useful for someone, but I have paper planners (and my phone) for that.
What’s the final verdict on the Pomera 250US? I want to recommend it, but it’s so expensive. I still have mine, and I have no plans to sell it. It’s perfect for when I want to get some drafting in but I don’t also want to bring a keyboard. Though that may seem like a small window of a use-case, it comes up for me often enough to justify keeping the device. Paying full-price for one now, though? That’s a much, much harder sell. In the end, I can only really recommend this device if money is no object for you or if you absolutely, positively must have a device that has both a keyboard and a large screen with a backlight.
The “Bring Your Own Keyboard” (BYOK)
I backed the BYOK in April of 2025, and received the device in January 2026. I paid $160 at time of purchase, and my order included a carry case, a USB-C to A adapter, and a “magnetic tall stand.” The BYOK itself was $129, for reference. At time of writing, the BYOK is available for pre-order for $200 USD, with an estimated July shipping date. When I purchased the device, it was available in both black and white (I opted for black); at the moment, it looks like only black is available. I’m guessing that the white version will return at some point, but that’s speculation on my part. I picked this device for the price point, for its flexibility (both in how it can be mounted and the sheer number of keyboards it can interface with), and for the fun of trying another device.
What’s great about the device? I like how portable it is. It is easily the smallest of all the devices I’ve mentioned so far. I like how it has a back-light, and that you can adjust the brightness of said backlight (with one of the numerous physical buttons on the device). I like the fact that you can see your word count with the press of a button, the fact that the text size and font is relatively easily changeable, and that the BYOK developers seem to be pretty actively pushing out software updates. The fact that the back of the device is magnetic, allowing the device to be “mounted” almost anywhere, is an ergonomic boon. The battery life has also not been an issue for me (though I do not have hard numbers on how long the battery has lasted for any given session). I also like that the device has external storage (a microSD card), and can be connected to a PC to collect its files without the need to connect to the internet.
While it sounds like the BYOK is the best so far, it has a few limitations and short-comings compared to the other devices I’ve discussed so far. Its portability is also a bit of a hindrance, in that it is not a “stand-alone” device. A wireless keyboard could solve this issue relatively easily, but that’s another device to keep packed and charged. Also, while I’ve generally found the bluetooth connection to be reliable, it can throw a fit if left alone for too long (i.e. spitting out random characters when typing and requiring a restart of the keyboard). I’ve had no such problems with a wired keyboard, but that requires another cable to keep in mind and bring along. The matte finish of the device is also prone to smudges, though not as badly as the Pomera in my experience. Ultimately, none of these are deal-breakers for me. I’ve found that it’s not that hard to keep a small wireless keyboard in my backpack (like a Logitech K380, for example). I also like that I can use my favorite type of keyboard, a mechanical keyboard, with the BYOK.
For me, the real red flag is, “BYOK Studio.” This is the website where the device deposits anything you’ve written. It’s not the interface, as the site itself is relatively user-friendly, especially once you parse out the difference between a “file” and a “project” (where you type, and a folder where you keep your work respectively). I also like that you can automatically send your work to a Google Drive for back-up, even if it was a pain to get that feature set up initially. No, what worries me about the site is that there is a “Premium” version of the Studio that BYOK is charging $40 a year for with a first-time buyer discount, $80 a year for folks without the discount, or $300 for lifetime access. Oof. In short, I’m worried about the day that the “premium” plan becomes the ONLY option. Frankly, the only reason I’m keeping the BYOK around is because there are work-arounds to the website. In the end, I hope the company would never be foolish enough to require the purchase of a plan to use a device. I’ve seen companies do worse, though; look no further than the “AAA” gaming space.
Do I still have this device? Yes. In fact, it’s what I’m using to type up this article. Is it my favorite of all the devices that I’ve tried? That’s harder to commit to. I think it edges out the Pomera simply by being less than half the price. I can’t deny how the Pomera is a more “complete” package, though, given that it has a (pretty good) built-in keyboard. I also can’t give full marks to BYOK because of the ever-looming presence of “BYOK Studio Premium.” In the end, none of the devices is perfect. Which one is right for you will depend on which features you value, how much jank / old tech you are willing to tolerate, and how much you are willing to spend (and if you can tolerate a waitlist).
TL/DR: Who Is Each Device For?
ALPHASMART NEO2:
Buy it if you want the least expensive option.
Skip it if you want great ergonomics or if can’t deal with older tech
FREEWRITE TRAVELLER:
Buy if you need an eInk screen and money is no object
Skip if you don’t want to deal with buggy software
POMERA 250US:
Buy if you want the best all-in-one and a backlight (and money is no object)
Skip if you want something affordable
BRING YOUR OWN KEYBOARD (BYOK):
Buy if you want the smallest device, and/or you already have a favorite keyboard
Skip if you need an attached keyboard (or you’re worried about the billing structure changing)
OTHER OPTIONS
These are far from the only options for “distraction-free writing.” These aren’t even the only “distraction-free” devices I’ve tried myself. As such, what follows is a brief look into a variety of other devices I’ve tried. I’ll also be leaving my two cents on devices I’d like to try (and I will make it clear when I haven’t tried a device).
A Gen-1 iPad
I tried to use an old iPad for a bit, but quickly abandoned it when it became clear that it was too old to run any of the writing apps I was most interested in. It was also too old to update to a newer OS, so that wasn’t an option either. Basically, I would recommend this path only if 1) you already have an iPad laying around and have nothing to lose by trying it as a distraction-free device or 2) you have the time and tech know-how to convert one into a device that’ll work for you rather than against you. (Presumably, I could’ve finagled some kind of software onto the thing, but with so many other options available I didn’t bother.) Ultimately, an iPad could be a good device for this purpose, but 1) it’s going to have a lot of potential distractions on it, and 2) it’s critical to pick a model that’ll actually run the apps / software you want to use.
An Old Laptop
What about converting an old laptop into a distraction-free device? This is probably the best approach for folks with even a little bit of tech know-how. Not only do you get an “all-in-one” device (i.e. one that has a keyboard, screen, etc), you also have a wide variety of operating systems to choose from, including the relatively full-featured (like a Linux distro) and the barebones. I actually had such a laptop myself; a friend flashed Mint Linux onto it and for a hot minute it worked quite well. Then, it unexpectedly decided to stop working and never booted into the OS again. Yikes. Could I re-flash the laptop and start using it again? Sure. Do I have the time and energy to do that, especially with all the other devices I have laying around? As you might’ve guessed, it’s hard to muster the energy.
Typewriters
I’ve tried a few, including both manual and electric varieties. I think both can be a lot of fun, and their tactility is off the charts compared to virtually every mechanical keyboard I’ve owned. The problem, though, is that they require maintenance and upkeep to work well (e.g. ink ribbons, keeping them clean, etc). In short, if you are looking for a turn-key solution, most typewriters probably aren’t it. Not only that, but even after you’ve typed something up there’s still the matter of digitizing it. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a potential solution, but I’m not well-versed enough in the technology to point to a program I’d recommend. Also, if you think clicky mechanical keyboards are loud, typewriters are on ANOTHER level.
ZeroWriter & ZeroWriter Fold
I haven’t actually tried either device yet, but I want to. The reviews I’ve seen of the ZeroWriter suggest that it has a certain DIY feel (and potentially, DIY charm) to it. Given that it seems like it would have many of the same issues as the AlphaSmart with regards to ergonomics, I’m not in a rush to buy one. By comparison, the ZeroWriter Fold seems like a much better option with regards to its ergonomics. I also really like that it features hot-swappable mechanical switches, meaning I’m not stuck with whatever switches were soldered in at the factory. Being able to choose my own switch might mean that the Fold could potentially dethrone the Pomera 250US by trouncing it in the area it struggles most (its mediocre keyboard). Of course, the Fold would also have to deliver with regards to its software and user interface, which would be no easy feat. In the end, I’ll probably get a ZeroWriter Fold once they are readily available for purchase if only to see if it can dethrone the 250US.
The MicroJournal
This is another distraction-free device I’ve wanted to try. A few things have kept me from putting the device through its paces, though. First, they’re hard to buy. They go out of stock almost immediately, and I rarely see them come up for sale on the secondary market. My understanding is that this is due to the fact that the device is produced by a single person, though, so I can’t really complain. Beyond that, I don’t love that a version with an ANSI keyboard isn’t available. I don’t mind an ortholinear keyboard (the only option that’s offered that isn’t ISO), but I’m not chomping at the bit for it either. Lastly, like the ZeroWriter, the device has a “DIY” ethos to it that I’m not in love with. While I appreciate that the creator is constantly updating and iterating on the device, I generally prefer devices that feel “complete” (for lack of a better term). Among other things, I don’t want to have to install the battery myself, especially if an incorrect installation could lead to a bricked device. Oof. In spite of all of this, though, I’m still curious to try one. Why? The wonderful colorways and playful design language, mostly.
