I typed this review on an Alphasmart 3000, which I then downloaded to my PC.

For about a year I had been reading these ads on this unit in such magazines as Writers Digest. Finally, curious, I went on to Alphasmart’s website (www.smartinput.com) and basically was impressed by what I read there. Still I hesitated getting this unit mainly because I already had a notebook computer. But the fact that this unit lasts so many more hours than a notebook or laptop is probably what first grabbed my attention.

Then I had the chance to see one put in action. “Elliejo's” a reviewer here on Epinions demonstrated to me her Alphasmart, and I was even more impressed.

I liked the fact that it is very lightweight, only two pounds. That it can fit nicely into a briefcase, or a large handbag.

Other features that I liked about this unit is the full sized keyboard, which I find I am able to type faster on this than the smaller notebook or laptop keyboards.

As I stated before I have a notebook, but find it just isn’t as convenient to carry around as this Alphasmart. For one thing if I’m only doing wordprocessing, and I bring this unit to the library, I don’t have to worry about the charge getting low. My unit uses NiCad batteries that supposedly have a charged life of 250 hours. I merely plug it in afterwards with the adapter provided and charge it up for another 250 hours. These batteries are good for three to five years, at which time for a mere $10, another battery can be installed.

Also, the unit uses a secondary backup battery, a Lithium that is not user accessible. This battery prevents data from being loss when the unit is turned off. This battery is good for 7 – 10 years, and is replaceable.

I have no trouble reading the Alphasmart LCD display which provides 4 lines of text. I don’t do anything fancy when I type on this unit. I usually just download the file to my PC, and if necessary I’ll do more of the fancier formatting on my PC.

Downloading files is a breeze. I was amazed at how easy this was as I was able to do it on the first try without any problems. My husband, who is not so easily impressed by things, who is always working on his own network of computers (I think he’s up to four computers) was impressed by the way the Alphasmart downloads files into a PC. What happens is through a cable that is provided is then connected to the PC. Through a "send" button the files are instantly downloaded into a wordprocessing application such as Microsoft Word. You can see the actual transfer as the words come up on the PC monitor. The last time I did this I had six files to download, and all I had to do was merely open up a new file into Word and download the text. This took very little time, actually only minutes. Other Alphasmart models use an infrared system, which uses no cable. Just direct it to the infrared device on the PC, and the files will then transfer.

It is also possible to download text to an Alphasmart, which is useful when working on projects where travel time is necessary.

I think the Alphasmart is perfect for anyone who has kids going off to college, and doesn’t want to fork over the expense of a regular laptop. I paid $250 for my Alphasmart, which is a lot less than what a laptop or notebook or most computers systems would cost. The unit is also able to transfer files straight to a printer if a PC is not available.

Another nice feature is the automatic shut off. When the unit is idle for a certain length of time, the unit will shut off, thereby saving battery life. The idle time can be set anywhere from the minimum idle time of 4 minutes, to the maximum of 59 minutes.

As far as file storage, the Alphasmart 3000 supports eight files, each 12.5 pages in length, or 25 KB. This is a total storage of 100 pages of single-spaced text (200,000 characters.) To move between files is easily done by pressing the keys designated File 1, File 2, etc.

An easy to understand instruction manual is of course provided.

Deleting a file is also quick, but it will first ask you “yes” or “no” so that files won’t inadvertently be deleted.

This unit will not completely replace a laptop or notebook because of its restricted capability, i.e. it does not do fancy stuff such as spread sheets, graphics, computations, etc. This is strictly a wordprocessor. But it is great for taking notes, or when the creative bug hits, composing scenes that can be later inserted into a work-in-progress. And again, it’s great for traveling as it packs well.

A case is provided at extra cost. But since my unit fits perfectly inside one of my soft briefcases, I did not get one. The Alphasmart case basically looks like one that is provided with most laptops/notebook computers.

I’ve also used this unit outside on my deck in bright sunlight and had no problem reading the display unit. Unfortunately, it does not have a backlight, so proper lighting inside is required. The lack of a backlight is properly the only con I can think of with this unit.

Otherwise I’m looking forward to years of productive use with my Alphasmart 3000.

Again, if anyone is thinking of getting their kids a computer for Christmas, perhaps this unit will meet the needs if it will be only used for wordprocessing. Or instead as an added purchase to a PC and thereby alleviating fights when several of the "kiddies need to use it at the same time to do their homework.





Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 250