This is a review on an excellent computer device called AlphaSmart. There are two kinds. AlphaSmart 2000 and the new one, AlphaSmart 3000. This review is on AlphaSmart 3000.

AlphaSmart has many features. In fact, it has so many features that even after the four months it has been in my possession, I still don’t know everything about it. In this review, I’ll describe some of its amazing features and not so amazing features.

Before describing features, I’ll tell you exactly what the AlphaSmart is. AlphaSmart is a keyboard with a small screen at the top. It is an excellent device for writers. You can take it anywhere because it runs on batteries.

This review was typed on my AlphaSmart. Now you might be wondering how on earth I got the review from a battery operated device to epinions.com. Simple. There is a square plug at the top. There is a cord that comes with AlphaSmart. You take the square part and plug it into the AlphaSmart and the rectangular part into the computer. (Laptops are more convenient for this than desktops.) Then you enter a writing program on your computer (Word Document, Corell Word Perfect, WordPad, Notepad, anything) and push the dark gray “send” button. Then you’ll see the words from the AlphaSmart coming onto the screen.

One of the features helps with what was mentioned in the last paragraph. Before you hook the AlphaSmart up to the computer, press the button with the design, option, and s at the same time. You will then be allowed to adjust the speed in which the word rushes onto the screen. The choices are as follows.
1: VERY Slow
2: Slow
3: Fast
4: Fastest. 3 is the initial setting. I really don’t know why anyone would want anything besides the fastest, though. This is a feature that I find not so amazing.

Another feature is what I call the file feature. There are eight different files and in order to open them, you just have to push a button at the top. The buttons at the top say File 1 File 2 File 3, etc. This is pretty good in the light that you don’t have to write something then transfer and repeat the process.

One fine feature is the circular plug at the top of the AlphaSmart. This comes in handy if you don’t have a computer, just a printer. You can buy the cord for about $15 at the store. You plug it up, and press the print button. Very simple.

A feature that both AlphaSmart 2000 and 3000 have is the clear file feature. If you want to clear a file after transferring or printing, push the “clear file” button. A counter to this is mentioned in the following paragraph.

Another feature, which is extremely useful, is the Recover feature. Press option, squiggly design, and r at the same time. WARNING! DO NOT USE THIS FEATURE UNLESS THERE IS A BLANK FILE! IF USED WHILE THERE IS A FULL PAGE OF TYPING, YOU WILL NOT HAVE HAPPY RESULTS! Do you want to know why? I learned it the hard way and I don’t think you want to! I had at least 3 pages of a story and I started experimenting. (I am tired of saying squiggly design. That button is called the command button.) I pushed option, command, and r and the only thing that remained was the title. The story was gone forever. You use this feature when you accidentally push the clear file button. As soon as you clear the file, you just go back and press those three buttons.

Another feature is the calculator. You push the button labeled “applets.” There are two options. Select the second one and you will be able to use a calculator.

The AlphaSmart 3000 is a great thing. I hope my review will help you decide whether you like it or not. I will be looking forward to any comments that you might make.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 220