Alphasmart- A NEAT THING With a Few Little Problems
Written: Apr 08 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: So easy to use, lightweight, inexpensive, COOL, and all-around fun.
Cons: Infra-red transference beam doesn't work with some older computer systems
The Bottom Line: A joy to use-- easy, clear and precise.
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| trulytruly's Full Review: AlphaSmart 3000 |
When these desk calculator-sized word processors were given away at the Writer's Roundtable Conference a few years back as doorprizes, many of the participants had never heard of them. By the following year, they were the most eagerly anticipated and coveted prizes.
Not at all surprising, really, since they are an amazing product-- Surely right up there with sliced bread in convienence! Although I know many of the users are students (this thing is marvelous for note taking), professional writers have been toting these little wonders around for almost as long as they've existed. When I got a chance to try one, I was totally impressed, and bought the 3000 as soon as it was available.
The most important features for my work have been: The ten separate files, accessible by a button push--each holding up to 20 pages-- the delete check (you know-- the "do you really want to erase 5 days of work?" catch question before you accidently lose everything), the easy to carry size, and the transference mode.
It's awfully neat to switch your files from one of these-- since it's basically a "remembering" keyboard, it looks like you are the fastest typist in the world, as it fills your computer file. You can watch it filling pages of info, very, very quickly. It's operating system is far from fancy, but it's very, very simple to use.
I've had a little trouble with the infra-red feature, because my computer can't seem to pick it up, but the keyboard plug in works wonderfully. Also,I often wish there was a key-lock feature, because of my button-happy two year old. Other than those small things, I really do love this machine-- it's made my work so much less taxing, especially since a back injury that pains me as I sit in my working chair. I can work out of bed with my Alphasmart...
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): gift
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Epinions.com ID: trulytruly
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Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
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