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A Cheap and Portable Word Processor?
Posted by
Cliff
on Tue May 24, 2005 05:45 PM
from the writing-on-the-run dept.
from the writing-on-the-run dept.
An anonymous reader asks: "Last evening I was waiting for a bus and realized that it would be very nice to have a little portable word processor; not a fancy PDA, but something with a bare minimum of processing power, small screen, and a cheap mini-keyboard, so that it could fit in a jacket pocket. It doesn't seem like an infeasable product - consider the price that all-in-one 8-bit game machines like the C64 DTV go for, add that to the price that the cheap organizers go for, and you get a retail value under $50. The only major difference would be in the software, and with some attention given to expansibility it might even be a decent device for homebrews. Does Slashdot have any thoughts on what might fill these gap, or is there really no product that tries to be small, cheap and low-powered like what I'm looking for?"
"When I got home, I did a search for any such devices, and came up with two choices: bulky 1980s machines with outdated connectivity options, found on eBay for pennies - some of these are actually programmable too, interestingly enough; and overpriced 'educational' machines which are almost equivalent to the 80s machines (over $200 or even $300). Electronic organizers are going for under $20, but they are woefully limited machines. The only other cheap option is to get a used PDA."
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Sidekick (Score:4, Interesting)
Plus, I love posting first.
P.S. infeasable?
Re:Sidekick (Score:3, Informative)
The web browser isn't great, but it's also relatively useful.
Re:Sidekick (Score:5, Informative)
Parent
Re:Sidekick (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Sidekick (Score:5, Insightful)
Parent
Pencil/Paper (Score:4, Insightful)
I'm sure you would like to move your documents somewhere, maybe to a desktop for final processing, printing and whatnot? So maybe a USB, IR or a memory slot so that you can transfer data effortlessly?
Although these "expansions" are not expensive, they still cost money. So it's commercially inviable to produce it, because "for a little bit more" one can probably produce a PDA or mobile phone.
And what's wrong with the pencil/paper solution? Paper is a non-volatile memory so you don't have to worry about system crashes or forgetting to save your documents.
From my experience with PDA, you'll write/type about as fast on a PDA as you would on a piece of paper
Re:Pencil/Paper (Score:3, Insightful)
And what's wrong with the pencil/paper solution? Paper is a non-volatile memory so you don't have to worry about system crashes or forgetting to save your documents.
Inserts take way too long, as they require recopying the whole document manually. It's also considered a Hard Problem (i.e. something not bundled with a scanner) to OCR handwritten text.
Re:Pencil/Paper (Score:5, Insightful)
Parent
Re:Pencil/Paper (Score:4, Funny)
You sure about that?
Parent
Re:Pencil/Paper (Score:4, Interesting)
Until you forget and wash your pants with the paper still in the pocket. I've lost several business cards and even checks (ouch!) that way.
Parent
Re:Pencil/Paper (Score:5, Informative)
You need a good keyboard, and you need a good display.
Here's the short list of true-portable laptops to check out:
Tandy WP-2
TRS-80 Model 100
Tandy 102
Tandy 200
Cambridge Z88
Amstrad NC100 or NC200'
All of these are 8-bit CPUs. Last for between 10 and 20 hours on battery (!!!). Available for between $10 and $50 on Ebay. Doesn't get cheaper than that.
Or the Alphasmart Dana which is basically a Palm V with a bigger screen. USB, IR, and memory slot.
Except for Dana, The interface for downloading to PC is serial port. You may need a $10 adapter if you only have USB on your machine.
-- John.
Parent
Try this (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Try this (Score:4, Interesting)
Parent
Mead (Score:4, Funny)
This way, the slightly-richer kids can lord it over the rest... "Where's the logo on your paper?"
Parent
Re:Try this (Score:5, Funny)
Parent
Re:Try this (Score:5, Funny)
However,if you let the processor idle too long or it gets caught up in another task, the system has a tendency to revert to the Wingdings in obnoxiously large point sizes.
~X~
Parent
What is the problem you are trying to solve? (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:What is the problem you are trying to solve? (Score:4, Interesting)
Useless.
Do more editing on cheapo device? grep text on cheapo device?
Yes, please.
transfer text to some other device?
As per the above 'Useless" comment.
via what means?
vim, grep and a flash key drive.
how much text?
Well, lesse, Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire comes out at 1.6 megs. I think that 2 megs should cover it with a bit of overhead. I can't imagine typing more than that even while sailing from Marblehead to Plymouth (that would be the one in England, not just down the coast a hop).Appears to be a nonissue with todays flash key drives.I suspect that 640k is all anyone would really need.
KFG
Parent
Re:What is the problem you are trying to solve? (Score:3, Funny)
History shows that comments like that always come back to bite us on the ass. Or at the very least cause flamewars on Slashdot.
Google?? (Score:5, Informative)
The very first hit led me to these two devices which seem to fit the bill exactly.
Alphasmart [alphasmart.com]
Quickpad [quickpad.com]
Re:Google?? (Score:3, Informative)
Maybe an old TRS-80 would fit the bill? 25-30 hours on 4 AAs, and you can even program in basic on it! There are few WP's with spell check available for TRS-80 portables too.
Re:Google?? (Score:4, Informative)
The very first link led me to a device priced at 800% of what the person reasonably expected. The second led me to one that only cost 400% more.
So no, neither of your links, nor their smartass delivery, fit the bill very well at all. It's pretty clear that he was already aware of these too, having made indirect reference to their kind in the article.
Parent
Re:Google?? (Score:3, Interesting)
Simple Answer - Buy a Palm M100 used. You can pick them up on Ebay, Amazon, etc. for $20-25. Then pick up a mini keyboard [suntekstore.com] for around $20. You've got 2 mb memory and can write freestyle in the "memo" app, then transfer via the Palm Desktop sync software.
- Greg
Don't forget... (Score:3, Insightful)
The questions reminds me... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:The questions reminds me... (Score:5, Funny)
How long did it take to get that pencil removed after your room mate hammered it into your chest?
Parent
The pen and paper comments are cute, but (Score:5, Insightful)
There are easy solutions though - a used Jornada off ebay and a targus stowaway keyboard cost me less than $100. It isn't the perfect solution, but it actually addresses the poster's needs.
For all of you writing those novels on notecards with pencils, good luck with that. Seems to have worked for Stephenson.
Alphasmart products (Score:3, Interesting)
Doesn't quite meet your specs, but worth looking into.
I've always wanted one. (Score:4, Informative)
The Psion Revo/Diamond Mako was pretty close. It had a nice wide display (but it wasn't backlit), a decent keyboard (for being a 1/3rd size keyboard), a pen interface (for drawing a picture in your notes), and my favorite part is that it was a clamshell design so you could just fold-and-go.
The draw backs were that when it was new it was fairly expensive (I got mine for $50 new, but that's because the stores were just trying to get rid of them). And it had no flash memory (you let the batteries run down and you've lost everything since your last backup), and no way to insert external memory (MMC/SD/CF would have been nice).
A less powerful pda in the same form factor that sold for a little bit more than those "pocket organizers" would seem like a good idea to me. If oyu make it close enough in price to a pocket organizer, but flexible enough to do more than just addresses that'd be great.
Honestly I don't need a 400Mhz cpu, color screen, wireless headset, and 64Mb of RAM. Especially if it means I will have a $300+ device in my pocket that can get broken or stolen.
What would be neat is some arm-thumb or 68hc11 device with an MMC/SD slot(the interface to those is dead simple to do). Running maybe Contiki or some other 8-bit, but "modern" OS.
Although they have compactflash readers(look for SuperCard) for Gameboy Advance, and it's not hard to wire a small or fullsize keyboard into a GBA. You could probably build yourself something interesting with a cheap used gba and some hot glue.
TI calculator + keyboard (Score:5, Informative)
(Vernier's not the only source; they're just one of the cheaper ones. TI doesn't sell the keyboard directly anymore.)
Check out Alphasmart (Score:5, Interesting)
the Alphasmart 3000 is the cheapest version. The battery will last pretty much forever. It is an absolutely basic writing tool (other than paper and pencil) and has a good reputation also.
Psion Series 5 (look it up) (Score:4, Informative)
Jolyon
Psion Series 3 (Score:4, Interesting)
Parent
Like a mini Alphasmart Dana? (Score:4, Informative)
I'd love something like the Alphasmart Dana [alphasmart.com] except in clamshell style. Doesn't need to be incredibly tiny, just as big as a small keyboard.
Unfortunately, even if I liked the size of this device, it costs around $600. Smaller and cheaper than a laptop, my butt. I'm currently using a used IBM T21 laptop that cost $425.
It's all about the advertising! (Score:5, Funny)
Ancient technology rediscovered for your business' convenience!
This computer is manufactured using the most ancient techniques known to man. We at Saminger & Splenor Co. have combined these amazing processes with cutting edge technology to produce the most powerful mobile computing platform ever made!
FEATURES:
The screen alone is a worthy investment for your small business:
13.9 inch viewable display that is only nanometers thick!
Crisp viewing at any angle, even in bright sunlight!
Can be rolled up or even folded lightly for convenient storage!
Consumes no energy and emanates no heat
A zero latency screen refresh rate allows for instantaneous feedback!
The display also functions as a small scale topographical scanner!
Stylus based input system allows for minute movements to be recorded
Tip of stylus allows text and images to be rapidly entered
Included stylus attachment functions as a non-linear and instantaneous undo function
Optional stylus sets allow for thousands of tip shapes and thicknesses to be emulated
The CPU/RAM bundle adds even MORE functionality to your system:
-Utilizes a neural network based CPU based on a proven system that has been thoroughly tested at some of the most prestigious universities in the world
-At its peak, the RAM chip is as powerful as your short term memory, guaranteed
______________________________
To order call 1-888-555-SandS
Operators are standing by 24/7
_______________________________
Saminger & Splenor Co. - © 2004
What level of sophistication? (Score:3, Informative)
On the other hand, if you want something that can create hevily stylized documents of high quality, but where you can enter the text quickly, you're probably after a TeX-aware text editor, where you can pipe the output through LaTeX to generate a quality document, but where the source is 100% editable on something that has very low overhead.
But, then, if all you want is a jotter, rather than an actual text processor, you're really wanting something that's a graphics tablet that has enough space for only one letter/symbol, with no display, and two buttons - space and backspace. It would have all the power you'd need for a jotter, and wouldn't have anything you didn't need (such as word recognition).
Now, if what is REALLY wanted is a very fast, very small device, then a 5-key chord keyboard, with memory, should be sufficient. 2^5=32, which means you've enough combinations for all letters and a good range of symbols. A bubble memory would be fine for this, as you're just storing and recalling linear streams. Bubble is good, because it is small, low-power and can survive total loss of power.
Windows CE Handheld PCs (Score:3, Informative)
Many of the second-generation models had full-sized keyboards. They are cheap (often sub-$150), and have excellent battery life (10+ hours).
Not to mention that they boot instantly, have no moving parts, often have USB host ports, and have PCMCIA for adding Wifi or ethernet. Not to mention the color touchscreen and capability to add software like a full-featured web browser (NetFront) or word processor (TextMaker).
PSION 3c or 5x!! (Score:5, Informative)
The 3c has a small, but complete, keyboard, and typing with two fingers, I could get 20-25 wpm. It has a built-in spell checker, 80-column wide screen by at least 10 or 14 lines, can print to many printers, and with PsiWin software, import and export MS Word and Excel files seamlessly. And it runs for weeks on a pair of AA's, and there's a good backlight.
The 5mx has bigger keys, a touchscreen, and a prettier GUI, along with all the benefits described above.
Both fit in a hip or coat pocket easily. Both connect to a PC via a serial port, and your PC probably still has one of those.
Check ebay for units with PsiWin software. Then Google around for a huge library of 3rd party software.
Yes, they are both old, but Psion had more PDA experience in 1992 than Palm has now. Psion software is almostly always amazingly good.
I use a top-o-the-line color wireless Palm these days, but I still think my Psion 3c had it beat in almost all areas relating to software, power, and convenience.
Re:PSION 3c or 5x!! (Score:5, Informative)
One good thing was that I was using LaTeX at the time, and just marked up the text appropriately. Therefore, when it was dumped to my Linux desktop, I could just build the LaTeX and it was ready formatted.
The Series 5 was a good step forwards from the 3, with more power, better screen, stylus input etc. There's some info on it over at Geek.com: http://www.geek.com/hwswrev/pda/psionser5.htm [geek.com].
If you can pick one up off Ebay, there's a great user community still there. Cheap now, too.
Parent
Try a TRS Model 100/102 (Score:3, Insightful)
Type it out in plain text/ascii and format it properly when you get home and u/l the files to your real computer via it's RS-232 serial port. 16 + Hour battery life on 4 AA batteries that you can find anywhere. Full sized keyboard, small form factor. There have been many a journalist/writer who swears by one of these for use in absolutely primitive/harsh 3rd world conditions. These little suckers are apparently very tough and tres retro. Wired had an article [wired.com] about the TRS 100/102's and other old/obsolete but still serviceable computers.
Some of the lower memory versions are avaiable /near-mint/used/refurbished [club100.org] starting at $75.
Or check out E-Bay, found a few going really cheap right now:
- Model 100's
- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&c
a tegory=74947&item=5197944964&rd=1
- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&c
a tegory=1247&item=5199719083&rd=1
- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&c
a tegory=74947&item=5200179003&rd=1
- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&c
a tegory=74947&item=5201521879&rd=1
- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&c
a tegory=4193&item=5200512388&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&c
a tegory=74947&item=5200683165&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&c
a tegory=74947&item=5200683165&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
I sound like a relic, but ahhh, they don't make them like they used to...Model 102's
DaveC
K-Byte ZipIt wireless IM device + Linux re-flash (Score:3, Interesting)
--Ender
Hold off on the "It's called pencil and paper" com (Score:5, Insightful)
People should use whatever device allows them to get their thoughts out into some coherent form. For some, that's going to be a little pocket notebook, and for others who usually do their thinking in front of a keyboard, it'll be a device such as this fellow is looking for.
I'm much more productive (at this point in my life, at least) with a keyboard under my hands than with a pencil in my fingers. Said like that it sounds so unromantic... but I'm interested to hear what sorts of devices are out there.
Parent
Re:Go used (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Go used (Score:5, Interesting)
Apple eMate [everymac.com]
Basically a robust plastic drop-proof word processor running NewtonOS, with built-in IRDA wireless uplink. Ran for 24hrs on AA batteries. Horrendously overpriced (got ours free through a school, natch), but quite visionary and functional. I often wish I still had it.
I also worked for a company (well, several) that made these:
VTech Postbox Express [bid2save.com] and Companion [digitaladvisor.com]
Our products pretty much sucked (sorry), but there were a number of s'okay competitors in the market. Rather than search for portable "word-processor", you probably want to look for "email/web appliance". It's a rich market, and there are some decent deals out there for $100.
Parent
Re:Go used (Score:4, Informative)
There are two [410palm.com] companies [posltd.com] (first for North America, the second for elsewhere), that will provide service for the Psion handhelds (your biggest concern will be batteries for the Revo/Mako models). So the fact that these machines are 5+ years old shouldn't be a real problem.
If you do decide to go the Psion route, go for the 5mx or the Revo Plus (also sold as the Diamond Mako in the US). These were incremental upgrades to the originals that had solutions for some hinge problems the first versions had. I got bit by both hinge problems (Series 5 and original Revo), and I ended up with a Diamond Mako. One of the best purchases I ever made. If I have a choice (I probably won't), EPOC/Symbian handhelds with a keyboard will be the only handhelds I will ever buy. I keep hearing rumors that Nokia may be releasing an upgraded Revo-style handheld (NOT a cell phone), but I think I'm just grasping at straws there.
Parent
Re:PDA or Pocketmail? (Score:4, Interesting)
They are small, easy to carry and really work well. You can download one of the many opensource light-weight wordprocessors out there and use it quite easily in any environment.
Even the older Palms come with IR options, and so communication is not a problem.
Unless you're going to be churning out megs of text daily, it would do quite well.
Parent
Re:Tape Recorder (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Dude, a pencil! (Score:3, Insightful)
Additionally, it's damn hard to cut and paste (of the non-adhesive variety) handwritten notes and email-drafts.
Re:Jung abg whfg fbzr cncre? (Score:3, Funny)
OT: wife may not be pouting at food (Score:4, Funny)
If your wife is with you for dinner, and you start typing while she is eating, it may not be the food she is pouting about...
On the other hand, this is slashdot, so any relationship advice here is suspect...
Parent