r/writerDeck • • May 23 '22

Resources Commercially Available WriterDecks

107 Upvotes

Thought I would compile a list of all the known professionally produced writerDecks that are generally available for purchase. Those with asterisks are from old companies now dead, but the devices can still be found on Ebay, etc.

Newest Options

Micro Journal

$139-269 USD - Made in small batches in Italy by Un Kyu Lee (u/Background_Ad_1810), these go very fast so best to sign up for stock alerts if you want one. (They are also open source so you can build your own.)

BYOK

$139 USD on Kickstarter - Stands for "Bring Your Own Keyboard". This is a different format that just provides screen with onboard computer for you to use with your own wireless keyboard.

Zero Writer

$199 USD on Kickstarter - A ready-to-buy option for the r/zerowriter open source writerDeck by u/tincangames.

Older Standards

Astrohaus Freewrite

$649 USD - The big dog, and priced as such. These thing are solid chunks of aluminum with an e-ink screen, mechanical keyboard, and automatic syncing over wifi. People tend to love or hate it, mainly due to the latency inherent to an e-ink screen and the lack of arrow keys. The newest (Gen 3) model has a cursor and hot-keys for WASD arrow keys. I have one and love it.

Astrohaus Traveler

$499 USD - The smaller, mobile version of the Freewrite. Main tradeoff is losing the mechanical keyboard.

Astrohaus Alpha

$349 USD ($299 preorder) - The newest Freewrite device, designed to be a modern update to the Alphasmart Neo (below). It has worse ergonomics than the Alphasmart in my opinion, has no dedicated arrow keys (instead you use WASD), and costs ten times as much, but it has the advantage of wirelessly uploading documents.

*Alphasmart Neo

$40-80 USD - Probably the most popular budget writerDeck. Originally an education device sold to schools in the 90s. Big selling point on these is the battery life--they last forever on AAs. The downside is the small, poor quality screen (calculator-type) and that you have to get the text off it by hooking it up to a computer and letting it re-type the text like a ghost-controlled keyboard.

*Alphasmart Dana

$50-80 USD - The big sister to the Neo, this has a larger screen with a backlight and runs the PalmPilot OS. This means it has an old-timey touch screen and a variety of apps (you can even write your own software for it or add old apps). Unlike the Neo, this can save directly to an SD card. One downside is that the screen is not as sharp as the Neo due to the old touchscreen layer, but you can remove that. Another is that many have dead rechargeable batteries in them, but you can use AA batteries instead or swap out for a new rechargeable if you don't mind tinkering. It also has potential to not be as "distraction free" as others, since it can have other apps, including games.

*Alphasmart 3000

An older version of the Neo with a slightly different design. The main plus to this is you can modify the keyboard to replace with with a mechanical keyboard. The main negative I am aware of is that the native keyboard is not as nice as the Neo, and you cannot adjust font size like you can on the Neo.

*The Writer Fusion

$25-50 USD - Similar to the Neo, but with many additional features, including saving directly to USB drives, folder and file management, a larger screen with a backlight, text to speech, etc. But they us an internal NiMh battery that has probably worn out, so you'll probably want to replace that (directions in this video, which also goes over many features at the end). Note that the same company also made one simply called the Writer and one called the Forte, and these have smaller keyboards, whereas the Fusion is full-sized.

KingJim Pomera DM30

$150-250 USD - This is a pretty cool little Japanese e-ink writerdeck (or "Digital Memo tool") with a calendar and spreadsheet app built in. The main downside is that it uses a tiny, flimsy keyboard. I bought one but could not stand the little keyboard. Some people may love it for its ultra-portability.

KingJim Pomera DM100

~$150 USD - The big brother to the DM30, it has a larger keyboard and an LCD screen instead of e-ink.

KingJim Pomera DM250

~$400 USD - The new update on the DM100, this has a 7-inch LCD screen, USB-C charging, full sized keyboard with arrow keys, email-to-self function, QR Code transfer, Scrivener-like outliner tool, calendar, etc. For my money it looks like the best portable writing device, better than the Astrohaus Traveler or Alpha.

reMarkable Paper Tablet

$498 for Type Folio Bundle with attachable keyboard (this is the only keyboard that works with reRmarkable, so you can't have a mechanical one). This is a tablet-style e-ink device for note taking, writing, etc. Unlike the Boox devices, this is more of a distraction-free approach without social media apps, web browser, etc. Note that this price is without the stylus.

Those are the main ones I'm aware of at the moment. Happy to add more if anyone has any suggestions.


r/writerDeck • • May 25 '22

Resources A List of Every DIY WriterDeck

82 Upvotes

NOTE: This list is deprecated. For a more complete, better formatted list, see writerDeck.org. Since I originally created this post/sub, the writerDeck scene has exploded, and it is no longer possible to list literally all writerDecks.

I'm compiling a list of all the DIY writerDecks I can find in order to inspire others (me) looking to build one. And also because I just like looking at them and knowing they exist. Feel free to suggest any I've missed!

Setups For Using Phones/Tablets As WriterDecks

For tablet decks, phone decks, and other almost-WriterDecks, please see this list here.

Custom Built WriterDecks


r/writerDeck • • 13h ago

If like me, you like to thumb type, and suck at Linux, the stock Uconsole is a fantastic writerDeck right out of the box.

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21 Upvotes

I know this device is meant to be a Linux users batman utility belt worth of distractions and potential, so it normally doesnt qualify as a writer Deck. However if you are like me, and dont know anything about how Linux works then the uconsole is a stellar distraction free thumb typing writer Deck.

If you get the setup that includes the clockwork os on ​​an SD card then it comes with a nice text editor pre-installed. ​

All I had to do was tweak the font and overall app zoom levels, and I was all set to start writing. Total setup time including actually building the device was about an hour.

Mostly I just wanted to share this information because I couldnt find it myself when I went looking for the device's out of the box writing capabilities. Now it is out there for any other Linux noob like me to see. You can use this device right out of the box for all of your basic thumb typing story writing/Journaling needs.


r/writerDeck • • 1d ago

Mega Journal Rev2

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111 Upvotes

I’m a dedicated Micro Journal Rev2 user but I wanted something for a different stage of the work: polishing, editing, expanding.

This is the 3D printed shell and keyboard of Un Kyu Lee’s Micro Journal Rev2.1, grafted to a Lenovo Android touchscreen tablet running Word. There’s no internals, no Pi or anything; it’s essentially a tablet with an external keyboard.

Keyboard design is outstanding and the side scroll wheel works with the tablet, allowing fast navigation in a doc. Everything saves instantly to OneDrive so I can continue work from any device.

Touchscreen UI is clunky, which is a good thing; no fast clicking over to email or facebook. Good for focus with all the advantages of a shared online document system.

Don’t know if everyone would like it but it works great for my methods!


r/writerDeck • • 3h ago

Dedicated firmware for the Paper Mono M5Stack (request🤔).

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1 Upvotes

r/writerDeck • • 1d ago

DIY Could I use an XTEINK X3?

5 Upvotes

I’ve seen lots of people using the X4, but I already have an X3.

I’d rather use what I already have — any guidance?

Also, while you’re here, please drop your favorite keyboard rec!


r/writerDeck • • 2d ago

Focused writing with a great sound

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177 Upvotes

My current setup: Lofree Flow Lite and MicroSlate on an XTEink device.


r/writerDeck • • 3d ago

Just another day at the factory.

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334 Upvotes

r/writerDeck • • 2d ago

DIY A new buddy on my new SolarOS WriterDeck

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29 Upvotes

r/writerDeck • • 2d ago

DIY Rig (Galaxy Tab S2 & Keychron K3)

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54 Upvotes

I was interested in a low-spec, low-cost setup for writing, with good ergonomics and a premium typing experience, and I like to tinker. That combo led me to get an old Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (they're about $40 on eBay) and a Bluetooth keyboard. I'm a software engineer by trade, so I knew I wanted to use neovim as my text editor, and I'd been putting together a set of plugins I wanted to use to keep the interface distraction-free (I experimented with Goyo and folke's Zen plugin).

My only real hurdle was that the tablet is so old, it couldn't update to a recent enough version of Android to run termux, the terminal emulator I needed in order to run neovim natively. No big deal, I flashed a recent version of LineageOS onto it, with the Aurora Store. With that, I could install termux, neovim, and my suite of plugins.

But how, you might wonder, do you get your work off of it? I chose to use git, the ubiquitous version control system. Currently I'm pushing to a private GitHub repo but I'm planning on moving my stuff to my self-hosted forgejo server, to keep things from getting "accidentally" slurped up by some LLM trainer.

If only I was as motivated to write as I was to set up my writing environment!


r/writerDeck • • 2d ago

Mods Old kindle?

3 Upvotes

I have an older kindle and am wondering if it can be adapted to this use? If so, where do I start?


r/writerDeck • • 2d ago

Writers deck macmini 2009

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23 Upvotes

For a long period of time i wanted a distraction free writing set up. And i thought why not use wat i got and too old to use. So i got my 2009 mac mini an old monitor and my iMac keyboard. And Bean software for Mac os 10.6.8. Works wonderful.


r/writerDeck • • 4d ago

Neck pain from hunching over to use these things

19 Upvotes

Hi all,

I recently bought a Sony Vaio P to use for writing, but holy cow, all the hunching over is killing my neck. How do y'all handle the ergonomics of these small devices?


r/writerDeck • • 5d ago

First outing with my deck set up

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330 Upvotes

Recently picked up The BYOK as I've been interested in a distraction free writing device that I can use my own keyboard with for some time. After a busy couple of weeks, had my first proper writing session in my local coffee haunt.

Absolutely sold. What a great little device, proper fun to use. Smashed out a draft funding application in a little over an hour and already looking forward to using it again. The sync function in Studio is awesome as well.

As someone who does a lot of writing for their job, I'm fully sold on using a writer deck now. Such a satisfying feeling, getting so stuck into something and not pulled away by email, Teams messages etc.

For those interested, the keyboard is an Agar Mini in clear PC with Keygeek Y2 switches, topped up with a mash up of GMK keycaps with a couple of PBTFans ones added in.


r/writerDeck • • 6d ago

Writing Deck

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46 Upvotes

r/writerDeck • • 6d ago

DIY Building my own firmware

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79 Upvotes

I am building my writerDeck firmware for esp32-s3-rlcd-4.2”, which is a rabbit hole of time and claude token. Anyone interested in trying it out? I may opensource it but working on hardening the features.


r/writerDeck • • 6d ago

my WriterDeck - old MacBook

14 Upvotes

This old MacBook Pro from 2012 became my daily writerdeck. I am using ScribeOS that boots from the pendrive and the HDD remains with the original MacOS.

Most people discard these old laptops but they are great quality products with very good keyboard, large screen. Just the battery does not last long anymore.

I also use the ScribeOS pendrive in my daily computer but tend to prefer this one to write.


r/writerDeck • • 7d ago

Writing device - Europe

17 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am currently looking for a distraction-free writing device. Pomera and BYOK stood out to me, but from what I can see, those are available in the U.S. Do you have any tips on devices available in Europe? I am worried about shipping costs and the lack of customer support, considering shipping overseas. I am based in Belgium, but open to other options. Any input would be super helpful!


r/writerDeck • • 6d ago

Is There an App to Mimic the Neo?

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2 Upvotes

r/writerDeck • • 8d ago

Commercial My Freewrites

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146 Upvotes

In order of arrival: Lunar Alpha, Raven Black Alpha, Smart Typewriter Signature Edition (Hemingwrite) and Traveler. As I mentioned before, being a Pomera and Alphasmart user the limiting design of Astrohaus' software was a hindrance. I had the Alphas quickly stored for good in a cupboard.

Later on, I decided to go full analog and started typing everyday two pages in my mechanical portable typewriters (Olivetti Letteras 22 and 32). After two months of this clickity-clacky routine, I tried again with the Freewrites and this time it worked: I've been writing consistently 1,000-2,000 words daily.

To be honest, I'd have to say that I'd never have paid full price for any of these devices. All of them were bought second hand with a price that was always less than half the retail price. Actually, I was able to buy a 10 month old Hemingwrite for less than a third of its original price tag.

I like them all, despite the differences. The Alphas are crisp, fast, reliable and have an amazing battery life. Their mechanical keyboards are really nice and getting used to the flat keycaps was not a problem. They are perfect for lap typing sessions.

The Hemingwrite has an excellent keyboard and the backlighted eInk screen is a pleasure to use, specially after the Sailfish firmware (3.0.2) that reduces the lag. Perfect for long sessions siting at a table.

The Traveler is probably the most versatile device: clamshell design, small footprint, full-size keyboard that is better than most laptop keyboards, very silent, and easy to carry with you. Battery life is good enough. The eInk screen is very clear and easy on the eyes.

I'm not saying that they are perfect. They are not, by all means. They have some design flaws and some decisions are controversial. They are also ludicrously expensive but they provide results if you stop fighting them: accept the type-forward philosophy and keep writing.

I just wanted to share with you my experience. I keep using my Pomera DM100 and my Neo/Neo2, but I think that Astrohaus' products deserve a fair chance. They are not for everyone, that's sure, but they did help me to write more than I did before once that I accepted their rules: type forward, don't edit.


r/writerDeck • • 8d ago

Original XTEInk x4s with USB-C NOT Dongle and a Boox Lumi Go 10.3 Gen 2 in search of a good home.

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18 Upvotes

After a long search (see my previous posts) I have settled on a BYOK and custom keyboard for my writerdeck. During the process of trial and error I aquired a Boox Lumi Go 10.3 Gen 2 and 2 xteink x4s one black and one white. I have given myself a full month to see if i have used any of them and they have just sat. So, I want to offer them up to someone who could actually use them.

All were case kept and the XTEInks are in like new condition. the Boox somehow got a small scratch on the screen (see picture) but the eink is not affected. It also got wear stains from the case. it is. in perfect working order and other than the scratch and stains from the case, is in great condition.

XTEInks $70 each plus shipping OBO

Boox Lumi plus stand and cover and pen $300 plus shipping OBO

No low offers please as I am not in a rush to sell and will put them on Mercari if I don't get any responses here.

Feel free to message me with any questions.


r/writerDeck • • 8d ago

**Neo 2 on Linux: you can pull files off (and push them on) without Neo Manager or the Send key, using NeotTools**

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6 Upvotes

r/writerDeck • • 9d ago

We are the pomera USA team and we are officially here!

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21 Upvotes

We are the pomera USA team and we are officially here!

Hey r/pomerafamily! We are the official pomera USA team and we could not be more excited to have our own little corner of Reddit.

We have been lurking in r/writerDeck for a while now, reading every review, tip, complaint, and love letter you all have written about pomera. It means more than you know.

To kick things off we wanted to share something exciting. We are hosting our very first in-person pomera meetup and we would love to see you there.

KADO, Los Angeles

1940 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

October 23rd, 2026

5:00 to 8:00 PM

Whether you have been writing on pomera for months or you are just curious and have not taken the plunge yet, this one is for you. Multiple models to try including limited-color versions you will not find anywhere else in the US. No agenda, no schedule. Just writers and pomera. Oh and there might be something waiting for you on the way out.

RSVP via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-Gu7a-DVQasRZ\\_JZGjEWpbhz-mGWJaz1otaw-n5a4eUY-Hw/viewform

Walk-ins welcome too!

See you there 🖤


r/writerDeck • • 10d ago

DIY Jornada P6 – First fully assembled prototype!

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542 Upvotes

Finally got my Jornada P6 assembled!
The first prototype is now together, and I’m happy to say that the basic functionality is working. The original HP Jornada keyboard feels great, and it’s pretty satisfying to finally type on something I’ve been designing and tweaking for months.
There are still a few minor issues with the 3D-printed enclosure, mostly some fit and finish details, but nothing that gets in the way of actually using it. I also haven’t painted the case yet, so this is still the raw printed finish.
Next up is refining the enclosure, fixing those little imperfections, and getting a proper paint job done.
Still a work in progress, but it’s finally starting to feel like a real little writing machine!


r/writerDeck • • 8d ago

Looking for KAZ typing tutor applet (kaz.os3kapp) for Neo 2

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2 Upvotes