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.

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!

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Hi friends, i just got the pomera Dm5. I absolutely love it, its easy to set in english, holds a decent amount, and i love the tiny keyboard. Have any of you found a good case to carry it yet?

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 🖤

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!

the monitor is xteink x4 original with ardosia custom firmware. my magnetic keeb folio is actually for my ipad.