My 5 favorite Freewrite Traveler features

One of my favorite parts of the writing community is the constant exchange of nifty writing gadgets. My wallet and partner don't agree, but that's a different story.

Now, as a newish writer, I’m usually the one looking for advice, not giving it. So, you can imagine how excited I am to finally offer a tool I came across in my writing journey that has changed not only my life but the lives of my fellow writing friends, too.

Introducing my favorite writing gadget ever: Freewrite Traveler.

Is the Freewrite Traveler worth it?

I pre-ordered the Freewrite Traveler from Astrohaus before it was even on the market back in 2020. I was at a stage in my life where I wanted to write more, both for work and fun. I typically wrote creatively in the morning or late at night. However, backlighting and bright lights have never been my friend. No matter what type of filters and blue-light glasses I wore (although I do love these!), the computer backlight hurt my eyes. 

Write during the day you suggest? That was a silly suggestion at the time. We're talking about post-COVID remote school days, in which I chose to homeschool my children for a year to avoid screens (ironic). All three of my boys under six were home at the time. The number of interruptions and distractions was at an all-time high. There was no way to make it work.

When I found the Freewrite Traveler, I knew it would be an investment. I had savings and high hopes. It was still in the production phase at the time, but in my head, how long could that really take? Turns out, a long time. 

I anxiously waited months, looking for production updates every day. I sifted through all the comments from other writers, sharing concerns about how long it was taking. Maybe the Traveler was just a myth. COVID-related shipping factors were ruining everything. I even started at the drawing board again, looking into old-school typewriters I knew would drive me bonkers.  

Finally, after thinking I had wasted my money, the day arrived when the Traveler showed up at my door. I've been using it for 4 years now, with enough experience and confidence to say it was worth it. When my poetry book (among other projects) finally comes to reality, this little beauty will be to thank. Period. 

I’ll discuss how the Freewrite Traveler changed my life in a different post. It’s sappy and emotional, and I just can’t muster it today. 

My favorite Freewrite Traveler features

Alright, enough of that. Let's take a look at my top 5 favorite Freewrite Traveler features and why I’m so in love with it. 

1. Distraction Free

Distractions. How many distractions do we come across on our computers every day? Social media notifications, email notifications, system updates, shopping alerts, weather alerts, alerts to tell you how long you’ve been on your screen; the list is endless.

Freewrite Traveler is a distraction-free writing tool. It literally exists just to get your words out– nothing more. This is not a complete replacement for your laptop or desktop computer. It doesn’t have internet access or editing software. Honestly, I don’t recommend editing on this device at all. Unless, of course, you want a massive headache.

This device is designed for the sole purpose of writing to your heart’s content, just that. It’s for the writers who struggle to get their words out when life invades. Mmhm. We’re talking about the ADHD writer moms out there who check 100 emails, place their grocery orders, and make at least 10 appointments amid every drafting session. This device is for you.

2. E-Ink Screen

I cannot tell you the relief of not feeling eye strain when writing on my Traveler. As a busy mom of three, most of my writing time happens in the morning and late at night, the two times of the day when your eyes (and brain) experience the most fatigue. Backlight can make you hate writing, not because of the work, but because you feel awful staring at the screen for so long.

Freewrite Traveler’s E-ink screen allows me to write for extended periods without needing a break. I can also write outside without a glare, which is fantastic during summer break. Can I write in the dark of night? No, but that was never important to me. I have a warm desk lamp and surround myself with candles for some mood lighting, and I’m set to go.

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3. Battery Life

Freewrite Traveler comes with a lithium-polymer battery…what does this mean? For all the non-tech people out there like me, this means you can go up to four weeks without ever plugging in your unit. 

The battery life is fantastic.  I hate grabbing my laptop in an attempt to escape from my desk, only to have to go plug it back in after a few hours. I write everywhere with my Traveler. In the bathroom, on the lawn, in the car, wherever I feel like, without being married to a charger.

4. Portability

My laptop isn’t even that big, but it’s big enough to be awkward. Freewrite Traveler is small, compact, light, and easy to take wherever you go. It’s 11.3″ x 5″ x 0.97″, comparable to the size of an average paperback when folded up, just a bit longer. It doesn’t even weigh 2 pounds, and you never get that burning heat under your legs with your laptop.

5. Storage and Backup

You can store up to 1,000,000+ pages of drafts on the Freewrite Traveler, with three main folders to help you organize. Since I’m a writer of many genres, I like to separate each of my folders into a different genre and then create multiple documents within each.

But what if I need more space? Remember, this is a writing-only device. Everything else you need will still be available on your main computer, and your Traveler will back up the work to wherever you choose. 

When setting up your device, you create a cloud account through Astrohaus that will back up your work when connected to WiFi. You can also set up your device to back up to Dropbox, Google Docs, or Evernote or send your documents to your email with the click of a button. Once you’re certain they have been saved to your computer, clear your Traveler and get back to writing.

6. Keyboard

The last favorite feature is merely a personal preference, but it’s a big deal for me. I love the click-clack sound and feel of the old cherrystone keyboards. Unfortunately, most modern laptops and wireless keyboards have flatter keys. Not only are they not as satisfying to type on, but they also hurt my old gymnast wrists after a while. 

Freewrite Traveler has an awesome scissor-switch keyboard with chunkier keys. It’s just enough lift to provide some support and clicks enough to satisfy without being too loud when you’re typing in quiet public places. Or, in my case, when you’re trying not to wake children who sleep through the atomic bomb but NOT the loud clicking of their mom trying to work. 

Is Freewrite Traveler worth the price? 

I guess the answer to this question is going to depend on how much you have to spend and how much you plan to use it. 

Yes, the Freewrite is expensive compared to any other writing gadget I would recommend. It’s currently running about $529 on Amazon (free returns, free delivery), which is certainly higher than what I paid for it back in 2020, which was $395. 

However, if you plan to use the Freewrite Traveler all the time, if you have a hard time writing on your laptop, or if you write for work and can use this in your everyday practice, it’s worth it. Heck, I’m no tax expert or accountant or any tax professional, but if you work as a writer and would use this for your work, I would think it could even be considered a tax write-off. But don’t quote me. I’m just a poor poet. 

Take a chance on Freewrite Traveler

I’m not saying you must spend lots of money on writing tech to be a good writer. (In fact, I'm going to play the devil's advocate later on and go over the cons of the Traveler, just to be fair!) You can be an award-winning author by doing nothing but drafting in spiral notebooks from the Dollar Store.

But for writers like me, this tool was a game-changer. If you’re looking to invest in your career, I would suggest taking a chance on the Freewrite Traveler. For those who struggle with money, Amazon offers payment plans that could be a little more doable. 

Drop any more questions below. No, I didn’t write this blog on my Freewrite Traveler. But I should have because now my eyes are blurry. 

Till next time dreamers,

Disclaimer: This blog contains Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases to help fund my dream of being a published author and poet. I love and appreciate you so much!