I’d like to introduce you to my AlphaSmart 3000. That’s right – I’ve traded in my laptop for a 4-line word processor. I still have my HP, but I’m not writing on it. Why? Because I have a problem with Solitaire … and Facebook … and Gmail. There are just too many things on my computer that distract me.
I’ve fought this transition for a long time. I mean, I’m a writer. I love writing. I should sit down at my computer and type because I can’t help it, right? Words should flow from my fingers. Nothing should get in the way of creative genius.
Yeah, right.
For someone as organized and orderly as me, I’m the poster child for literary ADD. Anything and everything can and will distract me. I don’t like to sit in silence, so my thinking moments turn into media/cleaning/emailing extravaganzas. I’ve finally decided it’s time to take drastic measures.
For $26 I logged on to eBay and bought myself an AlphaSmart 300 (which really means that my husband did it for me). This compact, lightweight machine fits in my purse (though it came with its own carrying bag), has a 350 hour charge (700 hours for a 20 wpm typer, but I’m much faster than that), and it doesn’t have any distracting icons – just a tiny green/black dot-matrix scree with the blinking black box cursor.
I love it!
By the time you read this I will have written many articles, blog posts, and chapters on my AlphaSmart 3000, but this is my first. I think I’m going to love it. I hope I’m going to love it. I think I’m loving it right now (I just need to get used to the keyboard).
So now I own a piece of outdated technology to help me become a more prolific writer. Have you ever taken an unexpected step to improve your career?
One of the smartest moves I’ve ever heard of anyone making. Wow! Karin, a great idea. I think I have
a word processor in my attic! I never could figure out how to use it then, but now, it would be a breeze! Great idea, only probably is, I’d have it in my office and would probably still check the other medias as I worked. As an agent, I fill chained to my email in case a client sends me something. So…on second thought, good idea for you, not so good an idea for me. Errggh. You had me there for a second!
I’ve used it the past couple of days and have gotten a lot written. It really has been good for me!
Oops, I meant problem, not probably. double eerrrggghhh
I agree – BRILLIANT. May have to ponder this myself.
For less than $30 it’s an investment I was willing to make. If it didn’t work out I wasn’t out much money, but it’s working well!
Hi Karin,
Had a little time to browse your blog. I have at times done this very same thing,
because I am also easily distracted. You definitely got the better deal. 🙂 I bought
my Alpha Smart before I could afford a laptop, but paid almost full price
for it. I still pull it out occasionally–and probably should pull it out more
often to be more productive. A great investment for you!