Turns Out Typewriters Aren't 'So 100 Years Ago'

Astohaus’ smart typewriter, Freewrite, links the 19th century writer with the 21st century hipster. With the ability to connect to WiFi and save documents to the cloud, it simultaneously resembles a typewriter and a word processor.

Bereft of arrow keys or a copy/paste function and priced around $500, the Freewrite can hold a single battery charge for about a month. Its configuration includes a small digital screen just above the keyboard and a handle to carry the less-than-five-pound device.

Likely, the Freewrite will not take the place of the laptop, but it certainly adds some variety to modern-day tech offerings.

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According to a guest blog post on Freewrite's website, by unplugging, writers have the ability to make strides frequently left unmade amid writer's block periods. Selena Chambers, co-author of "The Steampunk Bible" said, "I would realize how much was left undone and how much more was now left to do. On on [sic.] that next day, I try to unplug. To do this, I have to get completely away from the computer. Sure, you can deactivate your Facebook, turn off wi-fi, unplug the router, or install some sort of time management or focus software, all of which can be turned back on, plugged in, or disabled.

“If I really want to avoid distraction, I scrawl in longhand or peck on a typewriter. ... what has become even more bewildering is that unplugging and working with focus and without noise is even harder for the twenty-first century writer to navigate."

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