Martin Hähnel

Writer Decks

A writerDeck is a device dedicated specifically and solely to writing. Technically, a typewriter is an analog writerDeck. But usually we mean some sort of computerized word processor, such as the Astrohaus Freewrite or the Alphasmart Neo, to name two of the most popular mass-produced versions. But these tend to be either too expensive or too limited for many writers, so many of us build our own.

This is how writerDeck.org is describing the hobby of creating your own writerDeck. I didn't know that this term had emerged, but I always liked the idea. LowTech (I've come to favor "limited tech" even more) is such an interesting concept. And having an old or mini computer setup solely for writing appeals to me in many ways.

(Found this particular rabbit hole via https://social.jvns.ca/@b0rk/114949903404363776 who linked to tinker.sh)

P.S.: I even owned an Astrohaus Freewrite at some point (and my dad, who is a professional writer, too!), but I would not in a million years recommend it. Because the company is absolute shit. I have had an insane correspondence with Astrohaus about a missed firmware update with a strict deadline I never received any email about before it was too late (some context can be found in this old reddit thread). After much hemming and hawing I got them to agree to fix it at their facility in the US - paid in full by me - only to hear after weeks that, actually, they never could fix it to begin with! And the best thing is: The Freewrite with the old firmware never even made it back to me! It got lost in the mail (with customs fees the thing had cost me upwards of 600€ if I recall correctly) - if it was ever actually sent back. An absolute atrocity of a customer service experience. Never again.