Comments on: Unclutter your writing with self-imposed limitations http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/ Daily tips on how to organize your home and office. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:53:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Rachelskirts http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-45859 Rachelskirts Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:22:11 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-45859 WriteMonkey is one of the best distraction-free text editors I've found, and I use it constantly to write my blog entries. With MS Word and even Google Docs, I find myself spending all my time messing with margins and colors and fonts instead of putting together sentences. I'm so glad that programmers understand that and put out such lovely alternatives! WriteMonkey is one of the best distraction-free text editors I’ve found, and I use it constantly to write my blog entries. With MS Word and even Google Docs, I find myself spending all my time messing with margins and colors and fonts instead of putting together sentences. I’m so glad that programmers understand that and put out such lovely alternatives!

]]> By: JenK http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-12340 JenK Mon, 05 May 2008 22:21:38 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-12340 This reminds me of how I used to boot DOS and write performance reviews in Edit. This reminds me of how I used to boot DOS and write performance reviews in Edit.

]]> By: metadet http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-10856 metadet Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:12:45 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-10856 I struggled to find a simpler writing tool last year when I had some free time between jobs. I prefer the old method of handwriting on a notepad, but then there is the extra work of transcribing into a computer. I wanted a simple keyboard and readable LCD screen, not a laptop. I wanted a device that would go directly to my writing when I hit the power button, no operating system bootup, PC clutter, or other aggravations. Just a writing tool. I bought a used Palm Pilot and foldup keyboard off ebay for about $60 total. It also connect to the PC with a USB cable and automatically updates any files. The combo works ok for simple writing, though the Neo looks closer to what I wanted ergonomically. Wish I had seen it sooner. The Palm also has other functions, such as contact software, calendar, etc. but I don't use these. Just want to write. Also, on the topic of simplicity, for years I have used one Word text file as my PDA. It contains calendars for the current and next few months (pasted from http://timeanddate.com) and my list of short and long term tasks. I print this out and carry in my pocket, using as a notepad when I get a brilliant idea. I struggled to find a simpler writing tool last year when I had some free time between jobs.

I prefer the old method of handwriting on a notepad, but then there is the extra work of transcribing into a computer. I wanted a simple keyboard and readable LCD screen, not a laptop.

I wanted a device that would go directly to my writing when I hit the power button, no operating system bootup, PC clutter, or other aggravations. Just a writing tool.

I bought a used Palm Pilot and foldup keyboard off ebay for about $60 total. It also connect to the PC with a USB cable and automatically updates any files. The combo works ok for simple writing, though the Neo looks closer to what I wanted ergonomically. Wish I had seen it sooner. The Palm also has other functions, such as contact software, calendar, etc. but I don’t use these. Just want to write.

Also, on the topic of simplicity, for years I have used one Word text file as my PDA. It contains calendars for the current and next few months (pasted from http://timeanddate.com) and my list of short and long term tasks. I print this out and carry in my pocket, using as a notepad when I get a brilliant idea.

]]> By: iztok http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-10451 iztok Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:16:27 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-10451 Try also distraction free writing software Writemonkey at http://pomarancha.com/writemonkey. Some cool features ... i. Try also distraction free writing software Writemonkey at http://pomarancha.com/writemonkey. Some cool features …
i.

]]> By: Jen http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8624 Jen Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:53:34 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8624 I have an AlphaSmart Dana, and I love it to pieces. I've written well over ten novels on it, probably more, and it's still going strong. When it finally dies, I will buy another one. I use it ALL the time. I flirted with switching to an XO laptop, but the battery life really wasn't up to par. I ended up selling mine, and I haven't regretted that decision yet. I have an AlphaSmart Dana, and I love it to pieces. I’ve written well over ten novels on it, probably more, and it’s still going strong. When it finally dies, I will buy another one. I use it ALL the time.

I flirted with switching to an XO laptop, but the battery life really wasn’t up to par. I ended up selling mine, and I haven’t regretted that decision yet.

]]> By: Sam http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8619 Sam Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:42:40 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8619 @Roy Jacobsen: Q10 (http://baara.com/q10/) is the new love of my life. Thank you! @Roy Jacobsen:

Q10 (http://baara.com/q10/) is the new love of my life. Thank you!

]]> By: Andrea http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8611 Andrea Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:56:01 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8611 Just a note to say that a Neo or similar would be an amazing tool for someone who takes a lot of minutes/notes at meetings for work! I'm currently working as an admin and would love one of these to take to the meetings I attend. Just a note to say that a Neo or similar would be an amazing tool for someone who takes a lot of minutes/notes at meetings for work! I’m currently working as an admin and would love one of these to take to the meetings I attend.

]]> By: Mathieu Tozer http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8593 Mathieu Tozer Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:37:25 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8593 I wrote so very much on my Newton eMate, 10 years after it had been discontinued, for all the reasons you stated. Highly recommended if you can find one! I wrote so very much on my Newton eMate, 10 years after it had been discontinued, for all the reasons you stated. Highly recommended if you can find one!

]]> By: drew loewe http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8581 drew loewe Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:01:35 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8581 LyX is the answer for me. Free, powerful, open-source, and gorgeous output to .pdf from tiny text files. http://www.lyx.org LyX is the answer for me. Free, powerful, open-source, and gorgeous output to .pdf from tiny text files.

http://www.lyx.org

]]> By: Chet http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8509 Chet Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:30:50 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8509 Greetings from a 10-year AlphaSmart user from Malaysia. The great thing about AlphaSmart is that it lets you concentrate on your writing physically away from a computer. The various alternatives mentioned here are still found in a computer, so the distractions are still there - to go and check email, chat with friends on IMs, play a game, etc. True, we can resist, but all these distractions are still there in the same machine. True, we can switch off the Internet but it is always within easy reach for us to turn it back on. On the other hand, the AlphaSmart is a stand-alone machine that can take you physically away from the computer to go and write somewhere pleasant. AlphaSmart users have always enjoyed being able to write away from the desk (as in the standard environment that we usually write in), but today, after reading this article and the comments, I realised that AlphaSmart really lets me write away from the computer. Sure, a laptop will also let me write away from the desk, but not from the usual computer distractions. The AlphaSmart does. And it's a great machine which does one thing and does it really well. Disclaimer: I am not an AlphaSmart employee, altho I have previously been a moderator on the now defunct online AlphaSmart Community Center. We do have a group on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/groups/alphasmart/), and you are welcome to visit with any questions you may have. Thank you. Greetings from a 10-year AlphaSmart user from Malaysia. The great thing about AlphaSmart is that it lets you concentrate on your writing physically away from a computer.

The various alternatives mentioned here are still found in a computer, so the distractions are still there – to go and check email, chat with friends on IMs, play a game, etc. True, we can resist, but all these distractions are still there in the same machine. True, we can switch off the Internet but it is always within easy reach for us to turn it back on.

On the other hand, the AlphaSmart is a stand-alone machine that can take you physically away from the computer to go and write somewhere pleasant. AlphaSmart users have always enjoyed being able to write away from the desk (as in the standard environment that we usually write in), but today, after reading this article and the comments, I realised that AlphaSmart really lets me write away from the computer. Sure, a laptop will also let me write away from the desk, but not from the usual computer distractions. The AlphaSmart does. And it’s a great machine which does one thing and does it really well.

Disclaimer: I am not an AlphaSmart employee, altho I have previously been a moderator on the now defunct online AlphaSmart Community Center. We do have a group on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/groups/alphasmart/), and you are welcome to visit with any questions you may have. Thank you.

]]> By: Mer http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8449 Mer Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:31:59 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8449 I don't need fancy tricks, I just tell myself that when I get the required output for the day completed, I can surf all I want. I don’t need fancy tricks, I just tell myself that when I get the required output for the day completed, I can surf all I want.

]]> By: MJ http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8424 MJ Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:09:37 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8424 "At some point in our technological past we perfected word processing. Every feature since then seems to have subtracted from the experience." I did love Word 5.2 for the Mac. I once reported a bug in the Equation Editor that had never been reported. This was back when telephone support still came free with the software, and the guy on the other end of the line was so excited about getting an unreported bug. I've still got it on a Mac Classic that is unfortunately not as portable as a Neo... maybe I should look on eBay for one of those Classic-sized backpacks they used to sell. :-) Of course, I'm not sure I've got anything else with a floppy drive anymore, so my immortal prose might end up stuck forever on the Classic's approx. 180MB hard drive. “At some point in our technological past we perfected word processing. Every feature since then seems to have subtracted from the experience.”

I did love Word 5.2 for the Mac. I once reported a bug in the Equation Editor that had never been reported. This was back when telephone support still came free with the software, and the guy on the other end of the line was so excited about getting an unreported bug.

I’ve still got it on a Mac Classic that is unfortunately not as portable as a Neo… maybe I should look on eBay for one of those Classic-sized backpacks they used to sell. :-) Of course, I’m not sure I’ve got anything else with a floppy drive anymore, so my immortal prose might end up stuck forever on the Classic’s approx. 180MB hard drive.

]]> By: Terry Finley http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8393 Terry Finley Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:32:04 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8393 Are you saying that we writers are just plain spoiled and do not have to think enough? If so, I agree. Are you saying that we writers
are just plain spoiled and do
not have to think enough?
If so, I agree.

]]> By: John http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8391 John Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:50:50 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8391 We used to use something exactly like the alphasmart about 10 years ago or so when I was in middle school. I think it had a few more "function" buttons but this is not the first product of its kind for sure. I believe the ones we used you plugged into the keyboard outlet and it just spat all the text out with the push of a button. The advantage of not using a laptop is if your writing refers to other documents you might want open at the time, or a paper for school where you're doing research online. And not being able to see whole paragraphs might be odd for me. We used to use something exactly like the alphasmart about 10 years ago or so when I was in middle school. I think it had a few more “function” buttons but this is not the first product of its kind for sure. I believe the ones we used you plugged into the keyboard outlet and it just spat all the text out with the push of a button.

The advantage of not using a laptop is if your writing refers to other documents you might want open at the time, or a paper for school where you’re doing research online. And not being able to see whole paragraphs might be odd for me.

]]> By: Elizabeth Fischer http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/comment-page-1/#comment-8389 Elizabeth Fischer Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:42:14 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/2008/02/22/unclutter-your-writing-with-self-imposed-limitations/#comment-8389 Sorry. Superduh. Can order from manufacturer direct. Sorry. Superduh. Can order from manufacturer direct.

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