Writing Anywhere Using the NEO by Alphasmart

Several months ago, I did a Web search for a portable, cheap, easy-to-use word processor that could also withstand the occasional rough treatment. As a student and full-time freelance writer, I have a top-of-the-line computer with all the bells and whistles - including an awesome Web package - at home. So, I didn't need a similar gadget to tote around with me.

I'm also a very busy mom-on-the-go of four children under 6 (hence the rough-treatment requirement), so I needed something I could whip out anywhere to type articles, book chapters or assignments. Yet it also needed to handle being thrown around, stepped on and otherwise abused. Lucky me, I found the NEO keyboard by Alphasmart.

This handy little gadget features a full-size keyboard with a small screen. It runs on rechargeable batteries so you can charge it up and take it anywhere. It's light, so it can fit in your backpack, briefcase or, if you're like me, diaper bag, no problem. You get 2 MB of software storage and 512 KB of storage space for hundreds of pages of work. When you've finished your work, you can either attach it to your computer and download it into Microsoft Word or hook it right up to the printer. And the best part is that you can get it for about the equivalent of $250-$300 Cdn! Wow!

Since I don't need Web access when I'm out and about, the NEO is perfect for me. It gives me what I need: something to type my thoughts out on, since I type a lot faster than I write. But for those who need online access, there is an upgraded version of NEO called the DANA that offers wireless access starting at about $453.

What sold me on the NEO is the fact that it's used in classrooms all over North America as a form of assistive technology. Since my oldest daughter has special needs, this little keyboard gives her an extra boost to keep up with homework and classroom activities.

The NEO may not be the most technologically advanced gadget out there, but it's affordable, easy-to-use and extremely portable. And anything that makes my life just a little easier is aces in my book.