Astrohaus#Smart Typewriter

In 2014, Leeb and Paul started a Kickstarter campaign for the Hemingwrite, a portable electronic typewriter with an e-ink screen, mechanical keyboard, memory storage, and an aluminum case. The product was pitched as a "distraction-free" writing device.{{Cite web |last=Karcz |first=Anthony |title=Hemingwrite Is Coming Back As An Officially-Licensed Limited Edition |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonykarcz/2021/07/15/hemingwrite-is-coming-back-as-an-officially-licensed-limited-edition/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Hemingwrite: You do one thing on this computer, and that's write |url=https://www.cnet.com/science/hemingwrite-you-do-one-thing-on-this-computer-and-thats-write/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=CNET |language=en}}

Following the campaign, Astrohaus began taking public orders for the Smart Typewriter in 2016.{{Cite web |last=Ingraham |first=Nathan |date=2016-02-23 |title=The smart typewriter is here |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016-02-23-freewrite-smart-typewriter-launch.html |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}} The company started a crowdfund project for their second product, the Traveler, on Indiegogo in 2018.{{Cite web |last=Linder |first=Brad |date=2018-10-01 |title=Freewrite Traveler is a portable writing machine (not a laptop) |url=https://liliputing.com/freewrite-traveler-is-a-portable-writing-machine-not-a-laptop/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Liliputing |language=en-US}} In 2024, Astrohaus followed up with the Alpha, which was also subject to a crowdfunding campaign, and was their third word processor in the Freewrite series.{{Cite magazine |last=Freeman-Mills |first=Max |date=2024-05-19 |title=The Freewrite Alpha Is for People Who Just Want to Get Stuff Done |url=https://www.wired.com/review/review-freewrite-alpha/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |magazine=WIRED |language=en-US}}

In 2025, Astrohaus announced the Freewrite Wordrunner, a mechanical computer keyboard with additional features for document navigation and timing. Astrohaus is intending to raise funds on Kickstarter, with a campaign planned for March 2025.{{Cite web |last=Liszewski |first=Andrew |date=2025-01-09 |title=Freewrite's latest keyboard has a mechanical word-counter to track your writing |url=https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/9/24339811/astrohaus-freewrite-wordrunner-mechanical-keyboard |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Wordrunner Reservation |url=https://wordrunner.getfreewrite.com/products/wordrunner-reservation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225072847/https://wordrunner.getfreewrite.com/products/wordrunner-reservation |archive-date=2025-02-25 |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Freewrite Store |language=en}}

{{Infobox Information appliance

| name = Freewrite Smart Typewriter

| image = Astrohaus_Freewrite_Smart_Typewriter.png

| manufacturer = Astrohaus

| type = Typewriter

| storage = Embedded flash memory

| os =

| input = Full-size mechanical keyboard, Kailh Box Brown switches (gen 3) or Cherry MX (gen 1 & 2)

| power = Lithium-ion polymer battery

| display = E-Ink screen w/ frontlight

| connectivity = USB-C, 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi

| dimensions = {{convert|11.7|×|9.3|×|2.8|in|cm|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|4.0|lb|abbr=on}}

| generation = 1, 2, 3

}}

The Freewrite Smart Typewriter is the first dedicated writing device by Astrohaus, revealed in a Kickstarter campaign in 2014 and sold publicly in 2016, originally named the Hemingwrite. It's uses black aluminum for the body, a front-lit e-ink screen, a full mechanical keyboard, Wi-Fi, and embedded storage. As of generation 3, the keyboard uses Kailh Box brown switches and supports 60 languages and 85 layouts.{{Cite web |last=Store |first=Freewrite |title=Smart Typewriter (Gen3) |url=https://getfreewrite.com/products/freewrite-smart-typewriter-3rd-gen |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Freewrite Store |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bogost |first=Ian |date=2016-05-09 |title=This 'Smart Typewriter' Is Supposed to Free You From Your Computer |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/05/freewrite/481566/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}}

There are different generations of the Smart Typewriter with minor iterations in the hardware and feel, and different levels of support for future software updates.

File:Astrohaus Freewrite Hemingwrite Smart Typewriter.png

In 2021, Astrohaus released the Hemingwrite edition based on the second-generation model (also marketed as the Ernest Hemingway Freewrite Signature Edition) in collaboration with Hemingway's estate. This is not to be confused with the original version from the Kickstarter campaign, which is essentially the base Smart Typewriter model. The licensed Hemingwrite version has a hand-polished aluminum body in silver, dark green keys, and a leather briefcase. Hemingway's signature is engraved on the case, and an image of Hemingway appears on screen.{{Cite web |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=2021-07-15 |title=The latest distraction-free Freewrite features an Ernest Hemingway monogrammed attaché case |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/07/15/the-latest-distraction-free-freewrite-features-an-ernest-hemingway-monogrammed-attache-case/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Store |first=Freewrite |title=Ernest Hemingway Freewrite Signature Edition |url=https://getfreewrite.com/products/hemingwrite |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225033406/https://getfreewrite.com/products/hemingwrite |archive-date=2025-02-25 |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Freewrite Store |language=en}}

There have been several limited edition colorways released across different generations of the Smart Typewriter, including Ink, Mint, Lemon, Sea Blue and Valentine. Astrohaus also produced 100 units of a white model known as the Cream edition; these were given away as part of a promotion in 2020.{{Cite web |title=Limited Edition Cream Freewrite |url=https://gleam.io/Sf3Gw/limited-edition-cream-freewrite-holiday-giveaway |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=gleam.io |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Store |first=Freewrite |title=Win a Limited Edition Cream Freewrite! |url=https://getfreewrite.com/pages/limited-edition-freewrite-holiday-giveaway |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918160221/https://getfreewrite.com/pages/limited-edition-freewrite-holiday-giveaway |archive-date=2020-09-18 |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Freewrite Store |language=en}}

{{Infobox Information appliance

| name = Freewrite Traveler

| image = Astrohaus Freewrite Traveler.png

| manufacturer = Astrohaus

| type = Electronic word processor

| storage = Embedded flash memory

| os =

| input = Full-size scissor switch

| power = Lithium-ion polymer battery

| display = E-Ink screen

| connectivity = USB-C, 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi

| dimensions = {{convert|11.3|×|5.0|×|0.97|in|cm|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|1.6|lb|abbr=on}}

| generation = 1

| cpu =

| release date = 2018

| caption =

}}

The Freewrite Traveler is an ultra-portable digital word processor with a clamshell design made from polycarbonate. It is primarily intended for portability, and unlike the Smart Typewriter and Alpha, it does not use a mechanical keyboard, opting for a full-size scissor switch keyboard instead. It also uses an E-Ink screen, storage, battery, and Wi-Fi.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Traveler |url=https://getfreewrite.com/products/freewrite-traveler |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Freewrite Store |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Giordano |first=Medea |date=2021-10-13 |title=The Freewrite Traveler Is a Distracted Writer's Friend |url=https://www.wired.com/review/freewrite-traveler/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |magazine=WIRED |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2020-10-27 |title=The Freewrite Traveler is a lovely (and flawed) e-ink typewriter |url=https://www.engadget.com/astrohaus-freewrite-traveler-eink-typewriter-review-130000032.html |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}

The Traveler was crowdfunded via Indiegogo in 2018, with the first units shipped in January 2019. The original model featured a white interior and red accents on some of the buttons, and a glossy black outer case. The Traveler also has a document manager built into the software, with physical buttons unlike the folder switch on the Smart Typewriter.{{Cite web |last=Vorenkamp |first=Mark |date=2020-10-28 |title=Freewrite Traveler, Hands-On at Last! |url=https://geekdad.com/2020/10/freewrite-traveler-hands-on-at-last/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=GeekDad |language=en-US}} Some reviewers have compared the device to a laptop due to its form factor, and Astrohaus has marketed it as a potential laptop alternative.{{Cite web |last=Brant |first=Tom |date=2020-11-10 |title=Astrohaus Freewrite Traveler Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/astrohaus-freewrite-traveler |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=PCMAG |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Adi |date=2020-10-27 |title=The Freewrite Traveler is a retro word processor that's fatally ahead of its time |url=https://www.theverge.com/21527247/astrohaus-freewrite-traveler-word-processor-review |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}

In November 2023, Astrohaus released the Ghost edition, which featured a fully transparent case and transparent keys; it was intended as a limited edition with only one batch produced.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-11-14 |title=Introducing Traveler Ghost |url=https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/introducing-traveler-ghost |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Freewrite Store |language=en}} The device was reportedly inspired by the transparent plastic fad of the 1990s and Y2K-era aesthetic.{{Cite web |last=Cardwell |first=Cameron |date=2023-12-05 |title=The Freewrite "Ghost" Edition Traveler Is Inspired By Y2K-Era Gadgets |url=https://hiconsumption.com/tech/freewrite-ghost-edition-traveler/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=HiConsumption |language=en-US}}

{{Infobox Information appliance

| name = Freewrite Alpha

| image = Astrohaus Freewrite Alpha Raven Black.png

| manufacturer = Astrohaus

| type = Electronic word processor

| storage = Embedded flash memory

| os =

| input =

| power = Lithium-ion polymer battery

| display = FSTN LCD Display ({{convert|164|×|25|mm|in|abbr=on}})

| connectivity = USB-C, 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi

| dimensions = {{convert|12.6|×|8.5|×|0.8|in|cm|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|1.6|lb|abbr=on}}

| generation = 1

| cpu = ESP32-S3-WROOM-1

| release date = 2023 (pre-order)

| caption = The original Raven Black edition

}}{{See also|AlphaSmart}}

The Freewrite Alpha is a digital word processor which uses a mechanical keyboard, LED display, Wi-Fi, battery, built-in storage, and a polycarbonate construction. It was developed as a portable and more affordable version of the Smart Typewriter. It was available for pre-order in 2023 and went on sale in January 2024.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Alpha Is Here |url=https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/this-is-alpha |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Freewrite Store |language=en}} The Alpha bears similarities in name and design to the AlphaSmart range of typing devices produced for the education sector, and has been described as its spiritual successor; Astrohaus subsequently bought the AlphaSmart domain name and redirected it to the Freewrite storefront.{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Ian Carlos |date=2022-08-29 |title=Freewrite's new smart typewriter is a spiritual AlphaSmart successor |url=https://www.inverse.com/input/tech/freewrite-alphasmart-e-ink-smart-typewriter-writing |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Input |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-09-27 |title=Freewrite Alpha is the cheapest smart typewriter Astrohaus has made yet |url=https://www.engadget.com/freewrite-alpha-portable-smart-typewriter-140005201.html |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}

The Alpha uses a full-size mechanical keyboard based on Kailh Choc V2 low-profile switches.{{Cite web |last=Hawkins |first=Joshua |date=2024-04-19 |title=The Freewrite Alpha Can Help Writers Focus, But It Feels (and Sounds) Cheap |url=https://au.lifehacker.com/hardware/11416/news/the-freewrite-alpha-can-help-writers-focus-but-it-feels-and-sounds-cheap |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Lifehacker Australia |language=en-au}} It has replaceable key caps, albeit some function keys have non-standard mounting points and require specialty caps. It also has a kickstand at the back of the device.{{Cite web |last=Barr |first=Kyle |date=2023-12-11 |title=Freewrite Alpha Review: Can This Minimalistic E-Typewriter Cure My Writer's Block? |url=https://gizmodo.com/freewrite-alpha-review-performance-e-typewriter-writing-1851082685 |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-US}} The first standard version of the Alpha was styled after the Smart Typerwriter colorway, with the Lunar model offered as a special edition. The Alpha features a reflective FSTN LCD display, but since 2024, new limited-edition models use a non-reflective display with a backlight.{{Cite web |last=Store |first=Freewrite |title=Alpha Raven Black - 2024 Edition |url=https://getfreewrite.com/products/alpha-2024 |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Freewrite Store |language=en}}

Models

The Freewrite Wordrunner is an upcoming premium mechanical keyboard. It will be the first product in the Freewrite lineup which is not a dedicated word processor. Astrohaus has set up a refundable $1 reservation page, but has yet to release the product, intending to raise funds through a Kickstarter campaign in March 2025. A prototype of the device appeared at CES 2025.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-09 |title=The latest Freewrite device is a fancy mechanical keyboard built with writers in mind |url=https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/the-latest-freewrite-device-is-a-fancy-mechanical-keyboard-built-with-writers-in-mind-220005961.html |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}

The Wordrunner is slated to have unorthodox features intended for writers, including a physical word counter and a red joystick button.{{Cite news |last=Fox |first=Jacob |date=2025-01-09 |title=The Freewrite Wordrunner with a built-in word counter might be the keyboard to look out for if you want to improve your writing process |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-keyboards/the-freewrite-wordrunner-with-a-built-in-word-counter-might-be-the-keyboard-to-look-out-for-if-you-want-to-improve-your-writing-process/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}

Professional reviews of Astrohaus products have been mixed, with common concerns being the high retail price (relative to other devices like laptops) and the plastic construction of some models. Tom Brant of PCMag described the Traveler as an improvement on traditional typewriters, but questioned the price, writing "it works best for people [...] who set aside a block of time each day to try to induce creativity and let the words flow. But even if you’re able to do this, $429 is a lot of money to spend on a device with such a singular purpose." In the same publication, Will Greenwald gave a positive review of the Smart Typewriter, complimenting the aluminum body and mechanical keyboard, writing "it’s very much a single-purpose device, and that can make its price seem exorbitant unless it’s exactly what you’re looking for".{{Cite web |last=Greenwald |first=Will |date=2021-05-14 |title=Astrohaus Freewrite (2nd Generation) Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/astrohaus-freewrite-2nd-generation |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=PCMag |language=en}}

Joshua Hawkins of Lifehacker Australia wrote that the Alpha model was best for drafts and praised the portability and concept, but criticized the cheap feel and build quality, writing "the fact that the entire device is just plastic makes it obnoxiously loud to type on" and describing the price as "horrible." In another piece about the Alpha, Séamus Bellamy wrote for Reviewed that they liked the keyboard and "instant-on" functionality, but found the device felt "cheap" and that the screen is "terrible for reviewing what you’ve just finished writing", considering it a niche product: "all of what it lacks is what makes it worth considering if you’re a writer who lacks focus and wants to be more productive."{{Cite web |last=Bellamy |first=Séamus |date=2024-02-01 |title=A tool for focused writing you may not need |url=https://www.reviewed.com/tech/content/astrohause-freewrite-alpha-review |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=Reviewed |language=en}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Astrohaus}}

• [https://astrohaus.com/ Astrohaus website]

Category:Companies based in Detroit

Category:American companies established in 2014

Category:Products introduced in 2014

Category:Word processors

Category:Electronics companies of the United States