Author Topic: HemmingWrite  (Read 11607 times)

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Offline hoggy

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HemmingWrite
« on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 11:50:54 »
Just came across this on TheVerge.

http://hemingwrite.com/

Cherry MX.  The site says the switches will be customisable, but doesn't say if they are pcb or plate mounted.

I think it's quite cute.



The prototype looks rather sweet

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Offline 0100010

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 12:15:05 »
Looked good until I saw that spacebar...
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Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 12:16:16 »
Holy ****, it's like a modern version of the TI Silent 700. I'm definitely interested. Thanks for posting this hoggy :D

Offline dorkvader

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 12:33:18 »
Holy ****, it's like a modern version of the TI Silent 700. I'm definitely interested. Thanks for posting this hoggy :D

it's a little different than the TI silent 700, more like those old school zilog based document writners that all they did was write stuff and keep it remembered for you.

"6+ week projected battery life" I KNEW I saw e-paper there.

Looks like they'll have the prototype available in NYC nov 7-8

Wow the y link to: http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/ !! I wonder if there is something there.

here's a better render from thepress kit:


what do you think it'll cost? I guess $300 even with the die cast enclosure.
« Last Edit: Thu, 23 October 2014, 12:39:42 by dorkvader »

Offline hoggy

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 13:18:50 »
I wonder if we could talk them out of that space bar, it must eat into their profits at least.

I don't know if they have a navigation layer, or if you expected to backspace over good stuff into order to purge out the bad...
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Offline tribade

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 13:24:05 »
The creator stopped by in a thread about it a little while ago on /r/mechanicalkeyboards

http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/2jbmuz/set_your_thoughts_free_hemingwrite/
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Offline dorkvader

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 14:22:40 »
He is located in royal oak, MI, so if any detroit GH'ers want to stop by...

The address is not publicly posted, but if you subscribe it'll tell you for some reason :p

I will actually be there this weekend, but I don't think I'll have any free time to stop by.

Offline esoomenona

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« Reply #7 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 14:37:48 »
.
« Last Edit: Wed, 02 September 2015, 12:30:09 by esoomenona »

Offline dorkvader

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 14:41:02 »
I think I'd actually buy this. Computers are the devil, what with being connected to the internet. For someone being deficient in attending to something for more than short periods of time, this could be a godsend, allowing to get away from that environment.

Hopefully he makes one in Topre! Or at least splits the backspace.

The knob on the right controls the wifi you know. This is intended to synch with some database in the sky.

Offline esoomenona

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« Reply #9 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 14:43:05 »
.
« Last Edit: Wed, 02 September 2015, 12:29:56 by esoomenona »

Offline dorkvader

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #10 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 14:45:27 »
Yeah, I really like it. If I didn't have all these typewriters and things already, I'd get one.

Actually I bet this TDD would be pretty easy to convert to USB or wifi. I say this because the printer on it sucks and my spare TDD has no printer.

But it can be made to be basically the same thing.

OOh maybe there's a TDD app for android

Offline Premonition

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #11 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 15:27:42 »
Wow, this looks really interesting. I could definitely see a use for this, as long as it isn't overly bulky or expensive. Hopefully they stay true to the 60% layout and manage to make the screen and extra electronics light.

Offline remdell

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #12 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 15:31:29 »
I think I'd actually buy this. Computers are the devil, what with being connected to the internet. For someone being deficient in attending to something for more than short periods of time, this could be a godsend, allowing to get away from that environment.

Hopefully he makes one in Topre! Or at least splits the backspace.

I totally agree.  I can't count how many times I've taken breaks from writing to go on the internet.  I tend to lose my train of thought once I take these breaks.  Going out with a HemmingWrite and a basic phone (no data) may be helpful.
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Offline dorkvader

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #13 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 15:33:16 »
the die cast aluminium case will make up the bulk of the weight. e-ink screen and keyboard / PCB won't be too bad.

Offline Vibex

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #14 on: Thu, 23 October 2014, 15:39:51 »
Looks awesome. Will def try to pick one up. Really want to see what eles I could make it do. :p

Offline atlas3686

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #15 on: Mon, 10 November 2014, 02:33:46 »
Seems like a really nice idea, here is another article: http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/08/60-seconds-with-hemingwrite-an-e-ink-typewriter/

Offline BlackWidowMan777

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #16 on: Mon, 10 November 2014, 16:32:08 »
They basically took the dana and neo 2 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AlphaSmart and made the keyboard mechanical.

Except the battery life of the neo 2 is 700 days.
« Last Edit: Mon, 10 November 2014, 21:44:12 by BlackWidowMan777 »

Offline johndavis33

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #17 on: Mon, 10 November 2014, 18:04:28 »
Definately reminds me of my alphasmart. Never really liked that thing. Despite having ADD and being very prone to distractions on my computer, I feel like I'm equally prone to distraction away from it.

For me, procrastination always finds a way.
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Offline BlackWidowMan777

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #18 on: Mon, 10 November 2014, 19:47:00 »
Definately reminds me of my alphasmart. Never really liked that thing. Despite having ADD and being very prone to distractions on my computer, I feel like I'm equally prone to distraction away from it.

For me, procrastination always finds a way.

Me too. I've hardly used my neo2 but it lacks wifi and bluetooth. So the HemmingWrite is sure to be a hit among writers.

In fact, it has already made its way over to the alphasmart lovers club on flickr: https://www.flickr.com/groups/alphasmart/discuss/72157648700259476/

Offline FoxWolf1

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #19 on: Mon, 10 November 2014, 21:04:30 »
Well, it's kind of stylish, but I just can't see myself using something with such a small screen for writing.
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Offline BlackWidowMan777

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #20 on: Mon, 10 November 2014, 21:47:10 »
The knob on the right controls the wifi you know. This is intended to synch with some database in the sky.

I meant having access to a browser. I do see it has wifi and Bluetooth connectivity. In this way, it's perfect IMO as you can type on it, then access directly from your computer your already typed documents.

I'm pretty sure it will be able to plug directly into your computer to be used as a normal keyboard, same as with the alphasmarts on which it is based.

Offline Mandolin

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #21 on: Mon, 10 November 2014, 22:20:30 »
It's damn sexy. The idea is brilliant, I'd use it. I doubt Real LifeTM people would buy it in great numbers, but it's definitely a cute niche thing.

I don't like the name and fonts in the case though, and one could always mod it, but I'd like some basic case options as a blank one with rounder corners without the handle.
« Last Edit: Mon, 10 November 2014, 22:29:30 by Mandolin »
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Offline FrostyToast

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #22 on: Mon, 10 November 2014, 22:23:12 »
I would so want to put some sphericals on this thing!
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Offline divito

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #23 on: Mon, 10 November 2014, 22:57:24 »
Can't remember where I originally saw it a few months back, but I immediately thought of my procrastinating self as a not even part-time writer, as well as a Facebook friend that's a writer. Definitely has an audience and its uses, however certain writing can only go so far without aspects of research and idea-generating that the internet helps promote. Perhaps in a library setting, it could go a little further and allow someone to maintain focus.
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Offline tribade

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #24 on: Tue, 11 November 2014, 23:15:34 »
Can't remember where I originally saw it a few months back, but I immediately thought of my procrastinating self as a not even part-time writer, as well as a Facebook friend that's a writer. Definitely has an audience and its uses, however certain writing can only go so far without aspects of research and idea-generating that the internet helps promote. Perhaps in a library setting, it could go a little further and allow someone to maintain focus.

I think it would probably be most useful for people that had jobs that require creative writing on a schedule.  Such as writing scripts for a television show.  You wouldn't necessarily need a whole bunch of research to do something like that and would be able to cut down on the amount of distractions that a computer presents you with while not losing the core functionality. 
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Offline JDorfler

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #25 on: Wed, 12 November 2014, 00:39:56 »
You know, I think I'll get one.  I want to do a lot of writing, but there are way too many distractions on a PC to focus enough to really get things done.

Offline EvillePanda

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #26 on: Sun, 14 December 2014, 00:10:43 »
Can't remember where I originally saw it a few months back, but I immediately thought of my procrastinating self as a not even part-time writer, as well as a Facebook friend that's a writer. Definitely has an audience and its uses, however certain writing can only go so far without aspects of research and idea-generating that the internet helps promote. Perhaps in a library setting, it could go a little further and allow someone to maintain focus.

This is why you research around your writing and bring your notes with you. Researching as you write is a productivity killer. If you don't know something for sure, make a note and come back to it in edits.
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Offline Altis

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #27 on: Mon, 15 December 2014, 19:38:19 »
You know, I think I'll get one.  I want to do a lot of writing, but there are way too many distractions on a PC to focus enough to really get things done.

There's another thread on this already, but why not just get a command-line OS (even just toss installed onto a USB stick and boot from it), and save that pile of cash?

I don't understand why the screen isn't larger on this (seeing how small the font is and still hardly any real estate). I love the idea of e-ink, but staring right down overtop of the screen is the worst idea for your neck.
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Offline PointyFox

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #28 on: Mon, 15 December 2014, 20:08:43 »
Seems like no one uses a pen and paper anymore.

Offline demik

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #29 on: Tue, 16 December 2014, 01:15:37 »
Seems like no one uses a pen and paper anymore.

right? this seems like a huge waste of money compared to pen and paper.
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Offline Oobly

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #30 on: Tue, 16 December 2014, 01:35:51 »
It's a nice idea, but I fear it's too specialised to be truly useful and very expensive for what you get. I know it'll get buyers, but I wonder how many of them will actually use it for more than 6 months.

IMHO a better idea is a small mechanical keyboard with a slot for your phone / tablet that is weighted at the front. You could even use a battery as the weight and connect the device with a little MicroUSB OTG cable. Then use an app like WriteMonkey ("Software for full screen distraction free creative writing. No whistles and bells, just empty screen, you and your words.") so you can type away for days on end.

And of course you can then use your mobile device for most laptop tasks as well, only with a nice mechanical keyboard :)

Actually I like that idea so much I will make one for myself. Wooden case, really minimalist board (something JD40 size would do I reckon), sculptured SA profile caps... Sigh.

<EDIT - DON'T get the WriteMonkey app on Google Play store, it's got nothing to do with the REAL WriteMonkey which is unfortunately only for Windows at the moment. Looks like Jotterpad may be the one to get for Android and WriteRoom for iOS>
« Last Edit: Tue, 16 December 2014, 01:43:55 by Oobly »
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Offline samwisekoi

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #31 on: Tue, 16 December 2014, 09:13:53 »
The first thing I thought of when I tried Nuclear Data Greens on MX Green switches was... typewriter.

So how about a 60% keyboard with Green caps and switches, and a 10" tablet for a screen?  And the aforementioned "hold the tablet" connector with USB.  And a rechargeable battery.

I have all of those things except the cute little case.   Hmmm.   Do I need another project?

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Offline ideus

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #32 on: Tue, 16 December 2014, 09:31:38 »
How "new" is this concept?

Offline eth0s

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #33 on: Tue, 16 December 2014, 09:32:53 »
Well, I don't like the Hemingwrite, but I like the idea.  So many good ideas here.  First, Moose is totally on to something, in that you can type on this thing without any fear of your stuff being read by google, the N. Koreans, the NSA, the CIA, the illuminatii, or your mom.  I may sound like I'm joking or crazy, but I'm not, when the revolution happens, you don't want the gov'mint knowing your secret plans.

And if Sam wants to make a competing product, I suggest calling it the "Fitzgerald-write", which is a better name.   Also, it lends itself more to a jazz-age theme, and the case could be a cool bakelite art-deco style from the 1930's.  And you could have different versions, like the "Gatsby" which could have gold-plated accents, or the "Daisy" which could be pink, or the "Zelda" which could be totally insane.
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Offline divito

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #34 on: Tue, 16 December 2014, 12:48:44 »
You could pair a mech with a Pi and one of the many screens made for it for a decent solution if you want a little more ability for cheap. Would do most of the same as the HemmingWrite.
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Offline vivalarevolución

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #35 on: Tue, 16 December 2014, 16:53:06 »
Hey guys, we have been over analyzing this thing over in "other geeky stuff":  https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=66561.0
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Offline ideus

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #36 on: Tue, 16 December 2014, 16:58:43 »
Well, I don't like the Hemingwrite, but I like the idea.  So many good ideas here.  First, Moose is totally on to something, in that you can type on this thing without any fear of your stuff being read by google, the N. Koreans, the NSA, the CIA, the illuminatii, or your mom.  I may sound like I'm joking or crazy, but I'm not, when the revolution happens, you don't want the gov'mint knowing your secret plans.

And if Sam wants to make a competing product, I suggest calling it the "Fitzgerald-write", which is a better name.   Also, it lends itself more to a jazz-age theme, and the case could be a cool bakelite art-deco style from the 1930's.  And you could have different versions, like the "Gatsby" which could have gold-plated accents, or the "Daisy" which could be pink, or the "Zelda" which could be totally insane.

Coolness.

Offline Oobly

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Re: HemmingWrite
« Reply #37 on: Fri, 19 December 2014, 03:45:37 »
I made a thread about my device concept. It's developing slowly :)

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=66836.0
Buying more keycaps,
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