Astrohaus, a company specializing in hardware for creatives, distinguishes itself through products designed with writers and the writing process in mind. The company initially gained attention with the Freewrite, a device resembling a classic portable typewriter but featuring an electronic ink display. Astrohaus is now releasing its latest innovation, developed over the last two years: the Freewrite Traveler. This new, highly portable e-ink typewriter incorporates a folding, clamshell form factor and is comparable in size to a Nintendo Switch, providing writers with a versatile tool for composing content in any location.

The basics

Astrohaus initially hinted at the Traveler’s development several years prior, ultimately initiating an Indiegogo crowdfunding initiative in November 2018 to facilitate its production. This crowdfunding effort proved highly successful, securing over $600,000 through the platform during the campaign period, followed by an additional $200,000+ in pre-orders. As is common with hardware projects, the delivery schedule experienced some postponements compared to the initial estimates, but the Freewrite Traveler is now being delivered to customers who pre-ordered it.

Regarding its technical specifications, the device offers up to four weeks of battery life under typical use, and its weight is under two pounds. It features a folding form factor that occupies approximately half the space of most laptops. The upper section incorporates an e-ink display, complemented by a secondary screen for displaying details such as network connectivity. The lower portion contains the keyboard, which provides a satisfying typing experience with key travel exceeding 2mm.

The enclosure and the majority of its parts are constructed from plastic, and the exterior has a polished black finish. Similar to the original Freewrite, the Traveler establishes connections through Wi-Fi, enabling users to create an account for synchronization with up to three distinct document folders. When a Wi-Fi connection is unavailable, your work is saved on the device itself, and it can be synchronized with your preferred cloud service through Freewrite’s integrations once connectivity is restored.

Design and features

The Traveler prioritizes both portability and ease of use, maintaining the essential writing experience that made the original Freewrite so effective for distraction-free work. Its clamshell form factor is intentionally sized to accommodate a full-sized keyboard comfortably, while keeping the screen relatively small – mirroring the original design – to enhance portability and minimize diversions. This focused approach is further reinforced by its singular function: text creation, with no access to applications, web browsing, or other features.

Astrohaus has largely adhered to its initial concept for the Traveler, incorporating a few refinements, notably in the hinge mechanism. The resulting device is a lightweight and robust portable digital typewriter, offering a superior typing experience compared to most laptops, in my assessment. The keyboard is truly the central element, as this device is specifically engineered for typing. The key travel is substantial, particularly for a notebook-style device, and the sculpted, rounded keycaps facilitate comfortable and accurate touch typing for extended periods.

The display, despite its compact size, delivers excellent clarity and contrast. However, it’s important to remember that an external light source is required, as the Traveler, like its predecessor, lacks a built-in backlight or frontlight, and e-ink technology does not emit its own illumination like LEDs.

E-ink technology is remarkably energy-efficient, which accounts for the Traveler’s impressive battery life. During my testing, the device has operated for almost two weeks on its initial charge, consistent with Astrohaus’s projections.

The Traveler’s enclosure features a high-gloss piano-black finish, which presents a sleek appearance but readily shows fingerprints. Existing Freewrite owners may also observe that the display has a slight glossiness, differing from the fully matte finish of the original model. Astrohaus explains this is due to a transparent plastic layer spanning the width of the clamshell, designed to protect the e-ink display from contact with the keyboard. I have not found this to impact usability or visual quality, but it is a notable difference.

Astrohaus has crafted a distinctive design, regardless of individual preferences regarding the piano-black finish. The contrast between the black exterior and the white interior creates a unique, unconventional, and appealing aesthetic, ensuring the Traveler is easily distinguishable from other devices. Furthermore, the chosen materials contribute to its lightweight construction and durability, making it convenient to carry wherever you choose to write.

The Traveler’s hinge allows it to open to approximately 135 degrees, providing a comfortable angle for laptop-style typing. It can also be positioned at any angle less than that when used on an elevated surface like a table or desk.

Bottom line

The Freewrite Traveler stands out as a distinctive tool, particularly attractive to writers seeking a dedicated device that delivers the advantages of cloud integration without the drawbacks associated with general-purpose devices such as laptops or desktop computers. It offers seamless synchronization with platforms like Dropbox, Evernote, and Google Drive, enabling a streamlined workflow for completing manuscripts and drafts across multiple devices, while simultaneously ensuring uninterrupted concentration on the writing process – and a pleasurable experience throughout.

While portable, digital writing devices aren’t entirely uncommon – many dedicated writers utilize the Pomera series of products originating from Japan for similar purposes – Astrohaus distinguishes itself by offering hardware specifically designed for consumers in North America and Europe. They have successfully realized the full capabilities of this device, even within a market characterized by limited competition.

With a price point of $599, the Traveler represents a significant investment, but it genuinely offers a singular experience for those prioritizing a writing tool that combines portability, exceptional comfort, extended battery life, and the convenience of cloud storage.