This little word processor is a gem! I didn't know something like this existed until just a couple months ago. The AlphaSmart is a simple, affordable, and portable computer companion (similar to a laptop) that allows you to enter and edit text, then send it to any computer (PC and Mac) for formatting or direct printing. With its built-in AlphaWord word processor, you can write stories, brainstorm, make outlines, input data for spreadsheets, take notes, and more. This is exactly what my three sons are doing, and I can't keep them from wrestling each other for it! My middle son, Lukey, is entering several chapters of Proverbs into his file (you have eight different files on the unit, so kids can share), and my oldest son, Paulie, is using several different files to write science reports, his personal journal, and more. Sometimes one of the boys will open up their brother's file and leave a little "e-mail" for them. They are just loving this! I have found that the boys' typing skills have increased a great deal since they began regularly using their AlphaSmart . They keep bragging that they can "type faster than Dad" - Dad types about 10 words a minute! Our whole family is enjoying this, including my husband who easily hooked it up to our computer and figured out how the unit works. He spent hours with our oldest son ooohing and ahhing over all the neat features, including spell check. The best thing about the AlphaSmart is the fact that you can take it anywhere. It is compact and durable ("Ack! Stop running down the hallway with the AlphaSmart!" Actually, the thing probably wouldn't break if you stepped on it!), and is getting plenty of use in this household! In fact, I just ordered a second unit for Lukey, since Paulie feels this unit would suit him better. Paulie (age 11) says, "I don't know why, but I am able to type much faster because you don't have to push the keys down as far, and it's easier to let go of them. It's much funner than using a computer!"

Our family gives this 12 thumbs up!