Gadget find: QuickPAD word processor
June 7, 2010 No CommentsBesides an engaging and unique style of writing, good grammar, an impressive vocabulary, a dictionary and a thesaurus, a writer also requires a set of tools that aid the writing process.
I know I am probably late in discovering it, but discovering the QuickPAD word processor now is better than never realising it exists in the first place!
I first saw the QuickPAD when watching a programme, which I think was Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled on the National Geographic channel. A scene showed a writer documenting his most recent travel experience on what appeared to be a keyboard with an attached tiny screen at the top.
My immediate thought was: “I want that! It is definitely handy for a writer who is on the go.”
However, the keyboard was displayed only during a quick zoom-in that did not reveal any brand and obviously there was no mention by the host about the name or model of the keyboard. So I turned to the vast online resource and with a couple of keyword searches, found the QuickPAD image and through there, the website for QuickPAD Technology Corporation.
The QuickPAD is exactly what you see: a keyboard with a small screen. But inside its hardware are software similar to applications found in notebooks. Think of the QuickPAD as a portable laptop that is lighter, more compact and parred down to bare essentials specifically for writing.
Its specifications are compatible with its attractive prices of US$199 (QuickPAD IR) and US$299 (QuickPAD PRO):
- 28×21x3 centimetres / 28×23x4 centimetres (approximate)
- 450 grammes/ 680 grammes (approximate)
- 16Mhz 80×88CPU / 32Mhz 80×86CPU speed
- 128Kb SRAM; 512Kb Flash / 1Mb SRAM; 2Mb Flash memory plus compact Flash card memory extension for the PRO
- QuickPAD infrared interface for both; PRO also has RS232 COM and USB ports
- 40 characters x 4 lines / 60 character x 16 lines screen
- runs on four AA-size batteries
The IR model is offers basic functions of a word processor and spell check for writers. The PRO model is packed with more features such as two-way data transfer and text email (sorry, no fancy graphics for HTML emails!).
Well, this is all I can wax lyrical about, considering that I do not have an actual model to test-drive and everything that I know about the QuickPAD word processor is through its website.
Perhaps for some writers, this word processor masquerading as a keyboard is not as stylish as an Apple Mac, Netbook or brand-name laptop. Sure, looks matter especially if you want to come across as a chic, fashionable writer who has his/her eye on the current trends. I know that I do, which is why I am still lusting after the Apple MacBook Pro.
However, if you do have financial constraints and really only require the bare minimum tools for penning your article, the QuickPAD is a nifty and ample alternative to consider.
Does anyone own a QuickPAD or has used it before? Let us know your thoughts on how it performs as a basic word processor and if it lived up to your expectations or met your requirements as a useful writing tool.
