Hemingwrite (an e-ink "typewriter")

[Opa Opa]

(Pretty sure there was a brief discussion on this device but I don't believe a dedicated thread...)
I'm going to try and hot link the image. I don't care to upload it myself right at this moment. Let me know if it doesn't work/goes dead.

Pic spoiler'd for size:

So what the heck is this contraption? Essentially the Hemingwrite is being pushed as a 'distraction-free' writing device. A typewriter for the digital age, if you will. It features and e-ink screen, a mechanical keyboard, and wifi for optional cloud saving/backup.

What I like most about it:

E-ink screen- Most of my current work revolves around staring at digital screens that shoot beams of detestable light straight into my retinas. I abhor having to write for any extended period of time because I know how long it takes to write and do proper research; it's very tiring at the end of the day. I've gotten to the point where I do a significant amount of pre-writing, notations, and research by hand just to give myself a break away from computer screens.
That's why I like the e-ink screen on this device! I could stare at e-ink all day without the eye-strain from LCD monitors.

What I don't like about the Hemingwrite:

Oh my goodness that price!- The website says a pre-order is $400. And that's not the final price. The retail price after pre-orders go out is $500. Half a grand...
I don't even know if it's worth it at 300, much less 500!

What do you guys think? Are you interested in a 'distraction-free' writing device? Would you pay $400/500 for this? Is this the upgrade from papyrus you've been looking for?

[Nemoide]

I'd rather just use an actual typewriter. But if you're a professional writer who needs to turn things in in an electronic format, I can kind of see it's potential value. I can't really imagine this having serious mass-appeal though.

[samsonlonghair]

A word processor? I think not. Did we take a time machine back to 1991?

Mechanical keyboards have already existed for years, albeit as an increasingly niche market. E-ink monitors are coming on the market now in increasing numbers. It seems the product you need, Opa, is a second monitor with e-ink technology. They're super expensive now, but in five years they'll come down.

[dsheinem]

it is possible to turn off network connections on pretty much every device...I do it myself sometimes when writing.

[J T]

it is possible to turn off network connections on pretty much every device...I do it myself sometimes when writing.

It is also possible to turn them back on, I have found.

Likewise, it is also possible to turn away from your distraction-free Hemingwrite and back to your distraction-full laptop.

[Opa Opa]

Did we take a time machine back to 1991?

I guess that means you don't want to borrow my Wu Tang Clan cassette.

Mechanical keyboards have already existed for years, albeit as an increasingly niche market. E-ink monitors are coming on the market now in increasing numbers. It seems the product you need, Opa, is a second monitor with e-ink technology. They're super expensive now, but in five years they'll come down.

I think an e-ink monitor was shown at CES this year... I'll have to dig the article up but I think it was over $500. Too prohibitively expensive at this point, but as you said later on they might be affordable.

It is also possible to turn them back on, I have found.

Yep.