I'm looking for an inexpensive device I can use for writing and typing while traveling. It should be lightweight, compact enough to fit easily in a bag, and preferably have a physical keyboard, though the keyboard doesn't necessarily need to be attached. My budget is around $200 or less. What would you recommend?
5 Answers
If you don’t actually need digital files, a mechanical pencil and a steno notebook are hard to beat for weight, price, and reliability. No charging, no setup, and almost no space needed.
A used lightweight laptop could fit the budget, such as an older MacBook Air or an inexpensive Windows model. Look for something with good battery health and a comfortable keyboard rather than focusing only on processor speed.
A Chromebook is probably the simplest option. There are plenty of inexpensive, lightweight models, and the built-in keyboard makes them convenient for writing on the go. Just check the battery condition and make sure the model still receives updates.
You could use your existing phone with a small Bluetooth keyboard. That gives you a very compact setup, and you can choose a keyboard that folds or rolls up when you need to save space.
If you only need distraction-free writing, an AlphaSmart-style word processor is worth considering. They’re small, have excellent battery life, and are designed specifically for typing, although they usually have very basic screens and features.

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