My latest test with the device was writing on the London Underground (the Tube). Although it's technically a train, it's a bit different because:
These weren't insurmountable issues, and at first I felt a bit self-conscious getting the Neo out and resting it on my lap with the Post It notes underneath. But once I'd started writing I ignored everything all around me. And when I looked up to check if anyone was watching, they were all swiping left on their smart phones or tablets. It's my journey and I'll do what I want during it. It certainly wasn't as intrusive as people who sodcast their music loudly to the whole carriage, or eat smelly food, or talk loudly on their mobile phones (once the Tube is above ground which is about ½ of my journey into central London).
As it's instant on I was able to get up and running quickly. It took my brain longer to get back to where I'd last written and re-read the Post It notes, than it took the Neo to switch on.
A bit of awkwardness
Not from my elbows or the position of the Neo on my lap, but there were a few slightly awkward moments when I realised I was in the middle of a sex scene and the woman sat next to me was blatantly staring at the Neo's tiny screen. I bottled that I'm afraid and went back later to add in the rest of that scene.
Instant off and saved
As it saves every key stroke as you type it, there's no having to rush and Control S before you stop. When it was my stop to get off the train I switched the Neo off, put it into the case and left. The Post It notes were more of a pain to position and replace in the case than the Neo!
Productivity
Checking my word count list I have written 5361 words during 4 tube journeys that totalled 2hrs 40mins. Not bad I think. Another important factor is that the time when I wrote was time when I could write. Had I tried to write once I was home, after a commute and a full day of day job, I would have been too tired and wouldn't have written anything.
Post it notes and nosy commuters notwithstanding, that's another 5* from me for this latest test.
Until next time,
Liam Livings xx
- it has no tables
- it has no plug sockets
- people sit much closer to one another than in a mainline train
- people can stand right above you, staring down at your lap as they 'strap hang' with one hand
These weren't insurmountable issues, and at first I felt a bit self-conscious getting the Neo out and resting it on my lap with the Post It notes underneath. But once I'd started writing I ignored everything all around me. And when I looked up to check if anyone was watching, they were all swiping left on their smart phones or tablets. It's my journey and I'll do what I want during it. It certainly wasn't as intrusive as people who sodcast their music loudly to the whole carriage, or eat smelly food, or talk loudly on their mobile phones (once the Tube is above ground which is about ½ of my journey into central London).
As it's instant on I was able to get up and running quickly. It took my brain longer to get back to where I'd last written and re-read the Post It notes, than it took the Neo to switch on.
A bit of awkwardness
Not from my elbows or the position of the Neo on my lap, but there were a few slightly awkward moments when I realised I was in the middle of a sex scene and the woman sat next to me was blatantly staring at the Neo's tiny screen. I bottled that I'm afraid and went back later to add in the rest of that scene.
Instant off and saved
As it saves every key stroke as you type it, there's no having to rush and Control S before you stop. When it was my stop to get off the train I switched the Neo off, put it into the case and left. The Post It notes were more of a pain to position and replace in the case than the Neo!
Productivity
Checking my word count list I have written 5361 words during 4 tube journeys that totalled 2hrs 40mins. Not bad I think. Another important factor is that the time when I wrote was time when I could write. Had I tried to write once I was home, after a commute and a full day of day job, I would have been too tired and wouldn't have written anything.
Post it notes and nosy commuters notwithstanding, that's another 5* from me for this latest test.
Until next time,
Liam Livings xx
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