Freewrite Traveler: A Writer’s Companion

Redefining Focus for Writers

In a digital world full of constant notifications and endless apps, staying focused on writing can be a challenge. The Freewrite Traveler, developed by Detroit-based company Astrohaus, offers a unique solution: a portable, screen-based device built solely for writing. No tabs. No internet. No distractions.

Unlike laptops or tablets, the Traveler removes the temptation to multitask, allowing writers to fully immerse themselves in drafting. It’s a modern reimagining of a typewriter—designed not for editing or formatting, but for getting words down.

Key Design Elements

The Traveler features an e‑ink screen, similar to what’s found in e‑readers, which offers a paper-like experience with minimal eye strain. It’s readable in all lighting conditions and consumes very little power. Complementing the screen is a scissor-switch keyboard, giving a tactile and responsive typing feel that mimics traditional laptops.

With a clamshell design, the device folds closed for easy transport and weighs just 1.6 pounds, making it ideal for travel, cafes, or outdoor writing sessions.

How It Supports Productivity

The writing experience on the Traveler is intentionally minimal. Files are organized into folders and automatically saved in real time. A built-in Wi‑Fi connection allows automatic cloud syncing to services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Evernote, ensuring that drafts are never lost—even if the device is offline.

Writers can work with up to three separate folders and store roughly one million words locally. Because the device doesn’t support editing or backlit screens, it helps reduce overthinking and encourages forward momentum in the writing process.

Who It's For

The Freewrite Traveler is designed for anyone looking to write without interruption—whether that’s novelists drafting chapters, journalists writing on location, or students working on essays. It’s especially valued by writers who prioritize clarity of thought and creative flow over formatting and editing.

Community Feedback

Many users appreciate how the device shifts attention back to content rather than presentation. While some have noted minor delays in key response or felt the price is steep for a single-purpose device, the overall reception highlights its effectiveness in improving writing output and reducing digital fatigue.

From Concept to Creation

Astrohaus began with a Kickstarter campaign in 2014, launching the original Freewrite (then known as Hemingwrite). The company has since expanded its lineup to include the Traveler, the Smart Typewriter, and the lightweight Freewrite Alpha. Each device shares the core philosophy: focused writing, anywhere.