AlphaSmart
November 9, 2026: Added a few more helpful links (About This Particular Mac, Archive.org, PalmDB, Pen Computing, To Type (etc.), ToughDev, and The Write Keys). I'm not sure what kind of future article is emerging from these notes. A general retrospective, how fans are modding the device, how its life is extended?
October 26, 2026: After digging out my AlphaSmart Dana from storage, I wanted to do a little research. Is it necessary? No, but I'm filled with love for this oversized PalmPilot, and I want knowledge of its existence to spread, so that others may also fall in love with it. Maybe the modding community will grow, or developers will create more portable word processors. I'm only one person, but I can still do my part.
Helpful links:
- About This Particular Mac: Review: AlphaSmart Dana
- r/AlphaSmart (Reddit)
- AlphaSmart (Wikipedia)
- Archive.org: Renaissance Alphasmart NEOManager version 3.9.3 USPC, USA version
- PalmDB: Alphasmart Dana Desktop
- Pen Computing: AlphaSmart Dana: Incredibly in depth review.
- To Type, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth...: More options for Alphasmart Dana Battery Life: Oh, yeah, this is a big one, replacing the batteries. But having a document print from the Dana to a typewriter? That's a new one.
- ToughDev: AlphaSmart Dana, an almost perfect typewriter running Palm OS 4.1: I have to figure out how people get more apps on the Dana.
- The Write Keys: Hook's Micro Journal and Alphasmart Information Pages: A helpful resource for the Dana. Also had additional information about other writer decks.