The key caps pictured have been added. They are not the key caps you get if your order includes key caps
Updated 07/24/2026
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All Micro Journal models are designed and hand crafted by Un Kyu Lee. This site represents my own views and I in no official way represent Un Kyu Lee. So, opinions and mistakes here are mine and mine alone. I just truly appreciate these great machines.
The Rev 8 is perhaps an evolutionary pinnacle developing a true replacement and enhancement of the Alphasmart Neo 2. It is a digital typewriter that is both desk worthy and portable. It is instant on—turn on the power and you are ready to write. It has a full staggered keyboard using hot swappable mechanical switches and key caps. It has a monochrome RLCD screen that is readable in a wide range of lighting including direct sun. The screen is very much like eInk without the delay, but is as easy on the eyes. You can use json files to take control of your key mapping. It can act as a BT keyboard for your computer or mobile device. It has 10 directly accessible file spaces. And you are provided with three methods of moving files off your Rev 8 to your computer: Drive Mode, which allows the Rev 8's internal memory to be accessed by your computer, Send (Like the Neo 2), and WIFI Sync to Google Drive. Finally, having a clamshell lid, it is very portable.
The Rev 8 is a 75% ISO mechanical keyboard that is about the same width as the Alphasmart Neo 2 and the the Rev 4, but is slightly less deep than the Rev 4. So, with the clamshell closed, the Rev 8 is a very reasonable size. The open lid puts the screen a comfortable viewing angle.
What may surprise you is that the Rev 8 has it's own internal memory and does not use an SD card. Further, you may be concerned that the internal memory is only 8 MB (not GB). But for a digital typewriter, this really is all you need. Getting rid of the memory card keeps things simple. You still have three easy methods of transferring files. As for the 8MB, that's roughly 4000 pages of text. The Neo 2 had no SD cards and only enough user memory for 200 pages of text. So no, you aren't going to store several full novels on your Rev 8, but you can do some extensive drafting before transferring the files for editing.
As with all the ESP SOC Micro Journals, as well as the Neo 2, the Rev 8 is optimized for drafting. The editor is more typewriter than word processor. It is simple. You can navigate through your file and make changes (it now has infinite scroll in each file) but there are no more advanced editing features like selecting, cutting and pasting and spell check. You can manually edit anything, but this will discourage becoming so overly occupied with getting things right that the words never get out. This is distraction free writing, and editing can be a big distraction during the rough draft process. There are no formatting options, although you can use markdown for when you export it to your computer if you like.
I love all of Un Kyu Lee's great designs. They all share more or less the same software which he keeps improving and (importantly) bringing the new features to all the other devices in the same SOC class. I just think the Rev 8 is an inspired design. It was hard giving up my previous favorite, the Rev 7. Its design was more classic typewriter, but the Rev 8 is a stunner. I've been searching for something new that was as inspiring as the Neo 2. I finally found it.
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You need to understand that Un Kyu Lee not only designs all his Writer Decks, he also builds them by hand. Because both things take time and care, ordering is tricky. Watch the date for the next restock, but you have to act quickly as he will only put up as many as he thinks he can build in the next reasonable period of time. Be patient. It's worth it. There is also a lot of other good information on this page. |
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The setup guide for your Rev 8. Clear instructions to get you going from Un Kyu Lee. This also incorporates a user guide I helped prepare for first time users |
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Here is where you can watch for firmware updates for the Rev 4,5, 6, 7 and 8. |
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An excellent video demonstration of the Rev 8 by Un Kyu. |
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A thread at the Alphasmart - Writing Tools forum on Flickr. This is the best place to come and ask questions. You can generally find me on that forum. |
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If you would like to contact me, you can either find me on the Alphasmart-Writing Tools Forum on Flickr or you can Email me.