I developed an Android writing tool for my Tab One based on my years of writing workflow which I described in this post : https://www.reddit.com/r/writerDeck/comments/1t98o3j/i_coded_a_free_app_that_turns_android_phones_and/
Here is the writeup, I will post more on my app soon :
MonkWrite is a distraction-free Android writing environment inspired by dedicated writing devices and keyboard-centric workflows such as the Alphasmart Neo and DOS/Unix text editing tools. This is the first release and I am looking for beta testers to try it out.
Why I developed MonkWrite. There are several good Android writing apps. My justification for developing this was to get that Alphasmart feel on an Android device with a better range of color themes to reduce eye-strain and simulate e-ink devices. MonkWrite has limited formatting capability; it is strictly for capturing your thought stream for later improvement with document formatting tools.
It only works with an attached or Bluetooth keyboard. A trackball is a nice addition to the setup as shown in the photo. I was motivated to develop a comfortable lap writing experience using an 8 inch tablet, which is about ideal for general reading and web use while traveling. Bluetooth keyboards are lightweight and cheap, even foldable. I also have a Kobo Clara B&W e-ink reader which is a pleasure to use. Thus my travel burden is phone, tablet, e-reader. I could throw a Neo on top of that pile, and possibly a camera as well. Most of it would fit in a hotel safe, but I would hate to lose my Neo. Dragging a laptop on a trip can really crimp your style. It’s a heavy and expensive brick that contains too much personal information if lost. And you will constantly be concerned about it. As a writing tool laptops are barely adequate without a remote keyboard and trackball.
MonkWrite Features:
Fullscreen focus mode. Multiple writing buffers : F1-F8 instant swapping. Ergonomic low-eye-strain color themes. Automatic Daytime/Nightime theme swap. Adjustable fonts and margins, hide or show margins. Collapsible text mode; compress sections of text to an icon. Standard Ctrl-C/V/X/Z editing behavior and Search/Replace. Uses system clipboard so you can copy and paste between apps. Offline operation.
A cool and innovative feature is a dedicated scratchpad buffer optimized for composing concise social media posts and short-form thoughts without interrupting long-form writing flow. A single keystroke can instantly archive the current scratchpad to a rolling log file and clear the workspace for the next idea, while an alternate wipe command allows rapid disposable drafting without clutter or context switching. This feature is great for composing and saving your witty social media comments in monk-mode, thus adding clarity to your contributions and getting coveted upvotes.
Where to get MonkWrite the beta test version is available on github :
https://github.com/ElmerWorks/MonkWrite/releases/tag/MonkWritev0.1-debug
The app install is : MonkWritev0.1app-debug.apk
The instructions are Monk.Write.User.Instructions.pdf
I will release source code after I clean it up from user feedback.
The photos show lap setup with Lenovo Tab One and trackball, and screenshots from a Samsung phone.
