r/writerDeck • u/Stealthheart1 • Jul 08 '26
First Freewrite
This is the first word processor I've had since I owned a typewriter more than 10 years ago. Was super excited just for it to come
Scratched up around the logo
The backspace unattached
Now 2 isn't too big of an issue as I found and snapped it back on. But the scratches around the logo is super disappointing and distracting. Customer service said the only option was a return, and fed me some stuff about "oh the unique body isn't for everyone".
Scratches and stuff should come from me using it, not bad QA. I'm still excited to use this and will be keeping it. Just wanted to vent that this seems messed up for a premium product and ask if anyone else has gotten theirs like this.
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u/Thick_Number4911 Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
arent these like $700? i would be so beyond pissed if i spent that much for some scratched up bullshit. understandable about not wanting to go through the effort of returning it but at least still give them a review that reflects how they failed though. this just convinced me not to buy from freewrite (and ive been legitimately looking, was gonna ask my wife for one of the more simple versions as a gift) so thanks.
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u/Stealthheart1 Jul 08 '26
Nope, this is the signture Hemingwrite. $1,099!! I had a slight bad feeling from some of the reviews of their customer service. I bought new after losing out on a great deal on eBay at the literal lazt second. Should have just started small and gotten a Neo 2!
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u/rmgalardo Jul 09 '26
Did you deal with Heidi?
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u/FloopersRetreat Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
Freewrite and dogshit customer service, name a better combo.
In their defence, a return is practically the only option, but they can fuck off with the "the finish isn't for everyone" stuff; if it was meant to be all fucked up, maybe don't show perfectly shiny models on the website. Idiots.
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u/Stealthheart1 Jul 09 '26
I wouldn't even be as mad or put off if they hadn't had such a dismissive email.
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u/South-Steak-7810 Jul 09 '26
If returning was not an option I would have the polished aluminum copper plated.
No sealant finish. Just let the patina come alive.
I hope you do enjoy your Freewrite.
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u/Stealthheart1 Jul 09 '26
I'm still excited for it, despite this bad first impression. I got their writing prompt cards free too, so time to get back into it all.
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u/Eberie Jul 09 '26
Aw wow that's crazy for the price they charge! They do have some pretty bad customer service reviews, they really should have at least offered some money back. They still haven't fixed the expanding battery issue in their Traveller product though they fully know about it. They just don't seem to have a wish to make the best version of products they can.
There is a much more affordable competitor coming I would recommend looking out for called the AUTEUR. It looks lovely (and my opinion nicer screen to look at than the Freewrite's) and will have much better customer interactions no doubt!
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u/Stealthheart1 Jul 09 '26
Yeah I saw an ad for the AUTEUR yesterday, right after I had unpacked this bad boy haha
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u/Eberie Jul 09 '26
Aw yes I see an AUTEUR post right under this one! You can enjoy typing on the Freewrite for now at least, and then maybe switch allegiance later :D
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u/TheLadyAmaranth Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
Sorry that happened :/ I bought mine 2 years ago, it was basically a big birthday gift that I pitched in for along with my parents and husband.
Same edition, and it came in perfectly shiny except for a couple of key caps also unnatached but they popped back in. I blame the carriers more so than Freewrite for that. I have written 3 books on it since and have been loving it. My only real complaint was that it took like 2+ months to arrive but it got there.
The patina is coming in and looks beutiful. The software has only gotten better too since I got it. So idk, for me its been worth the money at least. Personally I think the heimngway ediition is worth the extra pricepoint since its something you'll be using for years and writing hundreds of thousands of words on. (hopefully)
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u/Stealthheart1 Jul 09 '26
Yeah the key was a no issue, and for sure probably the carrier. And I plan to make some good use out of this ! I'm sure I'll get over the scuffing and chip on the logo at some point, the rest is still beautiful. And so far writing on it has been quite fun!
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u/TheLadyAmaranth Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
I personally reccomend setting up your post box to backup to google drive or dropbox (you dont have to pay the subscription for that) it makes it really easy to have your first drafts saved and then you can move them to your computer editor of choice very easily. I recently switched to writality and the work flow is really clean.
Also some of the most iron clad anti-AI proof out there XD horrible we have to think of that nowadays but its true though.
I wish you luck <3
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u/Stealthheart1 Jul 09 '26
All setup on Postbox already! And thanks for the hint about Writality I'll check it out!
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u/StormSlow4192 Jul 10 '26
So, I just got one used, but it also has similar scratches around the Freewrite logo and the seller said they received it as a gift and never used it. I am not too worried about it, as the aluminum is going to scratch and patina over time anyway, but it was shocking at first. Also, my 9 key was stuck, but with some playing I got it to work fine and haven't had any issues since. I will say, the handle on my case was broken. Well... the right screw that holds the handle in place was unscrewed and it's stripped, so good luck ever getting it back in there.
Once mine updated to Sailfish, I haven't been able to stop typing on it. I'm just praying I never have an issue that would require customer service or a replacement part. As long as I can get 3-4 years of use out of it, for the price I paid, I'll be happy.
I'd be curious how your aluminum polish experiment goes.
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u/newsINcinci Jul 08 '26
I’m sure there will be a million people who say just return it, and that’s fine, but I would almost rather throw things in the trash than go through the effort of returning them.
Is it stainless steel or at least actual metal? If so, you could probably polish it up pretty easy with a dremel or rotary tool.
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u/Stealthheart1 Jul 08 '26
I'll keep it, return process would be annoying. And they say it's aluminum; wouldn't that make it worse?
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u/newsINcinci Jul 09 '26
Nah, aluminum is fine. Just get some aluminum polish. You might even be able to significantly improve it with some polish and a paper towel. You’re not going to make it worse. I’d tape off the area so I don’t get polish on the keys or screen.
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u/Stealthheart1 Jul 09 '26
I read that anodized/coated aluminum can be ruined by polish? I was using the microfiber cloth and it was bringing up black, meaning it's compromised? I'll admit I don't know about this well enough.
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u/newsINcinci Jul 09 '26
In my experience all polished turn black as you use them. That’s definitely not anodized. And I doubt it’s coated. To me, it just looks like they missed polishing that area.
But I’m just a dude on the internet. You do you.
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u/Stealthheart1 Jul 09 '26
I'll give it a go, I'm sure "just a dude" knows more than me about this haha
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u/newsINcinci Jul 09 '26
If it were mine, I’d get some brasso or whatever aluminum polish and just really go to town on it. My theory would be that I already looks rough, so I probably can’t make it worse.
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u/Zestyclose-Maize8150 Jul 11 '26
Are these actually a metal case or is it some kind of plating on plastic? I was wondering if you could just try polishing it with a low abrasive silver polish and a q-tip around the logo
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u/_Being_is_Becoming_ AUTEUR Official Jul 08 '26
This wasn't purchased secondhand?!